ACiQ / Multi-Zone Essentials
ACiQ Essentials 18k R-32 208/230V 2-Zone Mini-Split
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.
Refrigerant generation
R-32 - current-generation refrigerant
Paid link
$961 / Checked Jul 29, 2026
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Image: HVACDirect
- Last sourced
- Jul 29, 2026
SplitAtlas score
8.3 / 10
(22.0 SEER2) among 18k systems
(10.0 HSPF2) among 18k systems
(5F certified capacity: 80.6% of the 47F rating; -13 F heating floor) among 18k systems
(4 yr parts / 6 yr compressor) across the catalogue
(6 verified features) across the catalogue
($961 median retail) among 18k systems
(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
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
- 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
- Daikin AURORA Multi 2-Zone 18,000 BTU R-32 208/230V (2MXT18AVJU9)
8.5 score / 17.2k / SEER2 21 / -13 F heating floor / 230V
Exact destination at HVACDirect: $3,409.00, checked Jul 28, 2026
- Daikin AURORA Multi 2-Zone 18,000 BTU R-32 208/230V (2MXTH18AVJU9)
8.4 score / 17.2k / SEER2 21 / -13 F heating floor / 230V
Exact destination at HVACDirect: $3,686.00, checked Jul 28, 2026
Availability and price context
- Last seen at HVACDirect on Jul 29, 2026: $961.30. Open the listing for today's price.
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
- Registered
- 4 yr parts / 6 yr compressor - published per-line ACiQ registration terms
The score uses Registered. Additional published terms are shown for reference and not counted in the score.
Model context
- Install path
- This is professional-install equipment; the listed price is for the equipment, so add 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]
- Certified 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
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- Manufacturer
- ACiQ
- Brand
- ACiQ
- Product line
- Multi-Zone Essentials
- Model number
- ACIQ-18Z-E-M2
- Indoor unit model
- Depends on the indoor units you choose
- 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)
- Varies by indoor-unit combination
- 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
- Depends on the indoor units you choose
- Outdoor noise rating
- 54 dBA[1]
- Indoor weight
- Depends on the indoor units you choose
- 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
- Depends on the indoor units you choose
- 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
- Depends on the indoor units you choose
- Energy Star status
- ENERGY STAR certified[4]
- AHRI certification number
- 217751636Non-Ducted Indoor Units[3]
- Warranty
- Registered: 4 yr parts / 6 yr compressor (published per-line ACiQ registration terms). Score uses Registered.. 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, 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
$961 / 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.
Installation considerations
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- 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
- Depends on the indoor units you choose
- 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
- Depends on the indoor units you choose
- Outdoor dimensions
- 34.65 x 13.90 x 21.93 in[1]
- Indoor weight
- Depends on the indoor units you choose
- Outdoor weight
- 75 lb[1]
- Drain size
- not published
Related systems and guides
- More ACiQ systems
- Panasonic EXTERIOS Z 18k R-32 208/230V Mini-Split
- Della Serena 18k R-32 208/230V 2-Zone Mini-Split
- ACiQ Essentials Economy 17k R-32 208/230V Mini-Split
- ACiQ Essentials 18k R-32 208/230V Mini-Split
- Guide library
- Mini split buying guide
- Single-zone vs multi-zone mini splits
- Troubleshooting
- Do mini splits work in cold weather?
- ACiQ mini split review: is ACiQ any good?
- The best multi-zone mini splits of 2026
- The best 2-zone (dual-zone) mini splits of 2026
- How to size a multi-zone mini split
- Not every multi-zone condenser lets you mix head types
- How much does a multi-zone mini split cost?
- The best cold-climate mini splits of 2026
- The best mini splits for heating of 2026
- Mini split heating capacity in the cold: what your unit actually delivers at 5F
- One room won't heat or cool on a multi-zone mini split
- Mini split not heating
- Mini split indoor unit freezing up
- Mini split not cooling
- Mini split remote not working
- Line sets
- Line-set covers
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 AHRI/ENERGY STAR certification lists 14,500 BTU/h of heating capacity 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 from the outdoor unit to one indoor head is 82 ft. The combined piping limit across all heads is 131 ft. The outdoor unit's factory charge covers up to 49.2 ft of line; longer runs need added refrigerant. 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: Registered: 4 yr parts / 6 yr compressor (published per-line ACiQ registration terms). Score uses Registered.. Registration requirements and proof of qualified installation commonly affect coverage, so read the warranty terms before install day.
Data sources
ShowHide
- 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
- ACiQ: ACiQ Multi-Zone Essentials official categorySourced - manufacturer product page
Covers Max indoor units, product_line.name
- 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
- ENERGY STAR: ENERGY STAR exact row check for AHRI 215735288Sourced - Energy Star listing
Covers performance_spec.energy_star_cold_climate, Energy Star status
- HVACDirect: HVACDirect exact condenser listing for ACIQ-18Z-E-M2Sourced - retailer listing
Covers Retail price
- ACiQ R32 MZ-SH Submittal Data Sheet - ACIQ-18Z-E-M2Sourced - manual
Covers Manual links
Last updated
Jul 29, 2026