This is a single-zone ductless mini split heat pump system for heating and cooling one room or open area without ductwork. It's built for homeowners who need a wall-mounted system for a bedroom, living room, or addition, and want a choice of 12,000, 18,000, or 24,000 BTU capacity on a 208/230V circuit.
The Tosot Cardinal is a wall-mounted, single-zone heat pump system built for room-by-room comfort. All three variants covered on this listing — 12,000, 18,000, and 24,000 BTU — are matched, AHRI-rated outdoor/indoor combinations on a shared 208/230V platform, using R32 refrigerant and SEER2 ratings up to 24.5. Note: If you would like to review the manufacturer Product Specifications, Warranty, Brochure, etc., for this system, please refer to the "Resources (System Manuals and Warranty)" Tab above on this page.
System Components
- Outdoor condenser unit — model TAVCI7H4R12-S (12K), TAVCI7H4R18-S (18K), or TAVCI7H4R24-S (24K), matched to its corresponding indoor head
- Indoor wall-mounted unit — model TAVEM7H4R12-S (12K), TAVEM7H4R18-S (18K), or TAVEM7H4R24-S (24K)
- Each outdoor/indoor pair is sold and shipped together as a matched single-zone system for the selected capacity
Installation Requirements & Accessories
- Voltage: 208/230V, 60 Hz, single phase — required for all three variants (12K, 18K, 24K)
- Line set size: 1/4" & 1/2" for the 12,000 and 18,000 BTU variants; 1/4" & 5/8" for the 24,000 BTU variant
- Line set sold separately — not included with any variant on this listing
- Not compatible with 115V-only electrical circuits
- Wall mounting bracket/sleeve accessories not confirmed as included — [NEEDS VERIFICATION]
- Professional installation required — this is a standard flare-fitting system, not a pre-charged DIY kit
Pro-Installer Tip
Flare connections on R32 systems are unforgiving of under-torqued fittings — a loose flare nut on the 1/4" or 3/8" liquid line is the single most common source of slow refrigerant leaks and nuisance "E1" or low-charge fault codes down the line. Torque every flare joint to spec with a calibrated Digital Torque Wrench rather than "feel," and pull the line set down below 500 microns with a micron gauge before opening the service valves — this removes moisture and non-condensables that degrade SEER2 performance and compressor life over time. Refrigerant handling on this R32 system requires EPA Section 608 certification; do not open sealed refrigerant components without it.
Key Benefits
- Variable-speed inverter compressor for steady temperature control rather than on/off cycling
- SEER2 ratings up to 24.5 (12K/18K variants) and 23.5 (24K variant) for cooling efficiency
- Rated operation down to -20°F for cooling and -22°F for heating — suited to cold-climate low-ambient heating
- R32 refrigerant across all three variants
- Wall-mounted indoor head suited to bedrooms, living rooms, additions, and other single-room applications
Technical Table
| Spec | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage / Frequency / Phase | 208/230 - 60 Hz - Single Phase | V/Hz |
| Cooling Capacity — 12K variant | 12000 | BTU/h |
| Heating Capacity — 12K variant | 12000 | BTU/h |
| Amperage — 12K variant | 4.41 | A |
| SEER2 — 12K variant | 24.5 | — |
| Cooling Capacity — 18K variant | 18000 | BTU/h |
| Heating Capacity — 18K variant | 18000 | BTU/h |
| Amperage — 18K variant | 6.00 | A |
| SEER2 — 18K variant | 24.5 | — |
| Cooling Capacity — 24K variant | 24000 | BTU/h |
| Heating Capacity — 24K variant | 23000 | BTU/h |
| Amperage — 24K variant | 10.00 | A |
| SEER2 — 24K variant | 23.5 | — |
| Operating Ambient Temperature — Cooling | -20 | °F |
| Operating Ambient Temperature — Heating | -22 | °F |
| Line Set Size — 12K & 18K variants | 1/4" & 1/2" | in |
| Line Set Size — 24K variant | 1/4" & 5/8" | in |
| Indoor Unit Dimensions — 12K variant | 32 61/64" x 11 34/64" x 7 56/64" | in |
| Outdoor Unit Dimensions — 12K variant | 31 37/64" x 21 54/64" x 13 50/64" | in |
| Indoor Unit Dimensions — 18K variant | 39 6/64" x 12 16/64" x 8 47/64" | in |
| Outdoor Unit Dimensions — 18K variant | 37 46/64" x 24 63/64" x 15 53/64" | in |
| Indoor Unit Dimensions — 24K variant | 39 3/32" x 12 1/4" x 8 47/64" | in |
| Outdoor Unit Dimensions — 24K variant | 37 23/32" x 25 63/64" x 15 53/64" | in |
Note: See "Resources (System Manuals and Warranty)" Tab above for full specifications.
Compatibility & Fitment
- Compatible with dedicated 208/230V single-phase circuits — required for all three variants
- Each indoor wall-mount head is matched to its own outdoor condenser by model number (e.g., TAVCI7H4R12-S with TAVEM7H4R12-S)
- Not compatible with 115V-only circuits
- Line set is NOT included with any variant — purchase separately in the size matching your chosen capacity
- Not a listed match for indoor heads or outdoor units outside the TAVCI7H4R / TAVEM7H4R model family shown here
FAQ
What breaker size do I need for this system?
Breaker size is [NEEDS VERIFICATION] in the manufacturer data provided. What is confirmed: the 12,000 BTU variant draws 4.41A, the 18,000 BTU variant draws 6.00A, and the 24,000 BTU variant draws 10.00A, all on a 208/230V single-phase circuit. Confirm exact breaker sizing with a licensed electrician before installation.
Is professional installation required to keep the warranty valid, or is this a true DIY kit?
This is not a DIY quick-connect system. It uses standard flare fittings and requires a licensed HVAC professional to install, evacuate the line set, and charge the system to keep the manufacturer warranty valid.
Is the line set included, and if not, what size do I need to buy?
The line set is not included. For the 12,000 and 18,000 BTU variants, use 1/4" and 1/2" line set. For the 24,000 BTU variant, use 1/4" and 5/8" line set.
Does this system work in cold climates (low-ambient heating)?
Yes. The manufacturer data lists an operating ambient temperature range down to -20°F for cooling and -22°F for heating across all three variants.
Options & SKUs
| Variant | SKU | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 220V / 12,000 BTU | TAVCI/EM7H4R12-S | 1199.00 |
| 220V / 18,000 BTU | TAVCI/EM7H4R18-S | 1600.00 |
| 220V / 24,000 BTU | TAVCI/EM7H4R24-S | 1849.00 |
Compliance & Warranty
Installation by a licensed HVAC professional is required to maintain warranty. Full warranty terms are published by the manufacturer; refer to the "Resources (System Manuals and Warranty)" Tab above for complete details and warranty registration instructions. This product carries a California Proposition 65 warning per the manufacturer.