Hickory, Kentucky-headquartered MRCOOL has launched an all-in-one heat pump that plugs into a standard 115-volt outlet and doesn’t have a bulky outdoor condenser.
The new MRCOOL Monoblock MTHP heats and cools smaller spaces such as garages, home offices, accessory dwelling units, sunrooms, and tiny homes. It’s designed for homeowners who want zoned heating and cooling but don’t have the space or permission to install a conventional mini-split.
What makes the Monoblock unique is that it contains the entire refrigeration system inside a single wall-mounted unit. A standard mini-split has an indoor air handler connected to an outdoor condenser via refrigerant lines. The Monoblock puts those components together indoors, so there are no refrigerant lines to connect and no equipment pad needed outside.
It does still need access to an exterior wall. Installation requires cutting two openings through the wall for outside air intake and exhaust, plus a smaller hole for condensate drainage. So “plug-and-play” doesn’t mean placing it on the floor and plugging it in.
The unit also weighs around 93 pounds, making installation more likely a two-person job.
A small heat pump for smaller rooms
The Monoblock delivers 10,000 Btu per hour of cooling and 9,000 Btu per hour of heating – enough for a single room rather than an entire house. It measures about 39 inches wide, 23 inches tall, and 8 inches deep.
Its inverter-driven compressor adjusts its output instead of repeatedly switching on and off. MRCOOL rates it at 15 SEER2 for cooling efficiency and 7.5 HSPF2 for heating. That’s respectable for a compact, all-in-one unit, although it isn’t as efficient as some conventional ductless mini-splits.
MRCOOL says the unit can operate in outdoor temperatures from 5F to 113F. That lower limit means it isn’t intended to replace a cold-climate heat pump in places where winter temperatures regularly fall below 5F, but it could replace an electric resistance space heater in more moderate conditions. Because a heat pump moves heat rather than generating it directly, it can deliver more heat for the same amount of electricity.
The system also cools, dehumidifies, and runs as a fan. Noise ranges from a claimed 32 dBA on low to 46 dBA on high.
“The Monoblock MTHP Series instantly adds climate control to spaces that are traditionally difficult to condition,” said Christian Rea, director of MRCOOL sales. “By eliminating the high cost and hassle associated with an outdoor condenser, we’ve reduced installation time by 60% compared to central systems.”
No HVAC technician (but check the local rules)
Because the refrigerant circuit arrives completely sealed, homeowners don’t need to handle refrigerant, connect precharged lines, or hire an HVAC technician to charge the system. Its 115V plug lets it run from a regular household outlet and may avoid the cost of installing a 240V circuit or upgrading an electrical panel.
However, MRCOOL says installation must still comply with local building and electrical codes. Cutting two large holes through an exterior wall also calls for careful planning to avoid wiring, pipes, and structural framing.
Other features include a remote control, an LED display, optional wifi control through the MRCOOL Connect app, Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility, and a self-evaporative condensate system with an overflow alarm and automatic shutoff. The Monoblock uses R-32 refrigerant, which has a lower global warming potential than the older R-410A commonly used in residential air conditioners and heat pumps.
The MRCOOL Monoblock is now available for preorder through authorized retailers. Pricing currently varies by seller, with listings ranging from about $1,370 to $1,550, and at least one retailer lists an expected August 31 release date.
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