ACiQ / Multi-Zone Essentials
ACiQ Essentials 24k R-32 208/230V 3-Zone Mini-Split
The ACiQ Multi-Zone Essentials 3-Zone 24k adds a third head on the entry R-32 line, one 208/230V outdoor unit through the value channel. It is stocked/purchasable, a priced condenser you can buy rather than a dealer quote, with professional installation still required.
Certified numbers are SEER2 23, EER2 12.5, HSPF2 10, and it is ENERGY STAR certified and AHRI cold-climate designated. Cooling capacity is 24000 BTU.
Heating holds near full into the teens - 24000 BTU at 47F, 23600 at 17F (near full but below the 47F figure), and 21600 at 5F.
Refrigerant generation
R-32 - current-generation refrigerant
Paid link
$1,254 / Fresh price - checked Jul 29, 2026
Need this installed?
Get installation quotes
Image: HVACDirect
- Last sourced
- Jul 29, 2026
SplitAtlas score
8.6 / 10
(23.0 SEER2) among 24k systems
(10.0 HSPF2) among 24k systems
(90% heat retained at 5F; -13 F heating floor) among 24k systems
(4 yr parts / 6 yr compressor) across the catalogue
(6 verified features) across the catalogue
($1,254 median retail) among 24k 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
- 3-zone projects in the 24k outdoor capacity class.
- High-efficiency shortlists; SEER2 is 23.
Install difficulty
- Electrical: 230V; MCA 20 A; breaker/fuse 30 A.
- Line set: connection type not sourced; precharged 73.8 ft; max 197 ft.
- 3-zone condenser; indoor-head matching and branch layout are part of the job.
Availability and price context
- Verified current price: $1,253.80 at HVACDirect; availability In Stock - 202 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.
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.
- Certified SEER2 23 / EER2 12.5 / HSPF2 10.
- Holds nearly full heat at 17F - 23600 BTU of the 24000 at 47F.
Weaknesses
- Output still slips by 5F - 21600 BTU, below the 24000 at 47F.
- Essentials line trades top-end cold performance for price.
Climate suitability
- Minimum heating ambient
- -13 F[1]
- Rated heating at 5F
- 21,600 BTU/hNon-Ducted Indoor Units[3]
- Rated heating at 17F
- 23,600 BTU/hNon-Ducted Indoor Units[3]
- Rated heating at 47F
- 24,000 BTU/hNon-Ducted Indoor Units[3]
Specifications
ShowHide
- Manufacturer
- ACiQ
- Brand
- ACiQ
- Product line
- Multi-Zone Essentials
- Model number
- ACIQ-24Z-E-M3
- Indoor unit model
- Indoor heads are selected separately on a multi-zone system
- Outdoor unit model
- ACIQ-24Z-E-M3
- Number of zones
- 3
- Max indoor units
- 3 units[2]
- Rated cooling capacity
- 24,000 BTU/hNon-Ducted Indoor Units[3]
- Rated heating capacity
- 24,000 BTU/hNon-Ducted Indoor Units[3]
- Voltage
- 230 V[1]
- MCA
- 20 A[1]
- Maximum fuse or breaker size
- 30 A[1]
- Breaker needed
- not published
- SEER2
- 23 SEER2Non-Ducted Indoor Units[3]
- EER2
- 12.5 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
- 57 dBA[1]
- Indoor weight
- Indoor heads are selected separately on a multi-zone system
- Outdoor weight
- 102.5 lb[1]
- Refrigerant
- R-32[3]
- Refrigerant charge
- 51.2 oz[1]
- Manufacturer coverage
- not published
- Line-set size
- 3 x 1/4 in liquid / 3 x 3/8 in suction
- Included line-set length
- Indoor heads are selected separately on a multi-zone system
- Maximum line-set length
- 197 ft[1]
- Max line set per indoor
- 98 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
- 217751637Non-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
- $1,253.80
- Available retailers
- HVACDirect
- Manual links
- AHRI public detail 217751637, ACiQ R32 MZ-SH Submittal Data Sheet - ACIQ-24Z-E-M3, ENERGY STAR exact lookup 217751637, ACiQ multi-zone installation and owner manual, ACiQ Multi-Zone Essentials official category for ACIQ-24Z-E-M3, HVACDirect exact condenser listing for ACIQ-24Z-E-M3, HVACDirect exact-offer audit for ACIQ-24Z-E-M3, ACiQ multi-zone service manual, ACiQ ACIQ-24Z-E-M3 non-ducted multi-zone submittal
- Specification sheet
- ACiQ ACIQ-24Z-E-M3 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
$1,254 / 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, 18k
Model numbers
- 9k: ACIQ-09W-E-M
- 12k: ACIQ-12W-E-M
- 18k: ACIQ-18W-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
ShowHide
- Liquid line
- 3 x 1/4 in[1]
- Suction line
- 3 x 3/8 in[1]
- Line connection type
- not published
- Precharged length
- 73.8 ft[1]
- Included line-set length
- Indoor heads are selected separately on a multi-zone system
- Maximum line-set length
- 197 ft[1]
- Max line set per indoor
- 98 ft[1]
- Max height between indoor units
- 33 ft[1]
- Indoor dimensions
- Indoor heads are selected separately on a multi-zone system
- Outdoor dimensions
- 38.58 x 15.28 x 27.56 in[1]
- Indoor weight
- Indoor heads are selected separately on a multi-zone system
- Outdoor weight
- 102.5 lb[1]
- Drain size
- not published
Related systems and guides
- More ACiQ systems
- ACiQ sibling model
- ACiQ 24k model
- ACiQ 230 V option
- Blueridge comparison model
- 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 24,000 BTU mini splits of 2026
- The best multi-zone mini splits of 2026
- The best 3-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
- 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 smells bad
- Line sets
- Line-set covers
Frequently asked questions
- Can I install the ACiQ Multi-Zone Essentials 3-Zone 24,000 BTU R-32 208/230V (ACIQ-24Z-E-M3) myself, or do I need a pro?
- ACiQ Multi-Zone Essentials 3-Zone 24,000 BTU R-32 208/230V (ACIQ-24Z-E-M3) 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 3-Zone 24,000 BTU R-32 208/230V (ACIQ-24Z-E-M3) keep heating in a cold winter?
- The manufacturer publishes 21,600 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 3-Zone 24,000 BTU R-32 208/230V (ACIQ-24Z-E-M3) need?
- Published electrical requirements: 230 V voltage, 20 A minimum circuit ampacity, and 30 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 197 ft, and the included line set comes pre-charged for 73.8 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 3-Zone 24,000 BTU R-32 208/230V (ACIQ-24Z-E-M3) 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
ShowHide
- ACiQ: ACiQ ACIQ-24Z-E-M3 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 #217751637 - 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-24Z-E-M3Sourced - retailer listing
Covers Retail price
- ACiQ R32 MZ-SH Submittal Data Sheet - ACIQ-24Z-E-M3Sourced - manual
Covers Manual links
Last updated
Jul 29, 2026