Mini-split air conditioners keep you cool in hot weather. But, their efficiency can suffer due to the condensate pump. Regular mini-splits drain water by gravity, limiting where you can install them and sometimes causing mold. That’s where condensate pumps come in handy. They help maintain efficiency and solve installation issues. Here are some things to consider when buying a mini-split AC:
- Pump Capacity (L/h or GPH): Match pump capacity to your mini-split’s BTU rating. Consult a pump capacity chart to find the right fit. Choose a pump with a slightly higher capacity (10-20%) for peak performance.
- Lifting Height (m or ft): Consider the vertical rise needed to drain condensate and any horizontal run friction losses. Choose a pump with a maximum lift capacity exceeding the total rise.
- Noise Level (dB): Opt for pumps below 40 dB for a near-silent operation that won’t disrupt your comfort.
For more info on what to look for when buying a mini-split condensate pump, check out the “Buying Guide” later in the article. In the next section, we’ll list some of the best pumps, along with what’s good and not so good about them. Take a look and find the one that suits you best.
Best Mini Split Condensate Pump Table
| Best Mini Split Condensate Pump | Flow Rate(gpm) | Noise Level(dB) | Lifting Height(ft) | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Little Giant Mini-Split Condensate Pump | 1 | --- | 15 Feet | Check On Amazon |
| Fujiwara Condensate Pump | 0.17 | 18-21 | 32 Feet | Check On Amazon |
| Aquastrong Condensate Pump | 0.16 | 20 | 33 Feet | Check On Amazon |
| DEKOPRO Mini-Split Condensate Pump | 1.97 | --- | 20 Feet | Check On Amazon |
| Sauermann Condensate Pump | 0.83 | 20 | 33 Feet | Check On Amazon |
| Diversitech Condensate Pump | 1 | 19 | 6 feet | Check On Amazon |
| PumpSpy Condensate Pump | 2.88 | 20 | 18 feet | Check On Amazon |
Best Mini Split Condensate Pump Reviews
1. Little Giant Mini-Split Condensate Pump
Why It Made The Cut: With its reliable automatic operation and safety features, this is a top choice for efficiently removing condensate from various HVAC systems.
The Little Giant Condensate Pump is designed to effortlessly remove condensate produced by boilers, furnaces, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers, thanks to its vertical-type switch. Boasting a thermally protected motor with 1/50 HP power. The stainless steel motor shaft and thermal overload protection guarantee durability and safety. Additionally, the pump comes with a safety switch, offering the option to connect it to shut down the air conditioner condenser or wire it to an alarm to prevent tank overflow.
Best Features:
- Automatic operation for hassle-free condensate removal
- Vertical-type switch to reduce footprint
- Thermally protected motor for safety and durability
- Safety switch for additional protection against overflow
- CSA certification for reliability
Pros:
- Effortless automatic operation
- Compact design saves space
- Durable construction ensures long-term reliability
- Safety switch provides added peace of mind
Cons:
- May not be suitable for extremely high-flow applications
2. Fujiwara Condensate Pump
Why It Made The Cut: Best known for its small, wall-mounted design.
This pump is designed to be compact and sleek, perfect for mounting on walls. It’s versatile and suitable for various uses like HVAC systems, dehumidifiers, air conditioners, furnaces, and ice makers. With a flow rate of 40 liters per hour and a discharge head of 33 feet, it operates efficiently and quietly, producing less than 18 decibels of noise. Its probe induction technology automatically excludes water, so there’s no need for float induction, reducing the risk of abnormal drainage.
Best Features:
- Small, wall-mounted design for space-saving installation
- Super quiet operation, emitting less than 18 dB of noise
- Probe induction technology for automatic water exclusion
- Wide voltage design and low power consumption for energy efficiency
Pros:
- A space-saving design ideal for various applications
- Energy-saving technology reduces power consumption
- Versatile compatibility with a wide range of equipment
Cons:
- The installation process challenging without proper instructions
3. Aquastrong Condensate Pump
Why It Made The Cut: Excels in performance, safety, and ease of installation.
The third-best mini split condensate pump by Aquastrong is designed for top-notch performance, boasting a maximum flow rate of 9.6 gallons per hour (GPH) and a lifting height of up to 33 feet. It operates quietly at just 20 decibels, ensuring minimal disturbance. Equipped with a reliable hall switch for automatic operation and built to last, it also features a safety switch that can be directly connected to HVAC systems or alarms to prevent overflow. Its compact design, along with anti-vibration velcro strips, allows for easy installation in various settings. Maintenance is simple thanks to the removable tank and filter. It comes with a two-year warranty and professional tech support
Best Features:
- Reliable hall switch for auto operation and long service life
- High-level safety switch for overflow prevention
- Mini split design with flexible installation options
- Removable tank and filter for easy maintenance
Pros:
- High-performance motor ensures efficient condensate removal
- Auto operation and safety features provide peace of mind
- Flexible installation options accommodate various setups
- A two-year warranty and professional tech support offer added reassurance
Cons:
- May require additional accessories for installation
4. DEKOPRO Mini-Split Condensate Pump
Why It Made The Cut: This product boasts a robust motor, suitable for various tasks. With its automatic start and stop feature, it’s ideal for removing excess water from HVAC systems, etc.
The DEKOPRO pump comes with a robust 90W motor, capable of moving up to 118 gallons of water per hour. This makes it ideal for efficiently draining various systems like HVAC, furnaces, and ice makers. With its versatile design, including three inlets and a discharge adapter, it serves multiple purposes, acting as an HVAC condensation pump, furnace condensate pump, or ice maker drain pump. Plus, its automatic start/stop feature kicks in when the water level reaches 2 inches, ensuring hassle-free operation and turning off at 1.1 inches.
Best Features:
- Powerful 90W motor for reliable drainage
- Versatile design suitable for various applications
- Automatic start/stop function for hassle-free operation
- Safety switch for overflow prevention
- Complete set with hose and clamps for easy installation
Pros:
- Handles up to 118 gallons per hour
- Three inlets and discharge adapter for flexibility
- Safety switch provides added protection against overflow
Cons:
- Hose length may not be sufficient for all installations
5. Sauermann Condensate Pump
Why It Made The Cut: Offers excellent performance, reliability, and quietness. It’s perfect for cooling systems that are up to 5.6 tons in size.
Specifically designed for air conditioning units up to 5.6 tons, this pump features piston technology for reliable removal of condensates. Operating silently at only 20 dBA, it ensures minimal disturbance, while its anti-siphon feature prolongs the pump’s life. With its compact and reliable design, the SI-30-230V offers dependable performance in any environment.
Best Features:
- Designed for air conditioning units up to 5.6 tons
- Piston technology ensures reliable condensate removal
- Operates quietly at only 20 dBA
- Anti-siphon feature prolongs pump’s life
- Compact and reliable design for versatile use
Pros:
- High-performance pump suitable for various air conditioning units
- Quiet operation minimizes disruption in any environment
- Compact design allows for easy installation in tight spaces
Cons:
- Requires periodic maintenance for optimal performance
6. Diversitech Condensate Pump
Why It Made The Cut: It is notable for its clever design, adjustable speed, and sensor technology that doesn’t rely on floats.
This pump is designed to efficiently remove condensate or water discharge from HVAC/R equipment. It comes with variable speed and lift capabilities, making it ideal for various applications. What sets it apart is its floatless sensor, which prevents common issues like debris fouling and misalignment often found in traditional condensate pumps. Additionally, it includes a built-in overflow switch to safeguard against damage by shutting down the system before any issues occur. With this pump, you can rely on consistent and trouble-free operation.
Best Features:
- Variable speed and lift for efficient condensate removal
- Floatless sensor technology eliminates common pump problems
- Built-in overflow switch for added protection
- Compact design ideal for tight spaces
- Easy installation for hassle-free setup
Pros:
- Innovative floatless sensor technology ensures reliable operation
- Variable speed and lift capabilities for efficient condensate removal
- Built-in overflow switch provides added protection against damage
- Compact size allows for versatile installation options
Cons:
- Higher price point
7. PumpSpy Condensate Pump
Why It Made The Cut: Ability to start on its own, its high-quality features, and its simple installation process.
The Mini Split Condensate Pump by PumpSpy ranks seventh on our list, but it’s still a smart investment. It comes with an automatic start feature that detects and eliminates condensation from dehumidifiers, furnaces, or AC units. With a powerful 1/20 HP motor, it can lift water up to 18 feet, ensuring effective drainage. Its synchronous motor technology guarantees quiet and long-lasting performance, and the epoxy-protected encapsulated motor withstands exposure to water and moisture. Plus, it includes a safety switch for added protection, shutting off power to the connected unit if there’s excessive condensation.
Best Features:
- Self-starting mechanism for automatic operation
- High-performance motor with up to 18 feet of lift
- Synchronous motor technology for quiet operation
- Built-in safety switch for added protection
- Easy installation for new and replacement applications
Pros:
- Quiet operation minimizes noise disruption
- Versatile applications for various HVAC systems and equipment
Cons:
- Plastic construction may not be as durable
Factors To Consider For The Best Mini-Split Condensate Pumps
1. Flow Rate (GPM)
Flow rate (GPM) is a critical factor when selecting a mini split condensate pump. It indicates the volume of water the pump can remove per minute. The ideal flow rates usually fall between 0.16 to 1.97 gallons per minute (GPM). Smaller systems might be fine with a flow rate of about 0.16 GPM, but larger setups may need rates closer to 1.97 GPM to effectively remove condensate.
2. Lifting Height
Determining the lifting height, measured in feet, is important for the mini-split condensate pump to move water effectively upwards. The best range for this height is between 15 to 33 feet. If you’re installing the pump to move water to a higher point, it’s better to aim for a lifting height closer to 33 feet. This helps ensure the condensate is removed efficiently without causing any issues with the system’s performance.
3. Noise Level
It’s important to think about the noise level of a condensate pump. The best noise levels for these pumps are between 18 and 20 decibels (dB). Lower dB values mean the pump runs quieter, which is great for homes or offices where loud noises can be a problem. Choosing a pump with noise levels around 18 dB will keep things peaceful while still getting rid of condensation effectively.
4. Voltage
The best voltage range is between 110 and 240 volts. If you need more power and efficiency, go for a pump with higher voltage, which is great for bigger systems or places with greater needs. On the other hand, if you want something more energy-efficient, opt for a pump with lower voltage, which could work well for smaller setups. Picking the right voltage ensures that the pump will work well with your system.
5. Tank Capacity
The size of the tank in a mini split condensate pump is important for how much water it can hold. The best tank sizes are usually between 2 to 4 liters. Bigger tanks can hold more water, meaning you won’t have to empty them as often, and your pump can keep working without interruptions. If you have a small system, a 2-liter tank might be okay, but for bigger setups, it’s better to go for a pump with a 4-liter tank.
6. Wattage
The ideal wattage typically falls between 60 to 90 watts. Pumps with higher wattage provide more power and efficiency, which works well for bigger systems or installations with greater needs. On the other hand, pumps with lower wattage are more energy-efficient and can work fine for smaller setups.
7. Warranty
The best warranties last between 1 to 2 years. When warranties are longer, they give you extra protection and make you feel more secure, because you know you can get help or a replacement if something goes wrong with your pump. Sometimes, you can even find pumps with even longer warranties.
Mini Split Condensate Pump – FAQs
Ans: Regular maintenance, including cleaning the pump, checking for clogs, and inspecting the float switch, should be performed at least once every six months to ensure proper functionality.
Ans: While condensate pumps are primarily designed for HVAC systems, some models may be suitable for other applications such as dehumidifiers or ice makers.
Ans: Consider factors such as the size of your HVAC system, the amount of condensate produced, and the vertical lift required for drainage to determine the appropriate pump size.
Ans: Yes, condensate pumps are designed to handle high-humidity environments commonly found in HVAC systems, effectively removing excess condensate to prevent damage.
Ans: Yes, condensate pumps are typically designed to accommodate both horizontal and vertical installation orientations, providing flexibility in placement to suit various HVAC system configurations.
Conclusion
Selecting the best mini split condensate pump is crucial for maintaining the efficiency and longevity of your HVAC system. By considering factors such as flow rate, lifting height, noise level, voltage compatibility, tank capacity, and warranty coverage, you can ensure optimal condensate removal and system performance. Whether you prioritize efficiency, quiet operation, or budget-friendly options, there’s a condensate pump available to meet your specific needs. Choose a quality condensate pump to safeguard your HVAC system and enjoy uninterrupted comfort in your home or business.
- The Little Giant Mini-Split Condensate Pump stands out as a top pick for effective condensate removal in HVAC systems. Featuring a vertical-type switch and a motor with thermal protection, it seamlessly eliminates condensate buildup. Its stainless steel motor shaft guarantees durability, and the safety switch prevents any potential overflow.
- The FUJIWARA Mini Split Condensate Mini Pump provides effective condensate removal for a range of HVAC systems. Its compact, wall-mounted design conserves space, and its probe induction technology guarantees automatic water exclusion, minimizing the possibility of irregular drainage. Operating quietly and compatible with a wide voltage range, it is suitable for diverse indoor settings.
- The Aquastrong Mini Split Condensate Pump is a cost-effective solution for removing condensate from air conditioners and furnaces. Its strong motor and automatic safety switch ensure efficient operation. The compact design allows for easy installation, and the included power cord adds convenience. This pump offers essential functionality at a great price, making it a smart choice for those watching their budget.
