HVAC Rated

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 season
Average · beats 56%
HSPF2
9.7 Heating efficiency over a season
Below average · beats 31%
EER2
12.6 Cooling efficiency on a 95°F day
Average · 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.

Calculate my running cost

Details

Specifications12,000 BTU, R-32
General
BrandDeye
Also sold asairspool, EG4, Photon AC
Outdoor unit modelDWA4-12KR2(US)
SeriesAURORA
TypeMini-split heat pump
Nominal size12,000 BTU
CompressorVariable-speed units run longer at low powerContinuously variable
RefrigerantR-32
Connected (smart) capableNo
On the market sinceJanuary 1, 2025
Last certifiedSeptember 30, 2026
Cooling
SEER2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better22.5 (range 22.5)
EER2Efficiency at 95°F outdoors12.6
Cooling capacity12,000 BTU/h
Heating
HSPF2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better9.7
Capacity at 47°F12,000 BTU/h
Capacity at 17°F9,500 BTU/h
Capacity at 5°F-
COP at 5°F2.0 = twice as efficient as a space heater-
ENERGY STAR cold climateNo
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 matchups4 indoor units

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 unitSEER2EER2HSPF2Heat @5°FAHRI ref.
DGA3-12KR2(US)22.512.69.7-216021338
DGA3-12KR2(US) airspool22.512.69.7-216770158
DGA3-12KR2(US) EG422.512.69.7-216772357
DGA3-12KR2(US) Photon AC22.512.69.7-218689972
Same unit, other model numbers1

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$252-$760

At each state's average electricity price and the city's typical heating and cooling hours.

Questions6
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.

Heat pump $326/yrYou save $292/yrSee details ↓
1. Where you live
Adjust heating and cooling hours

Filled in from your city's climate. Change them if you run the system much more or less than usual.

2. The heat pump Deye DWA4-12KR2(US)
3. What it replaces
4. Price replace the example with your quote
Heat pump, per year
$326
Current system, per year
$619
You save per year
$292
Payback
15.4 years
Net after 10 years
-$1,575

Cooling $188Heating $139Electricity used: 2,039 kWhSaved vs. a minimum-efficiency heat pump: $148

Estimates use the unit's rated SEER2 and HSPF2, full-load hours derived from NOAA 1991-2020 degree days, average residential electricity prices from the U.S. EIA (12 months to July 2026) and fuel prices from EIA (2025 for natural gas, week of 2026-10-05 for propane and heating oil). Very cold days that need backup heat are not modelled. Federal minimum for comparison: 14.3 SEER2 / 7.5 HSPF2.

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Source: ENERGY STAR Certified Heat Pumps (U.S. EPA), certification of September 30, 2026. How we use the data.