Current offer comparison — October 20, 2026 snapshot
These are DealsChecked feed observations collected at 08:24 UTC, not completed checkout tests. Cards can refresh separately. The merchant confirms the final price, seller, shipping, tax and return terms.
| Use | Product | Feed price | Feed discount | Offer type | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mild winters | DELLA Serena 12000 BTU Mini Split AC & Heat Pump, Energy Star 22 SEER2 1 Ton Inverter 115V Ductless AC System for Rooms up to 550 Sq.Ft, WiFi & Voice Control, Pre-Charged, 16.4ft Install KitShop on Amazon Details | $719.96 | 10% | Automatic discount | Shop on Amazon |
| Cold winters down to -13°F | DELLA Optima Series 12000 BTU Mini Split AC with Soft Airflow, Hyper Heat Down to -13°F, Up to 550 Sq. Ft, 23 SEER2 115V, Energy Star, WiFi & Alexa, Inverter AC,1 Ton Pre-Charged Heat Pump,16.4ft KitShop on Amazon Details | $824.47 | 15% | Automatic discount | Shop on Amazon |
How to choose between the Serena and the Optima
Both are current DELLA 12,000 BTU single-zone units with the same 550 sq ft room rating, a 115V version, the same 24.5-foot line-set pre-charge and the same warranty, so the comparison isolates winter heating range and efficiency.
Before opening either offer, look up the typical winter low for your area: if it regularly drops below 5°F, the Serena is outside its listed heating range.
How far down each unit heats
DELLA lists a 5°F - 125°F climate range for the Serena 12000 BTU, in 115V and 208-230V versions. DELLA lists a -13°F - 131°F climate range for the Optima 12000 BTU. DELLA lists the Serena 12000 BTU at 12000 BTU cooling, 12300 BTU heating, 22 SEER2 and up to 550 sq ft. DELLA lists the Optima 12000 BTU at 12000 BTU cooling, 12400 BTU heating, 23 SEER2 and up to 550 sq ft, on 115V. DELLA's comparison table rates the Serena 12000 BTU at 9.5 HSPF2 (Region IV). DELLA's comparison table rates the Optima 12000 BTU at 10 HSPF2 (Region IV). The heating range is the real difference; the efficiency gap is small. DELLA's climate range is an operating range, and its pages do not say how much heating output remains at the coldest end. The Amazon listing calls the Optima 'Hyper Heat', while DELLA's own page calls it 'Ultra Heat' with the same -13°F figure.
What installation and warranty they share
DELLA says the Serena comes pre-charged with R32 refrigerant for up to 24.5 feet of lineset and that its condenser and lines are not pre-vacuumed. DELLA says the Optima comes pre-charged with R454B refrigerant for up to 24.5 feet of lineset and that its condenser and lines are not pre-vacuumed. That means both need a vacuum pump step before the refrigerant is released, which many buyers hire an HVAC technician for. DELLA covers the Serena with a 1-year limited warranty and offers lifetime parts coverage when it is registered within 100 days. DELLA covers the Optima with the same 1-year limited warranty and lifetime parts coverage when it is registered within 100 days.
Which climate suits each unit
The Optima costs $104.51 more in this snapshot. In colder states such as the Upper Midwest and northern New England, where winter nights below 5°F are common, the Optima is the unit DELLA rates to keep heating, and the price difference is modest for that extra range. In the South, the Pacific coast and other mild-winter areas, the Serena's 5°F floor is rarely tested, so it is the better value. If you need heat below -13°F, look beyond both units.
Another brand we checked
We also checked a cold-climate unit from another brand. MRCOOL says its DIY Hyper Heat 12K is a 208/230V system that does not work with 115V circuits, heats down to -22°F, and uses a 25 ft line set designed to connect without vacuuming. That makes it a fit only if you can run a 230V circuit; both DELLA units in this guide offer 115V.
FAQ
Which selected offers are current?
2 current offers are confirmed for the selected products: $719.96–$969.96. These are automatic discounts; no code is required.
Can the DELLA Serena heat when it is below 5°F outside?
DELLA lists the Serena 12000 BTU's climate range as 5°F to 125°F, so it is not rated for heating below 5°F. The Optima is listed down to -13°F.
Can I install either unit myself?
Both come pre-charged for up to 24.5 feet of line set, but DELLA says the condenser and lines are not pre-vacuumed, so installation needs a vacuum step; many buyers hire a technician for it.
Do both run on a regular 115V circuit?
Yes. DELLA lists the Optima on 115V and offers the Serena in 115V and 208-230V versions; check the circuit and breaker with an electrician before installing.
Sources and method
The DELLA Serena 12000 BTU page , DELLA Optima 12000 BTU page and MRCOOL DIY Hyper Heat 12K page were checked October 20, 2026 UTC. Offer values are dated feed observations collected at 08:24 UTC. We have not tested these products ourselves; performance figures are manufacturer ratings.