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ACiQ / Multi-Zone Essentials

ACiQ Essentials 18k R-32 208/230V 2-Zone Mini-Split

Certified capacity
17,700 BTU/h[3]
SEER2
22 SEER2[3]
Heating floor
-13 F[1]
Voltage
230 V[1]
Install path
Professional install

The ACiQ Multi-Zone Essentials 2-Zone 18k is the brand's entry into R-32 multi-zone: two heads on one 208/230V outdoor unit through the value ductless channel. It is stocked/purchasable, a priced condenser you can buy rather than a dealer quote, though professional installation is still required.

Certified numbers are SEER2 22, EER2 12.3, HSPF2 10, and it is ENERGY STAR certified and AHRI cold-climate designated. Cooling capacity is 17700 BTU.

Heating falls through the cold - 18000 BTU at 47F, down to 14700 at 17F and 14500 at 5F.

2 zonesProfessional installCurrent

Refrigerant generation

R-32 - current-generation refrigerant

Paid link

$961 / Fresh price - checked Jul 29, 2026

Check price at HVACDirect

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Error Codes
ACiQ Multi-Zone Essentials 2-Zone 18,000 BTU R-32 208/230V (ACIQ-18Z-E-M2) mini-split heat pump outdoor condenser

Image: HVACDirect

Data completeness: 100%
Last sourced
Jul 29, 2026

SplitAtlas score

8.3 / 10

Methodology
Cooling efficiencyAbove average

(22.0 SEER2) among 18k systems

Heating efficiencyBelow average

(10.0 HSPF2) among 18k systems

Cold-weather performanceAbove average

(80.6% heat retained at 5F; -13 F heating floor) among 18k systems

WarrantyBottom quartile

(4 yr parts / 6 yr compressor) across the catalogue

Feature setAbove average

(6 verified features) across the catalogue

Price-to-performanceTop 10%

($961 median retail) among 18k systems

Documentation & partsBelow average

(9 manuals; spec sheet) across the catalogue

Not evaluated

  • Installation accessibility — not applicable (professional install)N/A

    professional install - DIY-accessibility not applicable

Key ratings

Rated cooling

17,700BTU/hNon-Ducted Indoor Units[3]

Rated heating

18,000BTU/hNon-Ducted Indoor Units[3]

Buyer review snapshot

Best for / skip if

Best for

  • 2-zone projects in the 18k outdoor capacity class.
  • High-efficiency shortlists; SEER2 is 22.

Install difficulty

Complex professional install
  • Electrical: 230V; MCA 15 A; breaker/fuse 20 A.
  • Line set: connection type not sourced; precharged 49.2 ft; max 131 ft.
  • 2-zone condenser; indoor-head matching and branch layout are part of the job.

Alternatives

Availability and price context

  • Verified current price: $961.30 at HVACDirect; availability In Stock - 216 Ready to Ship; checked Jul 29, 2026.

Source date

Model data sourced
Jul 29, 2026
Page reviewed
Jul 29, 2026
Source-backed records
5
Newest source retrieved
Jul 29, 2026

Warranty tiers

Warranty: 4 years parts and 6 years compressor as standard.

Review methodology

Model context

Install path
This is professional-install equipment; retail offer context is shown separately from installation labor.
Structured ratings
Certification: ENERGY STAR certified, ENERGY STAR cold-climate certified and AHRI cold-climate designated. Refrigerant: current low-GWP R-32. Minimum heating ambient: -13 F.

Strengths

  • Stocked/purchasable, a priced condenser you can buy, not a dealer quote.
  • Certified SEER2 22 / EER2 12.3 / HSPF2 10.
  • R-32, current refrigerant, at value entry pricing.

Weaknesses

  • Heating falls in the cold - 14700 BTU at 17F, below the 18000 at 47F.
  • Two zones is the smallest multi-zone step.

Climate suitability

Minimum heating ambient
-13 F[1]
Rated heating at 5F
14,500 BTU/hNon-Ducted Indoor Units[3]
Rated heating at 17F
14,700 BTU/hNon-Ducted Indoor Units[3]
Rated heating at 47F
18,000 BTU/hNon-Ducted Indoor Units[3]

Specifications

Show
Manufacturer
ACiQ
Brand
ACiQ
Product line
Multi-Zone Essentials
Model number
ACIQ-18Z-E-M2
Indoor unit model
Indoor heads are selected separately on a multi-zone system
Outdoor unit model
ACIQ-18Z-E-M2
Number of zones
2
Max indoor units
2 units[2]
Rated cooling capacity
17,700 BTU/hNon-Ducted Indoor Units[3]
Rated heating capacity
18,000 BTU/hNon-Ducted Indoor Units[3]
Voltage
230 V[1]
MCA
15 A[1]
Maximum fuse or breaker size
20 A[1]
Breaker needed
not published
SEER2
22 SEER2Non-Ducted Indoor Units[3]
EER2
12.3 EER2Non-Ducted Indoor Units[3]
HSPF2 (Region 4)
10 HSPF2Non-Ducted Indoor Units[3]
HSPF2 (Region 5)
Certified per indoor-unit combination, not per outdoor unit
COP
not published
COP at 47F
not published
COP at 5F
2 COPNon-Ducted Indoor Units[3]
Minimum outdoor heating temperature
-13 F[1]
Minimum outdoor cooling temperature
-13 F[1]
Maximum outdoor temperature
125 F[1]
Indoor noise range
Indoor heads are selected separately on a multi-zone system
Outdoor noise rating
54 dBA[1]
Indoor weight
Indoor heads are selected separately on a multi-zone system
Outdoor weight
75 lb[1]
Refrigerant
R-32[3]
Refrigerant charge
38.8 oz[1]
Manufacturer coverage
not published
Line-set size
2 x 1/4 in liquid / 2 x 3/8 in suction
Included line-set length
Indoor heads are selected separately on a multi-zone system
Maximum line-set length
131 ft[1]
Max line set per indoor
82 ft[1]
Maximum elevation difference
49 ft[1]
Max height between indoor units
33 ft[1]
Wi-Fi support
Indoor heads are selected separately on a multi-zone system
Energy Star status
ENERGY STAR certified[4]
AHRI certification number
217751636Non-Ducted Indoor Units[3]
Warranty
Standard: 4 yr parts / 6 yr compressor (published per-line ACiQ registration terms). 6-year compressor / 4-year parts warranty with ACiQ registration terms.
Install path
Professional install
Retail price
$961.30
Available retailers
HVACDirect
Manual links
AHRI public detail 217751636, ACiQ R32 MZ-SH Submittal Data Sheet - ACIQ-18Z-E-M2, ENERGY STAR exact lookup 217751636, ACiQ multi-zone installation and owner manual, ACiQ Multi-Zone Essentials official category for ACIQ-18Z-E-M2, HVACDirect exact condenser listing for ACIQ-18Z-E-M2, HVACDirect exact-offer audit for ACIQ-18Z-E-M2, ACiQ multi-zone service manual, ACiQ ACIQ-18Z-E-M2 non-ducted multi-zone submittal
Specification sheet
ACiQ ACIQ-18Z-E-M2 non-ducted multi-zone submittal
Last sourced date
Jul 29, 2026

Retail purchase context

Some retailer links may earn us a commission at no extra cost; paid relationships never change scores or recommendations. Affiliate disclosure

Paid link

Check price at HVACDirect

$961 / Fresh price - checked Jul 29, 2026

Compatible indoor units

This is an outdoor unit. You choose its indoor heads separately - up to the maximum this condenser supports - and you can mix room sizes and styles across the zones. The models below are the heads this unit is documented to pair with.

  • Wall-mounted air handlers

    9k, 12k

    Model numbers
    • 9k: ACIQ-09W-E-M
    • 12k: ACIQ-12W-E-M

Sizing note: do not just add up the rooms. Multi-zone condensers have a maximum total connected capacity, and connecting more head capacity than the unit is rated for is a common installer mistake that hurts efficiency and comfort. Match total head capacity to the condenser's rating.

Electrical requirements

Show
Voltage
230 V[1]
Voltage range
208/230V[1]
Phase
1[1]
Frequency
60 Hz[1]
MCA
15 A[1]
Breaker needed
not published
Maximum breaker size
20 A[1]
Maximum fuse size
20 A[1]
Maximum cooling current
not published
Maximum heating current
not published
Manufacturer wire notes
not published

Installation considerations

Show
Liquid line
2 x 1/4 in[1]
Suction line
2 x 3/8 in[1]
Line connection type
not published
Precharged length
49.2 ft[1]
Included line-set length
Indoor heads are selected separately on a multi-zone system
Maximum line-set length
131 ft[1]
Max line set per indoor
82 ft[1]
Max height between indoor units
33 ft[1]
Indoor dimensions
Indoor heads are selected separately on a multi-zone system
Outdoor dimensions
34.65 x 13.90 x 21.93 in[1]
Indoor weight
Indoor heads are selected separately on a multi-zone system
Outdoor weight
75 lb[1]
Drain size
not published

Related systems and guides

Frequently asked questions

Can I install the ACiQ Multi-Zone Essentials 2-Zone 18,000 BTU R-32 208/230V (ACIQ-18Z-E-M2) myself, or do I need a pro?
ACiQ Multi-Zone Essentials 2-Zone 18,000 BTU R-32 208/230V (ACIQ-18Z-E-M2) is built for professional installation: the line set must be flared, evacuated, and charged, which requires EPA-certified refrigerant handling. Installing it outside the manufacturer's requirements can void the warranty, so budget for a qualified HVAC installer.
Will the ACiQ Multi-Zone Essentials 2-Zone 18,000 BTU R-32 208/230V (ACIQ-18Z-E-M2) keep heating in a cold winter?
The manufacturer publishes 14,500 BTU/h of heating output at 5F. Rated heating operation extends down to -13 F. Certified heating efficiency is 10 HSPF2. Match those numbers against your climate's design temperature - in cold regions, output at 5F matters far more than the nameplate capacity measured at 47F.
What electrical circuit does the ACiQ Multi-Zone Essentials 2-Zone 18,000 BTU R-32 208/230V (ACIQ-18Z-E-M2) need?
Published electrical requirements: 230 V voltage, 15 A minimum circuit ampacity, and 20 A maximum breaker or fuse sizing. Confirm the final circuit against the unit nameplate and local code with a licensed electrician.
How far can the outdoor unit be from the indoor head?
The published maximum line-set length is 131 ft, and the included line set comes pre-charged for 49.2 ft. Longer runs than the included set allows typically mean added refrigerant and a pro visit, so measure the planned routing before ordering.
What warranty does the ACiQ Multi-Zone Essentials 2-Zone 18,000 BTU R-32 208/230V (ACIQ-18Z-E-M2) carry?
The manufacturer publishes these warranty tiers: Standard: 4 yr parts / 6 yr compressor (published per-line ACiQ registration terms). Registration requirements and proof of qualified installation commonly affect coverage, so read the warranty terms before install day.

Data sources

Show
  1. ACiQ: ACiQ ACIQ-18Z-E-M2 non-ducted multi-zone submittalSourced - manufacturer technical document

    Covers Frequency, Maximum breaker size, Maximum fuse size, Minimum circuit ampacity, Phase, Voltage and more

  2. ACiQ: ACiQ Multi-Zone Essentials official categorySourced - manufacturer product page

    Covers Max indoor units, product_line.name

  3. AHRI certificate #217751636 - search the AHRI DirectorySourced - AHRI directory

    Covers AHRI certification number, performance_spec.cold_climate_designation, Rated cooling capacity, COP at 5F, EER2, Rated heating capacity and more

  4. ENERGY STAR: ENERGY STAR exact row check for AHRI 215735288Sourced - Energy Star listing

    Covers performance_spec.energy_star_cold_climate, Energy Star status

  5. HVACDirect: HVACDirect exact condenser listing for ACIQ-18Z-E-M2Sourced - retailer listing

    Covers Retail price

  6. ACiQ R32 MZ-SH Submittal Data Sheet - ACIQ-18Z-E-M2Sourced - manual

    Covers Manual links

Last updated

Jul 29, 2026