Apart from their famous DIY mini splits, MRCOOL also offers ducted systems. Two of their most popular ducted collections are the Central Ducted Hyper Heat Series and the Universal Series. Although both these collections offer ducted temperature control, they have some key differences which we'd like to explore here.
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Overview: MRCOOL Central Ducted
MRCOOL's Central Ducted Series, also known as the Hyper Heat Series, offers a high-efficiency cooling and heating solution for ducted installations. These systems include an air handler and heat pump condenser, both of which come in a variety of sizes: 24K (1,000 ft2), 36K (1,500 ft2), 48K (2,000 ft2), and 60K BTU (2,500 ft2).
Pros:
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Multiple Position Configuration:
- The MRCOOL Central Ducted can be installed upflow, downflow, or horizontal (left or right) configurations.
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Extensive Warranty:
- MRCOOL's Central Ducted Series comes with a 10-Year Parts and Labor Warranty.
- Extreme Temperature Performance:
- Built for extreme temperatures, the MRCOOL Central Ducted systems will perform in temperatures as low as -22 °F and as high as 122 °F.
- Thermostat and Control Included:
- The Central Ducted systems include a wired thermostat and remote control so you can monitor and change your A/C's settings easily.
- High Energy Efficiency
- With a maximum SEER rating of 17.4, the Central Ducted systems offer energy efficient heating and cooling, which will save you money on electricity and may qualify for tax rebates.
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Mobile Home Approved:
- The MRCOOL Central Ducted Hyper Heat systems come with high ESP air handlers, which makes these units a great option for mobile homes and other high static installations.
Central Ducted Hyper Heat
Overview: MRCOOL Universal Series
MRCOOL Downflow KitThe MRCOOL Universal Series is one of MRCOOL's most popular central ducted collections. These systems come in a 2-3 ton and a 4-5 ton option. With these systems, you can choose the operating tonnage by flipping a dip switch in each of the indoor and outdoor units. Their most well-known feature, however, is their ability to operate in extreme temperatures, similar to the Hyper Heat systems, and compatibility with third-party air handlers.
Pros:
- Extreme Temperature Performance:
- Like the Central Ducted Hyper Heat products, the MRCOOL Universal Series can run in extreme climates. These systems can run at 100% heating capacity in temperatures as low as -5°F and at 85% capacity in temperatures as low -22°F. In terms of cooling, the Universal Series systems offer 100% cooling power in temperatures up to 115°F and 78% cooling capacity in temperatures up 129°F.
- "Universal" Installation:
- As the name suggests, the Universal Series systems can be installed in various positions and settings. These units can be installed in both upflow or horizontal applications, and can be combined with a downflow kit for downflow installations. Additionally, the Universal Series condensers are compatible with multiple third-party air handlers, and can be used with MRCOOL's Flare, Flare-to-Wield, or No-Vac Quick Connect Line Sets for simpler installation.
- High Energy Efficiency:
- With a maximum SEER rating of 20, the Universal Series systems offer energy efficient cooling and heating, even in the most extreme temperatures, and can qualify for various tax rebates.
- High Static Pressure Compatibility:
- The MRCOOL Universal Series systems come with high ESP air handlers, making them a great option for cooling and heating mobile homes and other spaces with high static pressure.
- Third Party Thermostat Compatibility
- These systems are compatible with third-party thermostats like Nest Smart Thermostats and more.
Cons:
- Downflow Application:
- The one downside we could find with the MRCOOL Universal Series systems is that they cannot be installed in downflow applications out of the box. For these systems to be used in downflow installations, you will need to purchase and install a MRCOOL Downflow Kit.
Universal Series
Side by Side Comparison: MRCOOL Central Ducted vs MRCOOL Universal
Now that you have a general idea of the key features of the Central Ducted Hyper Heat and Universal Series products, let's compare them side by side.
Condenser Operational Temperature:
One of the biggest differences between the MRCOOL Central Ducted Hyper Heat and Universal Series systems is the temperature range in which the outdoor condenser can operate in.
Energy Efficiency:
As of recent years, SEER ratings have become the standard for measuring an air conditioners energy efficiency. Having a higher SEER rating will save you money on your monthly electricity bill and can even qualify for utility and tax rebates.
Warranty Coverage:
Another standout difference between the MRCOOL Central Ducted Hyper Heat and Universal Series systems are their warranties. The MRCOOL Hyper Heat systems come with a Standard 10-Year Full Warranty, while the Universal Series systems come with a 10-Year Limited Warranty (which needs to be registered with MRCOOL).
The Central Ducted Hyper Heat systems have two slight advantages with their warranty:
- The warranty doesn't need to be registered.
- The warranty covers both parts and labor, while the Universal Series warranty only covers parts.
Price:
The Universal Series 2/3 Ton System comes in at a price range of $3,843 - $4153, depending on line set length, while the 4/5 Ton System costs between $4,819 and $5,129.
The Central Ducted Hyper Heat systems cost between $2,988 (for the 24K BTU system) and $4,086 (for the 60K BTU system), not including line sets.
Which One Should You Choose?
Picking between the MRCOOL Universal Series and Central Ducted Hyper Heat systems is a tough choice, and which one you should choose will ultimately depend on your needs.
If you live in a place with extremely hot or extremely cold temperatures, you will likely want to choose the Universal Series systems. If you're in a location with less extreme temperatures, you might want to go with the Central Ducted Hyper Heat systems and take advantage of the more extensive warranty.
Whichever system you choose, you can be sure that you'll be getting long lasting and energy-efficient comfort with the latest inverter technology and resilient build quality.
Need Help?
If you need help choosing a heat kit, line set, downflow kit, or system, send our team a message. One of our experts will be happy to help you.
