Best Della Mini Splits for Heating in Winter 2026: Hyper Heat Models Compared

Most people still think of mini splits as air conditioners. But a modern ductless mini split is really a heat pump, and the newest cold-climate models can keep heating your home when it’s well below freezing outside. Della is one of the most affordable brands offering this technology, with two cold-climate lines: Ultra Heat (rated down to -13°F) and Ultra Hyper Heat (rated down to -22°F).

In this guide we compare the best Della mini splits for heating in winter 2026, explain the difference between Ultra Heat and Ultra Hyper Heat, and help you choose the right size for your room and climate.

How we chose: this guide is based on Della‘s official specifications, ENERGY STAR and AHRI data where available, independent reviews from PickHVAC and others, and customer reviews on Trustpilot. We have not tested these units ourselves. Prices were checked on the Della website in early November 2026 and change often. Della mainly serves US customers.

Quick Picks: Best Della Mini Splits for Winter Heating

• Best overall: Della Optima Pro CloudAir 12,000 BTU Ultra Hyper Heat ($1,249.96) – rated to -22°F and keeps its full 12,000 BTU heating output at 5°F.
• Best value: Della Optima Series 9,000 BTU Ultra Heat ($824.96) – rated to -13°F for a bedroom or home office.
• Best for mild to cold winters: Della Optima CloudAir 12,000 BTU Ultra Heat (from $894.96) – 24 SEER2 and rated to -13°F.
• Best for large spaces: Della Optima Pro CloudAir 24,000 BTU Ultra Hyper Heat ($2,249.96) – up to 1,500 sq ft, rated to -22°F.

Della Ultra Heat vs Ultra Hyper Heat: What’s the Difference?

Feature	Optima / Optima CloudAir (Ultra Heat)	Optima Pro / Pro CloudAir (Ultra Hyper Heat)
Lowest heating temperature	-13°F (-25°C)	-22°F (-30°C)
Efficiency	23–24 SEER2	22.5–25 SEER2
Sizes	9,000 / 12,000 / 18,000 / 23,000 BTU	9,000 / 12,000 / 18,000 / 24,000 BTU
Price range	about $825–$1,770	about $1,050–$2,250
Best for	Mild to cold winters (most of the US)	Very cold winters (northern states, mountains)

Important: the lowest operating temperature is the point where the unit can still run in heating mode, not a guarantee of full heating power at that temperature. All heat pumps lose some output as it gets colder. That’s why the Optima Pro CloudAir 12,000 BTU stands out: according to ENERGY STAR data cited by Della, it still delivers its full 12,000 BTU/h at 5°F.

Best Della Mini Splits for Heating in Winter 2026

1. Della Optima Pro CloudAir 12,000 BTU 25 SEER2 Ultra Hyper Heat – $1,249.96

This is the best Della for cold climates. It combines the brand’s highest efficiency rating with the lowest operating temperature, and it keeps full heating power at 5°F, which is where many budget mini splits start to struggle. It’s ideal for a living room, large bedroom or open-plan area in a cold state.

• Coverage: up to 550 sq ft
• Heating: rated down to -22°F; 12,000 BTU/h at 5°F (COP 1.80) per ENERGY STAR data
• Efficiency: 25 SEER2, 10.5 HSPF2 (AHRI certified)
• Smart: Wi-Fi app control

Best for: Cold northern climates, primary heating for a single large room.

Skip it if: your winters rarely drop below 0°F – the Ultra Heat model saves money.

2. Della Optima Series 9,000 BTU 23 SEER2 Ultra Heat – $824.96

The most affordable cold-climate Della is a great fit for a bedroom, home office or small apartment. Its heating capacity (10,000 BTU) is slightly higher than its cooling capacity, which helps on cold nights.

• Coverage: up to 400 sq ft
• Heating: 10,000 BTU heating capacity, rated down to -13°F
• Efficiency: 23 SEER2

Best for: Bedrooms, home offices, small apartments and budget buyers in moderate climates.

Skip it if: temperatures regularly fall below -10°F where you live.

3. Della Optima CloudAir 12,000 BTU 24 SEER2 Ultra Heat – from $894.96

For most of the US, this is the sweet spot: strong efficiency, a slightly boosted heating capacity and a much lower price than the Optima Pro. It’s a smart choice for living rooms, basements and ADUs in areas with cold but not extreme winters.

• Coverage: up to 550 sq ft
• Heating: 12,600 BTU heating capacity, rated down to -13°F
• Efficiency: 24 SEER2

Best for: Most homes with cold winters, living rooms, basements and ADUs.

Skip it if: you need reliable heat in sub-zero northern winters.

4. Della Optima Pro CloudAir 24,000 BTU 22.5 SEER2 Ultra Hyper Heat – $2,249.96

If you want to heat a large open-plan space, a small house or a big ADU, the 24,000 BTU Optima Pro is Della‘s most powerful cold-climate model. The 18,000 BTU version ($1,849.96, up to 1,000 sq ft) is a good middle option.

• Coverage: up to 1,500 sq ft
• Heating: 24,000 BTU, rated down to -22°F
• Efficiency: 22.5 SEER2

Best for: Large open-plan spaces, small homes and big ADUs in cold climates.

Skip it if: your home has many separate rooms – consider a multi-zone system instead.

What Size Della Mini Split Do You Need for Heating?

Heating usually needs more capacity than cooling, especially in cold climates. As a rough guide:

Room size	Mild winters	Cold winters
Up to 400 sq ft	9,000 BTU	12,000 BTU
400–550 sq ft	12,000 BTU	12,000–18,000 BTU
550–1,000 sq ft	18,000 BTU	18,000–24,000 BTU
1,000–1,500 sq ft	24,000 BTU	24,000 BTU or multi-zone

Are Della Mini Splits Cheaper to Run Than Electric Heaters?

Usually, yes. A plug-in electric heater turns 1 unit of electricity into 1 unit of heat. A heat pump moves heat from outside, so it can deliver more heat than the electricity it uses. Even at 5°F, the Della Optima Pro CloudAir 12K has a COP of 1.80 according to ENERGY STAR data, meaning it produces about 80% more heat per kWh than an electric heater. In milder winter weather, the savings are even bigger. Compared with gas or oil heating, savings depend on your local energy prices.

5 Tips for Running a Della Mini Split in Winter

1. Raise the outdoor unit. Mount it on a wall bracket or stand above your typical snow level so snow and ice don’t block the coil.
2. Expect defrost cycles. In cold, damp weather the outdoor unit regularly pauses to melt ice. A short break in warm air or a little steam is normal.
3. Keep a steady temperature. Heat pumps work most efficiently when you set a comfortable temperature and leave it, rather than turning them off and on.
4. Have backup heat for extreme cold. In places that drop below -13°F to -22°F, keep a backup heat source for the coldest nights.
5. Clean the filters monthly during heavy use to keep airflow and efficiency high.

Installation, Warranty and Rebates

Della systems come with a full install kit (line set, cables, drain hose and bracket). But according to PickHVAC, Della‘s warranty is generally valid only if the system is installed properly by a licensed HVAC professional, and it covers parts, not labour. Della offers a lifetime warranty on registered mini split systems bought from 2024, free shipping, and 0% APR financing.

The federal 25C tax credit for heat pumps no longer applies to systems installed after 2025, but many utilities and states still offer heat pump rebates. Check your local utility and the Della rebate center before you buy.

Is Della a Good Brand for Winter Heating?

Della is a solid budget choice. It has a 4.5 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot from more than 770 reviews, with customers praising quiet, efficient units and helpful support staff. PickHVAC calls Della a “good-value budget mini split” that costs 30–50% less than established brands. On the downside, some reviewers mention slow support at busy times, a few early failures and disputed warranty claims, and top brands like Mitsubishi offer more proven cold-climate performance at a much higher price.

Final Verdict: The Best Della Mini Split for Winter 2026

For cold climates, the Della Optima Pro CloudAir 12,000 BTU Ultra Hyper Heat is the best choice: it’s rated to -22°F and keeps full heating output at 5°F. If your winters are milder, the Della Optima CloudAir 12,000 BTU Ultra Heat gives you excellent value, and the Della Optima 9,000 BTU is the best budget option for small rooms. For large open spaces, choose the Della Optima Pro 24,000 BTU.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Della mini splits work in winter?

Yes. Della Ultra Heat models are rated to run in heating mode down to -13°F, and Ultra Hyper Heat (Optima Pro) models down to -22°F. Heating output drops at very low temperatures, so size the system with your climate in mind.

What is the difference between Della Ultra Heat and Ultra Hyper Heat?

Ultra Heat (Optima and Optima CloudAir) is rated down to -13°F and costs less. Ultra Hyper Heat (Optima Pro) is rated down to -22°F and includes Della‘s most efficient 25 SEER2 models.

Can a Della mini split be my only heat source?

In mild and moderate climates, often yes, if it’s sized correctly. In very cold regions, it’s smart to keep backup heat for the coldest nights.

Can I install a Della mini split myself?

Della includes an install kit, but the warranty generally requires installation by a licensed HVAC professional. Check the warranty terms before you decide.

Is a Della mini split cheaper than an electric space heater?

Usually yes. Even at 5°F, the Optima Pro CloudAir 12K produces about 1.8 units of heat per unit of electricity, compared with 1 for an electric heater.

Where does Della sell?

Della focuses on the US market, with free shipping on US orders. Check the Della shipping policy if you live elsewhere.