12,000 BTU mini-split heat pump · Q series
DELLA 048-MS-12K2VR-21S-OUT
Below average cooling efficiency and average heating efficiency for a 12,000 BTU mini-split heat pump, but not rated for cold climates.
Ranks #334 of 394 12,000 BTU mini-splits for cooling efficiency, and costs about $316 a year to run in a mixed climate like Atlanta.
- SEER2
- 21.0 Cooling efficiency over a seasonBelow average · beats 30%
- HSPF2
- 10.0 Heating efficiency over a seasonAverage · beats 43%
- EER2
- 12.0 Cooling efficiency on a 95°F dayBelow average · beats 25%
- Heat at 5°F
- 8,200 BTU/h67% of its 47°F outputVery good · beats 73%
A good fit if…
- You want steady temperatures and quiet running - the compressor varies its speed.
Think twice if…
- You often see nights below 0°F - it is not cold-climate certified.
- Cooling cost matters most - its SEER2 is below average for mini-splits.
Details
Specifications
| General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | DELLA |
| Also sold as | COSTWAY, Premium Levella, ALBOTT, AUX |
| Outdoor unit model | 048-MS-12K2VR-21S-OUT |
| Series | Q series |
| Type | Mini-split heat pump |
| Nominal size | 12,000 BTU |
| CompressorVariable-speed units run longer at low power | Continuously variable |
| Refrigerant | R-32 |
| Connected (smart) capable | No |
| On the market since | March 1, 2024 |
| Last certified | March 20, 2025 |
| Cooling | |
| SEER2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better | 21.0 (range 21.0) |
| EER2Efficiency at 95°F outdoors | 12.0 |
| Cooling capacity | 12,000 BTU/h |
| Heating | |
| HSPF2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better | 10.0 |
| Capacity at 47°F | 12,300 BTU/h |
| Capacity at 17°F | 6,700 BTU/h |
| Capacity at 5°F | 8,200 BTU/h |
| COP at 5°F2.0 = twice as efficient as a space heater | 2.15 |
| ENERGY STAR cold climate | No |
Heating output as it gets colder
Every heat pump delivers less heat as the outdoor temperature drops. Certified output of its matchup with 048-MS-12K2VR-21S-QC-IN at the standard test temperatures, in BTU/h:
Certified matchups
The same outdoor unit scores differently with each indoor unit. Ask your installer for the AHRI reference number of the exact system you are quoted.
| Indoor unit | SEER2 | EER2 | HSPF2 | Heat @5°F | AHRI ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 048-MS-12K2VR-21S-QC-IN | 21.0 | 12.0 | 10.0 | 8,200 | 211001968 |
Same unit, other model numbers
These model numbers have exactly the same certified ratings and matchups as the DELLA 048-MS-12K2VR-21S-OUT: the same equipment under another brand, or a variant code for voltage, colour or market. Everything on this page applies to them.
- COSTWAY FP10412US-12WH
- COSTWAY FP10791US-12HS
- Premium Levella PIAW1221080AB
- ALBOTT SAC-H220-12KO
- AUX ASW-H12C5A2/ *R3DI-C5
Yearly running cost in 10 large cities
- Phoenix, AZ$338/yr
- Miami, FL$269/yr
- Houston, TX$303/yr
- Atlanta, GA$316/yr
- Los Angeles, CA$309/yr
- New York, NY$766/yr
- Chicago, IL$624/yr
- Denver, CO$520/yr
- Seattle, WA$321/yr
- Minneapolis, MN$645/yr
At each state's average electricity price and the city's typical heating and cooling hours.
Questions
- What is the SEER2 rating of the DELLA 048-MS-12K2VR-21S-OUT?
- The DELLA 048-MS-12K2VR-21S-OUT is rated at up to 21.0 SEER2 and 12.0 EER2 for cooling and up to 10.0 HSPF2 for heating. The exact figure depends on the indoor unit it is paired with.
- Is the DELLA 048-MS-12K2VR-21S-OUT good for cold climates?
- It is not cold-climate certified: none of its matchups meet the ENERGY STAR cold-climate criteria (a COP of at least 1.75 at 5°F among other limits). In places with frequent sub-zero nights, pick a cold-climate 12,000 BTU model.
- How much does the DELLA 048-MS-12K2VR-21S-OUT cost to run per year?
- At its rated efficiency it costs about $269-$766 a year in electricity in large U.S. cities, depending on climate and local rates - for example $338 in Phoenix and $645 in Minneapolis. The calculator on this page works it out for your city and compares it with your current system.
- Is the DELLA 048-MS-12K2VR-21S-OUT the same as the COSTWAY FP10412US-12WH?
- Yes, as far as the certified ratings go. ENERGY STAR lists 6 model numbers with identical efficiency, capacity and matchups, which means the same outdoor unit sold under a different brand or with a minor variant code (voltage, colour or region). The full list is on this page.
- Which indoor units work with the DELLA 048-MS-12K2VR-21S-OUT?
- ENERGY STAR lists 1 certified combination for this outdoor unit. The highest-rated one uses 048-MS-12K2VR-21S-QC-IN.
- What refrigerant does the DELLA 048-MS-12K2VR-21S-OUT use?
- It uses R-32.
Running cost and savings
Pre-filled with this model. Pick your city and what you heat with today; everything else is optional.
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See all 394 12,000 BTU mini-splits, ranked
Source: ENERGY STAR Certified Heat Pumps (U.S. EPA), certification of March 20, 2025. How we use the data.