SplitAtlas

Midea / Midea Essence

Midea Essence 18k R-454B 208/230V Mini-Split

Certified capacity
18,000 BTU/h[2]
SEER2
20.3 SEER2[2]
Heating floor
5 F[1]
Voltage
230 V[1]
Install path
Professional install

The Essence 18k is a 1.5-ton value head at 20.3 SEER2, 11.5 EER2, and 9.1 HSPF2 on R-454B. It is ENERGY STAR certified but not cold-climate designated, and its heating reflects the difference - 18,800 BTU at 47F, 14,000 BTU at 17F, and 11,500 BTU at 5F, a clear step-down as temperatures fall. It covers a large room affordably in a moderate climate.

1 zoneProfessional installCurrent

Refrigerant generation

R-454B - current-generation refrigerant

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Error Codes
Midea Essence 18,000 BTU R-454B 208/230V (D5FEHAH18XCK / D5CERAH18AAK) mini-split heat pump outdoor condenser

Image: Midea Ductless

Data completeness: 100%
Last sourced
Jul 27, 2026

SplitAtlas score

7.4 / 10

Methodology
Cooling efficiencyBelow average

(20.3 SEER2) among 18k systems

Heating efficiencyBottom quartile

(9.1 HSPF2) among 18k systems

Cold-weather performanceBottom quartile

(5F certified capacity: 61.2% of the 47F rating; 5 F heating floor) among 18k systems

WarrantyAbove average

(10 yr parts, no separate compressor term) across the catalogue

Feature setBelow average

(4 verified features) across the catalogue

Documentation & partsBelow average

(6 manuals; spec sheet) across the catalogue

Not evaluated

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

    professional install - DIY-accessibility not applicable

  • Price-to-value — not evaluatedN/A

    This is a professionally installed, quote-only system, so we can't score its price. Get an installed quote to compare real cost.

    Get a quote

Key ratings

Rated cooling

18,000BTU/h[2]

Rated heating

18,800BTU/h[2]

Buyer review snapshot

Install difficulty

Professional install
  • Electrical: 230V.
  • Line set: connection type not sourced; max 164 ft.

Alternatives

Availability and price context

This system needs a professional install, so its real price is an installed quote that depends on your home. We don't link to a listing for this exact model; get installation quotes to price it.

Source date

Model data sourced
Jul 27, 2026
Page reviewed
Jul 27, 2026
Source-backed records
3
Newest source retrieved
Jul 27, 2026

Warranty tiers

Registered
10 yr parts / no separate compressor term - timely registration

The score uses Registered. Additional published terms are shown for reference and not counted in the score.

Review methodology

Strengths

  • ENERGY STAR certified at a value price for a 1.5-ton head.
  • Still provides 11,500 BTU of heat at 5F despite no cold-climate rating.
  • Low-GWP R-454B refrigerant; manufactured by Midea.

Weaknesses

  • Not cold-climate designated; heat tapers meaningfully below 47F.
  • 9.1 HSPF2 and 11.5 EER2 are modest, so efficiency is basic.

Climate suitability

Minimum heating ambient
5 F[1]
Certified heating at 5F
11,500 BTU/h[2]
Rated heating at 17F
14,000 BTU/h[2]
Rated heating at 47F
18,800 BTU/h[2]

Specifications

Show
Manufacturer
Midea
Brand
Midea
Product line
Midea Essence
Model number
D5FEHAH18XCK indoor / D5CERAH18AAK outdoor
Indoor unit model
D5FEHAH18XCK
Outdoor unit model
D5CERAH18AAK
Number of zones
1
Max indoor units
not published
Rated cooling capacity
18,000 BTU/h[2]
Rated heating capacity
18,800 BTU/h[2]
Voltage
230 V[1]
MCA
Not published for this model
Maximum fuse or breaker size
Not published for this model
Breaker needed
not published
SEER2
20.3 SEER2[2]
EER2
11.5 EER2[2]
HSPF2 (Region 4)
9.1 HSPF2[2]
HSPF2 (Region 5)
not published
COP
not published
COP at 47F
not published
COP at 5F
2 COP[2]
Minimum outdoor heating temperature
5 F[1]
Minimum outdoor cooling temperature
5 F[1]
Maximum outdoor temperature
122 F[1]
Indoor noise range
Not published for this model
Outdoor noise rating
52.5 dBA[1]
Indoor weight
Not published for this model
Outdoor weight
Not published for this model
Refrigerant
R-454B[2]
Refrigerant charge
not published
Manufacturer coverage
not published
Line-set size
Not published for this model liquid / Not published for this model suction
Included line-set length
Professional installations use separately selected line sets
Maximum line-set length
164 ft[1]
Max line set per indoor
not published
Maximum elevation difference
Not published for this model
Max height between indoor units
not published
Wi-Fi support
Wi-Fi support is not published for this exact pair
Energy Star status
ENERGY STAR certified[3]
AHRI certification number
215413305[2]
Warranty
Registered: 10 yr parts / no separate compressor term (timely registration). Score uses Registered.. 10-year parts limited warranty upon timely registration
Install path
Professional install
Retail price
Installed quote only
Available retailers
not published
Manual links
ENERGY STAR exact check 215413305, Essence installation documentation listing, Essence high-wall indoor product page, Midea Essence Series Single-Zone Heat Pump, AHRI Appendix M1 public detail 215413305
Specification sheet
AHRI Appendix M1 public detail 215413305
Last sourced date
Jul 27, 2026

Electrical requirements

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

Installation considerations

Show
Liquid line
Not published for this model
Suction line
Not published for this model
Line connection type
not published
Precharged length
not published
Included line-set length
Professional installations use separately selected line sets
Maximum line-set length
164 ft[1]
Max line set per indoor
not published
Max height between indoor units
not published
Indoor dimensions
Not published for this model
Outdoor dimensions
Not published for this model
Indoor weight
Not published for this model
Outdoor weight
Not published for this model
Drain size
not published

Related systems and guides

Frequently asked questions

Can I install the Midea Essence 18,000 BTU R-454B 208/230V (D5FEHAH18XCK / D5CERAH18AAK) myself, or do I need a pro?
Midea Essence 18,000 BTU R-454B 208/230V (D5FEHAH18XCK / D5CERAH18AAK) 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 Midea Essence 18,000 BTU R-454B 208/230V (D5FEHAH18XCK / D5CERAH18AAK) keep heating in a cold winter?
The AHRI/ENERGY STAR certification lists 11,500 BTU/h of heating capacity at 5F. Rated heating operation extends down to 5 F. Certified heating efficiency is 9.1 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 Midea Essence 18,000 BTU R-454B 208/230V (D5FEHAH18XCK / D5CERAH18AAK) need?
Published electrical requirements: 230 V voltage. 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 164 ft. Measure the planned routing before ordering.
What warranty does the Midea Essence 18,000 BTU R-454B 208/230V (D5FEHAH18XCK / D5CERAH18AAK) carry?
The manufacturer publishes these warranty tiers: Registered: 10 yr parts / no separate compressor term (timely registration). Score uses Registered.. Registration requirements and proof of qualified installation commonly affect coverage, so read the warranty terms before install day.

Data sources

Show
  1. Midea America Corp.: Midea Essence Series Single-Zone Heat PumpSourced - manufacturer product page

    Covers Frequency, Phase, Voltage, Voltage range, Maximum line-set length, Outdoor noise rating and more

  2. Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute: AHRI Appendix M1 public detail for D5CERAH18AAK / D5FEHAH18XCKSourced - AHRI directory

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

  3. ENERGY STAR: ENERGY STAR exact row check for AHRI 215413305Sourced - Energy Star listing

    Covers Energy Star status

Last updated

Jul 27, 2026