12,000 BTU mini-split heat pump · AURORA
Deye DWA4-12KR2(US)
Average cooling efficiency and below average heating efficiency for a 12,000 BTU mini-split heat pump, but not rated for cold climates.
Ranks #277 of 394 12,000 BTU mini-splits for cooling efficiency, and costs about $310 a year to run in a mixed climate like Atlanta.
- SEER2
- 22.5 Cooling efficiency over a seasonAverage · beats 56%
- HSPF2
- 9.7 Heating efficiency over a seasonBelow average · beats 31%
- EER2
- 12.6 Cooling efficiency on a 95°F dayAverage · beats 52%
- Heat at 5°F
- - Not reported by the maker
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.
- You mainly need heat - its HSPF2 is below average for mini-splits.
Details
Specifications
| General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Deye |
| Also sold as | airspool, EG4, Photon AC |
| Outdoor unit model | DWA4-12KR2(US) |
| Series | AURORA |
| 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 | January 1, 2025 |
| Last certified | September 30, 2026 |
| Cooling | |
| SEER2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better | 22.5 (range 22.5) |
| EER2Efficiency at 95°F outdoors | 12.6 |
| Cooling capacity | 12,000 BTU/h |
| Heating | |
| HSPF2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better | 9.7 |
| Capacity at 47°F | 12,000 BTU/h |
| Capacity at 17°F | 9,500 BTU/h |
| Capacity at 5°F | - |
| COP at 5°F2.0 = twice as efficient as a space heater | - |
| 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 DGA3-12KR2(US) 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. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DGA3-12KR2(US) | 22.5 | 12.6 | 9.7 | - | 216021338 |
| DGA3-12KR2(US) airspool | 22.5 | 12.6 | 9.7 | - | 216770158 |
| DGA3-12KR2(US) EG4 | 22.5 | 12.6 | 9.7 | - | 216772357 |
| DGA3-12KR2(US) Photon AC | 22.5 | 12.6 | 9.7 | - | 218689972 |
Same unit, other model numbers
These model numbers have exactly the same certified ratings and matchups as the Deye DWA4-12KR2(US): the same equipment under another brand, or a variant code for voltage, colour or market. Everything on this page applies to them.
- Deye DWA4-ACDC1-12KR2(US)
Yearly running cost in 10 large cities
- Phoenix, AZ$323/yr
- Miami, FL$252/yr
- Houston, TX$290/yr
- Atlanta, GA$310/yr
- Los Angeles, CA$305/yr
- New York, NY$760/yr
- Chicago, IL$621/yr
- Denver, CO$519/yr
- Seattle, WA$322/yr
- Minneapolis, MN$644/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 Deye DWA4-12KR2(US)?
- The Deye DWA4-12KR2(US) is rated at up to 22.5 SEER2 and 12.6 EER2 for cooling and up to 9.7 HSPF2 for heating. The exact figure depends on the indoor unit it is paired with.
- Is the Deye DWA4-12KR2(US) 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 Deye DWA4-12KR2(US) cost to run per year?
- At its rated efficiency it costs about $252-$760 a year in electricity in large U.S. cities, depending on climate and local rates - for example $323 in Phoenix and $644 in Minneapolis. The calculator on this page works it out for your city and compares it with your current system.
- Is the Deye DWA4-12KR2(US) the same as the Deye DWA4-ACDC1-12KR2(US)?
- Yes, as far as the certified ratings go. ENERGY STAR lists both 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 Deye DWA4-12KR2(US)?
- ENERGY STAR lists 4 certified combinations for this outdoor unit. The highest-rated ones use DGA3-12KR2(US), airspool DGA3-12KR2(US), EG4 DGA3-12KR2(US).
- What refrigerant does the Deye DWA4-12KR2(US) 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 September 30, 2026. How we use the data.