A new heat pump from MRCool could make it much easier for homeowners to add efficient heating and cooling to a garage, studio, home office, or other small space.
Its biggest selling point is that it does not require the outdoor unit typically included with a mini-split system, which could reduce both installation hassle and upfront costs.
Here's what to know
As pv magazine reported, U.S. HVAC company MRCool has rolled out a 115-volt monoblock heat pump that delivers both heating and cooling without needing a separate outdoor condenser.
Rather than using the standard mini-split setup of an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, refrigerant lines, and professional installation, MRCool says this wall-mounted design puts the refrigeration components into a single package. By eliminating the need for refrigerant-line installation, it is intended to be a more approachable option for do-it-yourself projects.
MRCool is targeting the system at smaller spaces, including accessory dwelling units, garages, studios, and other auxiliary rooms. Its standard 115V plug-in setup could help some homeowners avoid the extra cost and complexity of separate higher-voltage wiring or a panel upgrade.
It also offers efficiency specs that may appeal to budget-conscious buyers, including about 10,000 Btu/h of cooling, 9,000 Btu/h of heating, a 15 SEER2 rating, 9.9 EER2, and 7.5 HSPF2.
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MRCool said, "The new MRCool Monoblock MTHP Series is an all-in-one, wall-mounted heat pump that provides year-round heating and cooling without an outdoor condenser, refrigerant-line installation, or certified HVAC technician."
More background
Heat pumps can both heat and cool while using electricity more efficiently than many older systems. For people relying on fossil-fuel space heaters or inefficient window units, that can mean more consistent indoor comfort, improved air circulation, and potentially lower energy bills over time.
MRCool is already known for DIY mini-split systems that use pre-charged refrigerant lines, but this version removes line connections entirely. That could be especially helpful in homes with no practical place to install an outdoor condenser.
MRCool says the wall-mounted unit uses R-32 refrigerant and comes with a reusable air filter, oscillating airflow, and DC technology for the compressor, condenser fan, and blower fan. The company also says it runs at about 32 dBA on low and 46 dBA on high, which could make it a quieter option for workspaces or sleeping areas.
What can be done?
Efficient electric heating and cooling are becoming easier to install in spaces that are often overlooked. Bonus rooms, detached work areas, and converted garages can be expensive to keep comfortable, particularly when they rely on plug-in heaters or older cooling equipment.
A product like this could help some households move away from fossil-fuel-powered appliances without incurring the full cost of a conventional HVAC retrofit. Avoiding refrigerant charging, outdoor equipment pads, and certain electrical upgrades could lead to meaningful savings, especially on smaller projects.
Compact heat pumps are increasingly becoming one of the more practical options for improving comfort while cutting wasted energy.
"With no outdoor condenser or refrigerant lines to connect, the Monoblock MTHP Series provides an easy, plug-and-play solution for homeowners looking to transition away from fossil-fuel space heaters to highly efficient heat-pump technology," said MRCool.
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