This DELLA Vario vs Optima Mini Split comparison explains how each series handles cold winters. The Vario 12,000 BTU lists heating down to -4°F, the Optima down to -13°F, and the Optima Pro down to -22°F, with listed prices from $779.96 to $2,444.96. Readers see how the two series differ in efficiency, noise and coverage.
Key Takeaways
- At listed prices, the Optima 12,000 BTU costs $135 more than the Vario.
- A heating limit is not full power, and DELLA’s blog gives no low temperature capacity figures.
- Both series need professional installation, and lines come pre charged but not pre vacuumed.
- The Vario tri zone covers three rooms, up to 1,200 sq ft, from one outdoor unit.
Picking between the DELLA Vario and the Optima comes down to one number: how cold your winter gets. The Vario 12,000 BTU single zone model lists heating down to -4°F. The Optima lists heating down to -13°F. DELLA’s Optima Pro goes further, with heating listed down to -22°F. Those three numbers decide which mini split can keep a room warm on your coldest mornings and which one is built for deeper cold. This post explains how DELLA’s cold weather ratings differ, what each series offers, and how the two compare side by side. By the end, you will know which one matches your winter and what to check before you order.
Which one should you pick for winter?
Pick the Vario if deep cold is rare where you live, and pick the Optima if it is a regular part of your winter.
- Vario: DELLA’s blog places it in mild to moderately cold regions, where temperatures rarely dip below 0°F and a backup heat source is available.
- Optima: DELLA’s blog recommends it for regions with regular sub zero temperatures, or when the mini split is the main source of heat.
- Optima Pro: DELLA lists heating down to -22°F for this line, the lowest in its range.
How DELLA names its series
DELLA’s collection page groups its mini splits into series, and each series has its own cold weather limit.
- Econo: Heating down to 4°F.
- Motto and Umbra: Heating down to 19°F.
- Vario and Serena: The collection page lists -13°F, while the Vario 12,000 BTU single zone model lists -4°F and the Vario 28,000 BTU tri zone lists -13°F.
- Optima: Heating down to -13°F.
- Optima Pro (Ultra Hyper Heat): Heating down to -22°F.
What the temperature ratings really mean
A rating like -13°F tells you the lowest outdoor temperature where the unit still heats. It does not mean full power at that temperature. DELLA’s own blog says heat pumps lose some heating capacity as the temperature drops.
That blog does not give capacity numbers at specific low temperatures, so there is no figure to quote for how much any model loses. Check the product page for your exact model before you count on it as your main heat.
- Vario 12,000 BTU single zone: Lowest heating temperature of -4°F.
- Optima and Vario 28,000 BTU tri zone: Heating down to -13°F.
- Optima Pro: DELLA says its collection delivers heating down to -22°F and 100% heating capacity at 5°F. This is a claim for the collection, not a spec on each product page.
DELLA Vario: where it fits
The Vario is DELLA’s step up line for larger rooms, energy conscious homes and multi zone plans. It suits places where winters are cold but deep sub zero days are uncommon.
- SEER2 ratings of 19, 21 and 23 across the line.
- The 12,000 BTU model runs as quiet as 28 dBA indoors, lists an HSPF2 of 9.5 and uses R454B refrigerant.
- Coverage runs up to 550 sq ft on the 12,000 BTU single zone and up to 1,200 sq ft on the 28,000 BTU tri zone, with up to 400 sq ft per indoor unit.
- Both single zone and multi zone setups are available.
DELLA Optima: built for harsh winters
The Optima is DELLA’s cold climate line. DELLA’s blog says it uses Hyper Heat or Ultra Hyper Heat systems to keep producing warm air when temperatures fall well below zero.
- SEER2 ratings of 23, 24 and 25 across the line.
- The 12,000 BTU Ultra Heat model lists an HSPF2 of 10 and a climate range of -13°F to 131°F.
- DELLA’s blog lists Energy Star certification on all Optima models.
- Indoor noise starts at 30 dBA, and DELLA’s blog calls the difference from the Vario barely noticeable in daily use.
- DELLA’s product announcement describes a heated bottom coil for defrosting and gold plated fins.
Vario vs Optima side by side
| Vario 12,000 BTU 23 SEER2 | Optima 12,000 BTU 23 SEER2 Ultra Heat | |
| Listed price | $779.96 | $914.96 |
| HSPF2 | 9.5 | 10 |
| Lowest heating temperature | -4°F | -13°F |
| Indoor noise | 28 dBA | Not listed (page says “whisper quiet”) |
| Coverage | Up to 550 sq ft | Up to 550 sq ft |
| Refrigerant | R454B | R454B |
| App | Della+ | Della+ |
Both units cover the same room size and use the same app. At listed prices, the Optima costs $135 more and heats to a colder limit.
What both series share
- Both use the Della+ app, with Alexa voice control, geofencing and scheduling.
- WiFi connects on the 2.4 GHz band only.
- Voltage is 115V or 230V, depending on the model.
- Lines come pre charged for up to 24.5 ft, but they are not pre vacuumed, so the installer needs to vacuum them.
- DELLA’s blog says both require professional installation.
DELLA mini splits worth a look for cold winters
These four DELLA mini splits cover the range from milder winters to the deepest cold. The list starts with the Vario 12,000 BTU single zone, which lists heating down to -4°F, then the Vario 28,000 BTU tri zone for several rooms. It moves to the Optima 12,000 BTU Ultra Heat, listed down to -13°F, and ends with the Optima Pro CloudAir 12,000 BTU, which DELLA lists down to -22°F. Listed prices run from $779.96 to $2,444.96.
DELLA Vario Series
The Vario 12,000 BTU is DELLA’s single zone heat pump for rooms up to 550 sq ft. It suits homes where winters are cold but deep sub zero days are uncommon, since DELLA lists heating down to -4°F. It pairs a 23 SEER2 rating with indoor noise as low as 28 dBa.
- Climate range of -4°F to 122°F, with an HSPF2 rating of 9.5.
- Six modes: Auto, Cool, Heat, Fan only, Dehumidify and ECO.
- The Della+ app handles scheduling and timers, with geolocation and voice control also listed.
- DELLA lists self cleaning and auto defrost functions to keep upkeep low.
- Uses R454B refrigerant on a 208-230V system.
Price: Listed at $779.96, with 0% APR financing available and monthly payments from $70.40 shown. Free shipping and a 30 day money back guarantee apply, and the page lists 10% off a wall bracket and a 10 foot line set when added. Seniors and some other eligible groups can save 10% on this item, per the page.
DELLA Vario
This is DELLA’s multi room Vario system, with three 9,000 BTU indoor units running off one outdoor condenser. It suits homes with three separate spaces, such as bedrooms, a home office or a guest room, where each room needs its own temperature. DELLA lists heating down to -13°F, which is colder than the Vario 12,000 BTU single zone.
- Three indoor air handlers with separate controllers, so each room holds its own temperature.
- Covers up to 1,200 sq ft in total, with up to 400 sq ft per indoor unit.
- Heating is listed down to -13°F, and cooling works with outdoor temperatures as low as 5°F.
- Ratings of 20 SEER2 and 10.5 HSPF2, using R454B refrigerant on 230V.
- Indoor noise as low as 29 dBa, with Alexa support and scheduling through the Della+ app.
Price: Listed at $2,444.96, with 0% APR financing available and monthly payments from $118.55 shown. The page lists a limited offer: add this system and a tower fan to your cart to get the fan for $39. It also shows 10% off a disconnect box and a ground stand bracket when added.
DELLA Optima CloudAir
The Optima CloudAir 12,000 BTU is DELLA’s cold climate single zone heat pump for rooms up to 550 sq ft. It suits homes with real winters, since DELLA lists heating down to -13°F, and rooms where quiet matters, such as bedrooms, apartments, nurseries and home offices. It adds soft, indirect airflow, which DELLA says reduces harsh direct drafts.
- Climate range of -13°F to 131°F, with 12,400 BTU of heating and 12,000 BTU of cooling.
- A 23 SEER2 rating and an HSPF2 of 10, with ENERGY STAR certification listed.
- Sound levels as low as 30 dB in Mute Mode.
- Alexa and Della+ app control, plus an “I Feel” temperature sensor.
- Runs on 115V with a 25A max fuse, using R454B refrigerant.
Price: Listed at $914.96, with 0% APR financing available and monthly payments from $82.58 shown. Free shipping and a 30 day money back guarantee apply. The line set is an optional add on, and the page lists 10% off a disconnect box and a wall bracket when added.
DELLA Optima Pro CloudAir
The Optima Pro CloudAir is DELLA’s coldest climate single zone heat pump, for rooms up to 550 sq ft. It is for homes where winter lows go well below zero, or where the mini split is the main heat, since DELLA lists heating down to -22°F. It also uses soft, indirect airflow, which DELLA says reduces harsh direct drafts.
- Climate range of -22°F to 131°F, with 12,000 BTU of heating and cooling.
- DELLA says it keeps 100% heating capacity at 5°F.
- A 25 SEER2 rating and an HSPF2 of 10.5, with ENERGY STAR certification listed.
- Sound levels as low as 30 dB in Mute Mode, with Alexa and Della+ app control.
- Runs on 208-230V with a 20A max fuse, using R454B refrigerant and a 16.4 ft copper line.
Price: Listed at $1,249.96, with 0% APR financing available and monthly payments from $77.98 shown. Free shipping and a 30 day money back guarantee apply, and the page lists 10% off a disconnect box and a 10 foot line set when added.
Match the model to your winter
Match the model to the lowest temperature you see in a normal winter.
- Occasional sub zero days and a backup heat source: The Vario fits. The 12,000 BTU single zone lists heating down to -4°F.
- Regular sub zero days, or a mini split that is your main heat: The Optima fits, with heating listed down to -13°F. DELLA’s blog calls the noise difference from the Vario “barely noticeable in daily use.”
- The coldest places: The Optima Pro is the one to look at. DELLA says this line delivers heating down to -22°F.
Before you buy
- Installation: DELLA’s blog says professional installation is required for both series.
- Line set: The lines come pre charged for up to 24.5 ft, but they are not pre vacuumed, so the installer must vacuum them.
- Warranty: The standard warranty is 1 year limited. Lifetime parts coverage applies when you register within 100 days of purchase.
- Returns: DELLA offers a 30 day full refund, and you pay the return shipping.
- Rebates: Local rebates depend on your installation ZIP code, and the product page has a ZIP checker. The Optima 12,000 BTU Ultra Heat is Energy Star certified, so it may qualify.
Current offers
- Shipping: Free shipping sitewide.
- Financing: 0% APR financing is available.
- First order: 5% off your first DELLA system when you sign up with your email.
- Optima 12,000 BTU 23 SEER2 Ultra Heat: 12% off, applied automatically at checkout, per the product page.
- Rebates: Local rebates may be available. Enter your installation ZIP code to check.
FAQ
Can a Vario mini split heat in sub zero weather?
It depends on the model. The Vario 12,000 BTU single zone lists heating down to -4°F, so it stops short of the deepest cold. The Vario 28,000 BTU tri zone lists heating down to -13°F. DELLA’s blog places the Vario in regions where temperatures rarely dip below 0°F and a backup heat source is available. For regular sub zero winters, DELLA points to the Optima.
Is the Optima worth the extra cost over the Vario?
At listed prices, the Optima 12,000 BTU 23 SEER2 costs $914.96 and the Vario 12,000 BTU 23 SEER2 costs $779.96, a difference of $135. For that, the Optima heats down to -13°F instead of -4°F and lists an HSPF2 of 10 instead of 9.5. If your winters rarely reach those lows, the Vario covers the same 550 sq ft for less.
What does Ultra Hyper Heat mean?
Ultra Hyper Heat is the name DELLA gives to its Optima Pro line, built for the lowest outdoor temperatures. DELLA lists heating down to -22°F for this line and says it keeps 100% heating capacity at 5°F. These are claims for the collection, not specs on each product page. DELLA’s Optima models also use Hyper Heat or Ultra Hyper Heat systems to keep heating when temperatures fall well below zero.
Do the Vario and Optima use the same app?
Yes. Both series use the free Della+ app, which offers WiFi control, scheduling and geofencing, and both work with Alexa voice control. WiFi connects on the 2.4 GHz band only, so check your home network before setup. The Vario 12,000 BTU model also lists a remote and modes such as Auto, Cool, Heat, Fan only, Dehumidify and ECO.
Can I install a DELLA mini split myself?
DELLA’s blog says professional installation is required for both the Vario and the Optima. The lines come pre charged for up to 24.5 ft but are not pre vacuumed, so the installer must vacuum them. The standard warranty is 1 year limited, and lifetime parts coverage applies when you register within 100 days of purchase.
Summary
This post compared DELLA’s Vario and Optima mini splits for cold climates. It covered the Vario 12,000 BTU single zone at $779.96, the Vario 28,000 BTU tri zone at $2,444.96, the Optima 12,000 BTU Ultra Heat at $914.96 and the Optima Pro CloudAir 12,000 BTU at $1,249.96. Offers included free shipping, 0% APR financing and 5% off a first DELLA system.
The standout difference is the lowest heating temperature. The Vario single zone lists -4°F, the Optima lists -13°F, and DELLA says the Optima Pro delivers heating down to -22°F and keeps 100% heating capacity at 5°F. The Vario tri zone also stands out for heating three rooms from one outdoor unit, covering up to 1,200 sq ft with up to 400 sq ft per indoor unit.
Two steps help most. First, compare your coldest normal winter temperature with each model’s listed heating limit, since DELLA’s own blog says heat pumps lose some capacity as temperatures drop. Second, plan for professional installation, because DELLA’s blog says it is required and the lines are not pre vacuumed.
