What is the best 3-ton central heat pump?

On certified efficiency, the TOSHIBA CARRIER MCY-MUB0368HS2P-UL leads at 29.7 SEER2 and 12.2 HSPF2. For cold climates the Lennox EL21KLV-036-230A has the best efficiency at 5°F (COP 2.48). The right pick depends on your climate, so compare the lists above.

How much does a 3-ton central heat pump cost to run?

A typical 3-ton central heat pump (17.0 SEER2, 9.5 HSPF2) uses about $1,043 of electricity a year in a mixed climate like Atlanta, roughly $87 a month on average. Across U.S. climates it ranges from $1,043 to $2,021 a year. The most efficient model in this class saves about $316 a year in Atlanta.

Which 3-ton central heat pump works best in cold weather?

Look for ENERGY STAR cold-climate certification (200 of 302 qualify). The Lennox EL21KLV-036-230A has the highest COP at 5°F in this class (2.48) and delivers 25,400 BTU/h at 5°F. Cold-climate units are often marketed as hyper-heat or low-ambient models.

Best 3-ton central heat pumps

302 ENERGY STAR certified 3-ton central heat pumps from 100 brands, ranked on their official ratings. Here are the winners for each kind of home, then the full list.

Best overall

TOSHIBA CARRIER MCY-MUB0368HS2P-UL

3 ton central · cold-climate certified

SEER2: 29.7
HSPF2: 12.2
Heat at 5°F: 28,200

Highest seasonal cooling efficiency of all 302 3-ton central heat pumps, with 12.2 HSPF2 for heating.

Full specs and running cost

Best for cold winters

Lennox EL21KLV-036-230A

3 ton central · Elite EL21KLV SERIES · cold-climate certified

SEER2: 20.0
HSPF2: 10.4
COP at 5°F: 2.48

Cold-climate certified, with one of the best efficiencies at 5°F in this size (COP 2.48).

Full specs and running cost

Best for hot summers

Armstrong Air 4SHP17LE136P-**A

3 ton central · 4SHP17 SERIES

SEER2: 16.8
HSPF2: 8.7
EER2: 14.0

EER2 of 14.0: among the most efficient on a 95°F afternoon.

Full specs and running cost

Area one unit coversabout 1,200-2,000 sq ft
Typical running cost$1,043/yr in Atlanta
Average efficiency17.5 SEER2
Cold-climate certified200 of 302

Compare all 302 3-ton central heat pumps

302 models, ranked by SEER2 (cooling efficiency), then HSPF2.

#							Cold
1	TOSHIBA CARRIER MCY-MUB0368HS2P-ULMCY-MUB0368HS2P-UL	3-ton	29.7	17.2	12.2	28,200	Yes	7
2	LG KUSXA361AKUSXA361A	3-ton	23.5	13.7	10.5	36,000	Yes	9
3	Carrier 27VNA336A*030Infinity 23 VS Heat Pump	3-ton	22.5	12.5	9.5	29,600	Yes	564
4	Comfortmaker C5H3V36KAAASoftSound 23 VS Heat Pump	3-ton	22.5	12.5	9.5	29,600	Yes	1692
5	Heil H5H3V36KAAAQUIETCOMFORT DELUXE 23 VS HP	3-ton	22.5	12.5	9.5	29,600	Yes	2256
6	Tempstar B5H3V36KAAASmartSense 23 VS HP	3-ton	22.5	12.5	9.5	29,600	Yes	4626
7	Tempstar T5H3V36KAAASmartSense 23 VS HP	3-ton	22.5	12.5	9.5	29,600	Yes	564
8	LG KUSXB361AKUSXB361A	3-ton	22.0	13.0	10.3	35,000	Yes	9
9	Trane/American Standard 5HCL9036A1000AP series	3-ton	21.2	12.1	9.2	38,000	Yes	1
10	Trane 5TWV0X36A120 TruComfort Variable Speed Heat Pump	3-ton	21.0	13.0	10.5	25,400	Yes	112
11	Daikin DH9VSA361CADH9VSA	3-ton	21.0	12.0	10.0	34,200	Yes	33
12	Friedrich FRP19AY36AJVCK-SERIES	3-ton	21.0	12.0	10.0	29,600	Yes	37
13	Goodman GZV9SA361CAGZV9SA	3-ton	21.0	12.0	10.0	34,200	Yes	31
14	Rheem RP19AY36AJVCPRESTIGE SERIES	3-ton	21.0	12.0	10.0	29,600	Yes	19
15	Ruud UP19AY36AJVCULTRA SERIES	3-ton	21.0	12.0	10.0	29,600	Yes	27
16	Sure SP19AY36AJVCVANTIX	3-ton	21.0	12.0	10.0	29,600	Yes	38
17	Lennox SL22KLV-036-230ADAVE LENNOX SIGNATURE SL22KLV SERIES	3-ton	20.5	13.6	10.5	34,000	Yes	80
18	GE NS22H36MA4-**ANS22H SERIES	3-ton	20.5	12.0	9.0	18,600	No	73
19	American Standard 4A6V0X36A1PLATINUM 20	3-ton	20.5	12.7	8.7	22,400	Yes	212
20	Trane 4TWV0X36A1XV20I	3-ton	20.5	12.7	8.7	22,400	Yes	210
21	Electric Air EA-RW36DCURedwood	3-ton	20.2	11.5	10.2	25,000	Yes	1
22	SAMYOU VUH36-VA6BA(O)VSHP	3-ton	20.2	11.5	10.2	25,000	Yes	2
23	Armstrong Air A7CP21V36P-**AA7CP21V SERIES	3-ton	20.0	11.7	10.4	25,400	Yes	529
24	GE NS21H36MA5-**ANS21H Series	3-ton	20.0	12.2	10.4	24,400	Yes	133
25	Lennox EL21KLV-036-230AElite EL21KLV SERIES	3-ton	20.0	11.7	10.4	25,400	Yes	299
26	Bosch BOHA-36MTB-M18SIDS Edge	3-ton	20.0	13.3	10.1	36,000	Yes	19
27	Midea MDV-V36WMN10TATOM X	3-ton	20.0	13.3	10.1	36,000	Yes	11
28	Midea MDV-V36WMN10T(B)MDV Series	3-ton	20.0	13.3	10.1	36,000	Yes	18
29	Fujitsu FOP1936MJAYCAF Series	3-ton	20.0	12.5	9.5	29,400	Yes	1
30	AC Pro SPHP-B-36VBBB-Series	3-ton	20.0	13.3	9.4	24,000	Yes	2
31	Innovair GOV36H2BAGT4	3-ton	20.0	13.3	9.4	24,000	Yes	2
32	Armstrong Air 4SHP22LX136P-**A4SHP22LX Series	3-ton	20.0	12.0	9.0	18,300	No	2
33	Friedrich FRP18AZ36AJVCK-SERIES	3-ton	20.0	12.5	8.5	43,000	Yes	3
34	Rheem RP18AZ36AJVCPRESTIGE SERIES	3-ton	20.0	12.5	8.5	43,500	Yes	12
35	Ruud UP18AZ36AJVCULTRA SERIES	3-ton	20.0	12.5	8.5	43,500	Yes	13
36	Airquest H5H0V36KAAADeluxe 20 VS Heat Pump	3-ton	19.5	11.5	9.5	26,000	Yes	1199
37	Carrier 27VNA036A*030Infinity 20 VS Heat Pump	3-ton	19.5	11.5	9.5	26,000	Yes	300
38	Day & Night C5H0V36KAAAConstantComfort 20 VS HP	3-ton	19.5	11.5	9.5	26,000	Yes	900
39	Heil B5H0V36KAAAQUIETCOMFORT DELUXE 20 VS HP	3-ton	19.5	11.5	9.5	26,000	Yes	2465
40	Trane/American Standard 5HPL9036A1000AP series	3-ton	19.5	12.1	9.2	20,000	No	1
41	GE Appliances NS18H36HA5Connect	3-ton	19.3	11.7	9.6	30,800	Yes	386
42	Lennox EL18KSLV-036-230AElite EL18KSLV Series	3-ton	19.3	11.7	9.6	30,800	Yes	355
43	Bosch BOVB-36MTB-M19EIDS Ultra	3-ton	19.0	12.0	10.0	36,600	Yes	31
44	Midea MOVA-36HDN10-M20GX30H-LGWP	3-ton	19.0	12.0	10.0	36,600	Yes	23
45	York YDC36E2D11YDC	3-ton	19.0	12.0	10.0	36,600	Yes	7
46	Trane 5TCV0X48A120 TruComfort Variable Speed Cold Climate Heat Pump	3-ton	19.0	12.0	9.7	45,000	Yes	1
47	Armstrong Air A7SCP18V36P-**AA7SCP18V Series	3-ton	19.0	11.7	9.6	30,800	Yes	432
48	Bosch BOHA-36RTB-M18SIDS Edge	3-ton	19.0	11.8	9.5	34,000	Yes	15
49	Haier 1U36T3PC*HEConnect	3-ton	19.0	11.7	9.5	30,000	Yes	177
50	Luxaire XH936E2C11LX SERIES	3-ton	19.0	11.0	9.5	33,600	Yes	786
51	Midea MDV-V36WMN10T(A)MDV Series	3-ton	19.0	11.8	9.5	34,000	Yes	14
52	York HH836E2S11LX SERIES	3-ton	19.0	11.0	9.5	27,200	Yes	5243
53	York YH936E2C11LX SERIES	3-ton	19.0	11.0	9.5	33,600	Yes	197
54	TCL H36TDH18XACIVS 18	3-ton	19.0	10.0	9.0	26,000	Yes	3
55	TCL THH36TEI2NAI0D24AHUD24	3-ton	19.0	10.0	9.0	26,000	Yes	2
56	YISO YOHA8-36AUltra	3-ton	19.0	10.8	9.0	25,200	Yes	3
57	ZERO ZOV-36HDTBZ-MAX	3-ton	19.0	10.0	9.0	26,000	Yes	1
58	Daikin DH7VSA3610ADH7VSA	3-ton	19.0	10.5	8.8	29,000	Yes	69
59	Fujitsu FOP1836MJAZCAF Series	3-ton	19.0	12.5	8.5	43,000	Yes	1
60	GREE FXE36HP230V1R32AOFLEXX Eco Series	3-ton	19.0	11.7	8.5	21,600	No	2
61	Lennox EL19KPV-036-230AElite EL19KPV SERIES	3-ton	19.0	11.2	8.5	17,700	No	154
62	Ruud RD17AZ36AJ3NVANTIX	3-ton	19.0	12.0	8.5	29,800	Yes	201
63	Sure SP18AZ36AJVCVANTIX	3-ton	19.0	12.5	8.5	43,500	Yes	24
64	Blueridge BNG2Z36SCMNG2	3-ton	19.0	11.5	8.3	21,600	No	1
65	TOSOT TU36W-GDUG Series	3-ton	19.0	11.7	8.3	21,600	No	1
66	Concord 7SCP18V36P-**A7SCP18V Series	3-ton	18.7	11.0	9.6	30,800	Yes	582
67	COSTWAY FP10982USFP10982US	3-ton	18.6	11.7	9.0	24,000	Yes	1
68	GREE FXU36HP230V1R45AOF Series	3-ton	18.5	11.0	10.0	30,200	Yes	2
69	VillaTherm VHP-UCHA-36HDCT-AT2 Series	3-ton	18.5	11.3	10.0	25,600	Yes	5
70	ECOER EODA18H-2436BAAESi Decades Extreme	3-ton	18.5	11.7	9.0	24,600	Yes	2
71	UTL UCHA-36HDCTAHU	3-ton	18.5	11.3	9.0	25,000	Yes	3
72	UTL UCHA-36HDCTN2T* Series	3-ton	18.5	11.3	9.0	25,000	Yes	1
73	Invertercool COH17S-36ADR32 Heat Pump	3-ton	18.5	12.0	8.8	24,000	Yes	2
74	Coleman HMH72B341HMH7	3-ton	18.5	10.0	8.5	25,000	Yes	5046
75	TOSOT TUD36-36W2/NHG-D(U)G Series	3-ton	18.5	11.2	8.5	21,600	No	2
76	Samsung AC036BXUPCHHylex	3-ton	18.5	10.5	8.4	34,600	Yes	2
77	GREE WLUD36W2/NHG-D(U)G Series	3-ton	18.5	11.2	8.3	21,600	No	1
78	AUX AHU36HPV1BOB-Series	3-ton	18.2	10.0	10.0	38,000	Yes	1
79	BOREAL ENX36HPJ132OAEnermaxx	3-ton	18.2	11.2	10.0	34,000	Yes	6
80	TOSOT HP-UA36/OE Series	3-ton	18.2	11.2	10.0	34,000	Yes	1
81	TOSOT TU36-24WEDUE Series	3-ton	18.2	11.2	10.0	34,000	Yes	2
82	TOSOT TU36W-EDUFLEXX High-efficiency Series	3-ton	18.2	11.2	10.0	34,000	Yes	3
83	ACIQ ACIQ-36-HPDACIQ Series	3-ton	18.0	12.0	10.3	39,000	Yes	13
84	AI AIR CONDITIONING AUO19-36N2-M3H-SAU Series	3-ton	18.0	12.0	10.3	39,000	Yes	6
85	Blueridge BMSAH36HHCBMS Series	3-ton	18.0	12.0	10.3	39,000	Yes	2
86	Blueridge BNG3A36UCNBNG Series	3-ton	18.0	12.0	10.3	39,000	Yes	4
87	Carrier 37MUHAQ36AA345M Series	3-ton	18.0	12.0	10.3	39,000	Yes	38
88	ComfortStar CPH3H-36CD(O)CPH Series	3-ton	18.0	12.0	10.3	39,000	Yes	3
89	Day & Night D5CUHAH36AAKD5F Series	3-ton	18.0	12.0	10.3	39,000	Yes	89
90	Innovair SHV36H2BBSAV Series	3-ton	18.0	12.0	10.3	39,000	Yes	9
91	Mainline ML36HP230LMNTH-OML Series	3-ton	18.0	12.0	10.3	39,000	Yes	22
92	MDV MOX630-36HFN10-M3XMVB Series	3-ton	18.0	12.0	10.3	39,000	Yes	61
93	Midea MO1SE-H36B-2AMAU Series	3-ton	18.0	12.0	10.3	39,000	Yes	120
94	MOOVAIR MSHMB36R2AN1MAH Series	3-ton	18.0	12.0	10.3	39,000	Yes	9
95	NOVAIR LEA36CEN36-OLEA Series	3-ton	18.0	12.0	10.3	39,000	Yes	7
96	1HVAC ACIQ-36-HP32R32 Extreme Heat Unitary	3-ton	18.0	11.2	10.0	34,000	Yes	4
97	Cooper&Hunter CH-PQ36X-230VOCH Series	3-ton	18.0	12.0	10.0	37,400	Yes	4
98	MDV MOE30-36HFN10-M3XMVB Series	3-ton	18.0	12.0	10.0	36,000	Yes	1
99	MRCOOL UHP18036-OUHP Series	3-ton	18.0	12.0	10.0	37,400	Yes	7
100	TOSOT TU36-32WEDUTOSOT NOVA Series	3-ton	18.0	11.2	10.0	34,000	Yes	1
101	UTL UCHA-36HDCTRN2TOP-DISCHARGE	3-ton	18.0	11.0	10.0	25,600	Yes	1
102	Pioneer YH3036GHFD18R2DYR Inverter Plus	3-ton	18.0	10.1	9.5	26,000	Yes	1
103	TCL H36SDH20XQCApex XS Series Unitary HP	3-ton	18.0	11.0	9.5	36,000	Yes	1
104	MDV MOD30-36HFN8-M3MVB Series	3-ton	18.0	11.0	9.3	29,800	Yes	1
105	Bryant 249VAN036**AAPreferred 19 SEER2 VS HP	3-ton	18.0	13.5	9.0	26,600	Yes	476
106	Carrier 27VPA936A*030Performance 19 SEER2 VS HP	3-ton	18.0	13.5	9.0	26,600	Yes	497
107	Heil N5H9V36KAAAPerformance 19 SEER2 VS HP	3-ton	18.0	13.5	9.0	26,600	Yes	3600
108	Tempstar Q5H9V36KAAAQuietComfort 19 SEER2 VS HP	3-ton	18.0	13.5	9.0	26,600	Yes	3150
109	UTL UCHA-36HDCSN2SIDE-DISCHARGE	3-ton	18.0	11.0	9.0	26,000	Yes	2
110	UTL UCHA-36HDCSN4SIDE-DISCHARGE	3-ton	18.0	11.0	9.0	26,000	Yes	4
111	VillaTherm VHPSD-UCHA-36HDCSNSIDE-DISCHARGE	3-ton	18.0	11.0	9.0	26,000	Yes	1
112	VillaTherm VHPSD-UCHA-36HDCSN4SIDE-DISCHARGE	3-ton	18.0	11.0	9.0	26,000	Yes	3
113	American Standard 4A6L9036A1Platinum 19	3-ton	18.0	12.0	8.7	-	No	10
114	Trane 4TWL9036A1XV19	3-ton	18.0	12.0	8.7	-	No	9
115	American Standard 4A6V8X36A1Platinum 18	3-ton	18.0	12.0	8.5	21,000	No	130
116	Trane 4TWV8X36A1XV18I	3-ton	18.0	12.0	8.5	21,000	No	129
117	ApooDr AHU3G-36HFN-BAHU Series	3-ton	17.7	12.0	10.0	32,600	Yes	2
118	KEEN Home KEENULDHP36AAKEEN Series	3-ton	17.7	12.0	10.0	32,600	Yes	1
119	Mainline ML33HP230LMNTH-OML Series	3-ton	17.7	12.0	10.0	32,600	Yes	4
120	MDV MOD30-36HFN10-M3XMVB Series	3-ton	17.7	12.0	10.0	32,600	Yes	5
121	Midea MO1HE-H36B-2AMAU Series	3-ton	17.7	12.0	10.0	32,600	Yes	2
122	Mitsutomo UHO36-NB-LD-QUHO Series	3-ton	17.7	12.0	10.0	32,600	Yes	1
123	Breeze33 BZ33-INV36OUT2-JBZ33 series	3-ton	17.6	10.2	10.0	33,400	Yes	3
124	DIYCOOL ACIQ-36-HPBACIQ series	3-ton	17.6	10.2	10.0	36,000	Yes	23
125	Innovair SHV36H2R20DEV series	3-ton	17.6	10.2	10.0	36,000	Yes	5
126	MDV MOE31U-36HFN1-MMVC SERIES	3-ton	17.6	10.2	10.0	36,000	Yes	15
127	Multi MFG HHS-36HD-AHHS Series	3-ton	17.6	10.2	9.9	36,000	Yes	3
128	Daikin DZ6VSA361EADZ6VS	3-ton	17.5	10.0	8.6	30,000	Yes	4
129	Lennox ML16KP2-036-230AMerit ML16KP2 SERIES	3-ton	17.5	13.0	8.5	19,100	No	87
130	Samsung AC036FCUPCGHylex - Premium	3-ton	17.5	12.0	8.5	39,000	Yes	8
131	Capella CCB1-H36A-OCAHB Series	3-ton	17.4	11.7	10.3	39,000	Yes	6
132	Comfort-Aire A-VXP36SA-1A Series	3-ton	17.4	11.7	10.3	39,000	Yes	12
133	DIRECT AIR DIRM4-36MAGICPRO20-OUDIR Series	3-ton	17.4	11.7	10.3	39,000	Yes	8
134	DuraSTAR DRU1H36S2ADRU Series	3-ton	17.4	11.7	10.3	39,000	Yes	47
135	ECO-AIR ECUO-36HECU Series	3-ton	17.4	11.7	10.3	39,000	Yes	13
136	ECOER ESCA17H-36ABASDi Extreme 2	3-ton	17.4	11.7	10.3	39,000	Yes	2
137	Elios ESHMB36R2AN1ESH Series	3-ton	17.4	11.7	10.3	39,000	Yes	5
138	InfinityLiving EZ-36-HPBEZ Series	3-ton	17.4	11.7	10.3	39,000	Yes	4
139	KEEN Home KEENHYDHP36AAKEEN Series	3-ton	17.4	11.7	10.3	39,000	Yes	2
140	MRCOOL CENTRAL-36-HP-C-230B00-OMVP Series	3-ton	17.4	11.7	10.3	39,000	Yes	21
141	Multi MFG HHS-36HD-BHHS Series	3-ton	17.4	11.7	10.3	39,000	Yes	3
142	Panasonic CU-HM36BAHUCU Series	3-ton	17.4	11.7	10.3	39,000	Yes	8
143	TRUST AIR CONDITIONERS AA36H/O64PAA Series	3-ton	17.4	11.7	10.3	39,000	Yes	3
144	ZERO ZSOVA-36HDMB-USHHZAVA Series	3-ton	17.4	11.7	10.3	39,000	Yes	1
145	Jetson HP-36ODU-002HP Series	3-ton	17.2	11.7	9.5	36,000	Yes	2
146	Trane 5TWR7036A117 Multi-Speed Heat Pump	3-ton	17.1	12.5	9.4	24,800	Yes	516
147	Trane 4TWV7X36A1XV17	3-ton	17.1	12.0	8.5	21,000	No	144
148	AC Pro AOE31U-36HFN1-MAVBL series	3-ton	17.0	10.0	9.9	36,000	Yes	1
149	Friedrich FRP17AY36AJVCF-Series Plus	3-ton	17.0	11.0	9.5	31,400	Yes	242
150	Rheem RP17AY36AJVCAchiever Plus	3-ton	17.0	11.0	9.5	31,400	Yes	247
151	Sure SP17AY36AJVCNONE	3-ton	17.0	11.0	9.5	31,400	Yes	122
152	TCL H36TDHXPCFront return	3-ton	17.0	11.0	9.5	36,000	Yes	1
153	Trane 5HCL5036A15HCL5 Cold Climate	3-ton	17.0	11.7	9.4	36,000	Yes	2
154	1HVAC SC-2436-HPUltra Heat Unitary Condensing Unit	3-ton	17.0	12.0	9.0	28,000	Yes	8
155	Airquest D5CUHAH36AAK+KSAIC0701230Crossover Heat Pump	3-ton	17.0	10.0	9.0	31,600	Yes	2537
156	Airtemp GXH24-36MSK4DHUltra Side Discharge	3-ton	17.0	12.0	9.0	28,000	Yes	14
157	Carrier 37MUHAQ36AA3+KSAIC0701230Crossover Heat Pump	3-ton	17.0	10.0	9.0	31,600	Yes	1145
158	MRCOOL MDUO18024036Universal	3-ton	17.0	12.0	9.0	28,000	Yes	2
159	Trane 4TXD2036A10NUResolute	3-ton	17.0	12.0	9.0	28,000	Yes	4
160	Bryant 248TAN036**AA2-STAGE 18 SEER HP	3-ton	17.0	13.0	8.5	19,600	No	274
161	Bryant PH8TAN536**AA2-STAGE 18 SEER HP	3-ton	17.0	13.0	8.5	19,600	No	587
162	Carrier 27TPA836A**302-STAGE 18 SEER HP	3-ton	17.0	13.0	8.5	19,600	No	285
163	Carrier GH8TAN536**AA2-STAGE 18 SEER HP	3-ton	17.0	13.0	8.5	19,600	No	559
164	Friedrich RD16AY36AJVCVANTIX	3-ton	17.0	11.0	8.5	20,200	Yes	120
165	Grandaire W5H8T36KAAA2-STAGE 18 SEER HP	3-ton	17.0	13.0	8.5	19,600	No	138
166	Heil N5H8T36KAAA2-STAGE 18 SEER HP	3-ton	17.0	13.0	8.5	19,600	No	2449
167	Luxaire XH636E2S11LX SERIES	3-ton	17.0	12.0	8.5	19,800	No	2625
168	WeatherMaker PH8TAN536**AB2-STAGE 18 SEER HP	3-ton	17.0	13.0	8.5	19,600	No	104
169	York YH636E2S11LX SERIES	3-ton	17.0	12.0	8.5	19,800	No	496
170	Samsung AC036BXUDCHHylex	3-ton	17.0	9.0	8.1	31,600	Yes	2
171	Coleman HC19B3621ECHELON	3-ton	17.0	12.0	7.8	18,400	No	27
172	Luxaire HL19B3621ACCLIMATE	3-ton	17.0	12.0	7.8	18,400	No	96
173	York YZT36B21AFFINITY	3-ton	17.0	12.5	7.8	18,400	No	27
174	UTL UCHA-36HFDCSN4Wall-Mount AHU	3-ton	16.8	9.8	9.0	25,200	Yes	1
175	Armstrong Air 4SHP17LE136P-**A4SHP17 SERIES	3-ton	16.8	14.0	8.7	19,300	No	908
176	Blueridge BHP17L36P-**ABHP17 SERIES	3-ton	16.8	13.5	8.7	19,100	No	131
177	Comfort-Aire HRG1536S1R-**AHRG15 SERIES	3-ton	16.8	13.5	8.7	19,100	No	243
178	Concord 4HP17L36P-**A4HP17 SERIES	3-ton	16.8	14.0	8.7	19,200	No	1578
179	GE NS17H36SA4-**ANS17H	3-ton	16.8	14.0	8.7	19,300	No	305
180	Lennox EL17XP1-036-230AELITE EL17XP1 Series	3-ton	16.8	13.5	8.7	19,300	No	570
181	Lennox ML17XP1-036-230AMERIT ML17XP1 Series	3-ton	16.8	13.5	8.7	19,300	No	757
182	Carrier 37MURAQ36AA345M Series	3-ton	16.7	10.2	9.3	29,200	Yes	10
183	Day & Night D5CURAH36AAKD5F Series	3-ton	16.7	10.2	9.3	29,200	Yes	30
184	DuraSTAR DRU1U36S2ADRU Series	3-ton	16.7	10.2	9.3	29,200	Yes	13
185	Elios ESHEA36R2AN1ESH Series	3-ton	16.7	10.2	9.3	29,200	Yes	2
186	Innovair SOV36H2BASAV Series	3-ton	16.7	10.2	9.3	29,200	Yes	3
187	Mainline ML36HP230LMNT-OML Series	3-ton	16.7	10.2	9.3	29,200	Yes	6
188	MDV MOD30-36HFN10-M3MVB Series	3-ton	16.7	10.2	9.3	29,200	Yes	18
189	Midea MO1BE-H36B-2AMAU Series	3-ton	16.7	10.2	9.3	29,200	Yes	29
190	MOOVAIR MSHEA36R2AN1MAH Series	3-ton	16.7	10.2	9.3	29,200	Yes	2
191	MRCOOL MHP17L36P-**AMHP17L Series	3-ton	16.6	13.0	8.7	19,100	No	7
192	MRCOOL MHP17036A-**AMHP17 SERIES	3-ton	16.6	13.5	8.1	17,600	No	13
193	Carrier 37MUHAQ36AA3+TIC2025-0016Crossover Heat Pump	3-ton	16.5	10.0	8.5	31,000	Yes	3
194	Heil D5CUHAH36AAK+TIC2025-0016Crossover Heat Pump	3-ton	16.5	10.0	8.5	31,000	Yes	8
195	Heil H5H8T36KAAAMainline 18 SEER2 HP	3-ton	16.5	12.5	8.5	19,600	No	564
196	Kenmore (C,H,T)5H8T36KAAAMainline 18 SEER2 HP	3-ton	16.5	12.5	8.5	19,600	No	186
197	Tempstar T5H8T36KAAAMainline 18 SEER2 HP	3-ton	16.5	12.5	8.5	19,600	No	188
198	Trane 5TWR5036A115 Single-Stage Heat Pump	3-ton	16.5	12.0	8.5	17,800	No	481
199	Trane 5TWR6036A116 Single-Stage Heat Pump	3-ton	16.5	12.0	8.5	17,600	No	371
200	Trane 5TWX5036A115 Single-Stage Heat Pump with WeatherGuard Top	3-ton	16.5	12.0	8.5	17,700	No	444
201	Innovair SHV36H2BASAV Series	3-ton	16.5	10.0	8.2	32,000	Yes	1
202	Lennox ML14KP1-036-230AMERIT ML14KP1 Series	3-ton	16.5	13.8	8.1	17,600	No	109
203	Trane 5TWX6036A116 Single-Stage Heat Pump with WeatherGuard Top	3-ton	16.5	12.0	8.1	17,700	No	374
204	Lennox XP21-036-230-DAVE LENNOX SIGNATURE XP21 SERIES	3-ton	16.4	12.5	8.0	-	No	2
205	1HVAC ACIQ-36-HPCACIQ series	3-ton	16.3	11.7	9.5	38,000	Yes	15
206	AI AIR CONDITIONING AUO18-36N1-M3HAU Series	3-ton	16.3	11.7	9.5	38,000	Yes	1
207	ComfortStar CPH36CD(O)-BCPH series	3-ton	16.3	11.7	9.5	38,000	Yes	5
208	ECO-AIR MOX630-36HFN1-M3XMAC series	3-ton	16.3	11.7	9.5	38,000	Yes	10
209	Midea DLCURAH36ACKDLF Series	3-ton	16.3	11.7	9.5	38,000	Yes	3
210	InfinityLiving EZ-36-EHPBEZ Series	3-ton	16.2	10.0	8.7	27,000	Yes	4
211	MRCOOL MVP-36-HP-C-230A00-OMVP Series	3-ton	16.2	10.0	8.7	27,000	Yes	3
212	AC Pro SPHP-Y-V036BBSPHP Series	3-ton	16.1	10.0	8.7	28,400	Yes	3
213	AproDr AHU19-36HN1-CAHU Series	3-ton	16.1	10.0	8.7	27,000	Yes	2
214	Blueridge BNG2A36SCNBNG Series	3-ton	16.1	10.0	8.7	27,000	Yes	1
215	DIRECT AIR DIRM4-36CS19-OUDIR Series	3-ton	16.1	10.0	8.7	27,000	Yes	2
216	KEEN Home KEENSTDHP36AAKEEN Series	3-ton	16.1	10.0	8.7	28,400	Yes	2
217	Panasonic CU-M36BAHUCU Series	3-ton	16.1	10.0	8.7	27,000	Yes	4
218	Thermal Zone TZID36H520ZCSTZID Series	3-ton	16.1	10.0	8.7	27,000	Yes	12
219	TRUST AIR CONDITIONERS AH36H/O64PAH Series	3-ton	16.1	10.0	8.7	28,400	Yes	2
220	Blueridge BMAH3618CBMAH series	3-ton	16.0	10.0	10.0	34,400	Yes	3
221	Carrier 38MURAQ36AB338Mseries	3-ton	16.0	10.0	10.0	34,400	Yes	25
222	Comfort-Aire A-VCD36SA-1A series	3-ton	16.0	10.0	10.0	34,400	Yes	11
223	ComfortStar CPH36CD(O)AHU series	3-ton	16.0	10.0	10.0	34,400	Yes	3
224	EMI MHSD136DACFCMHAH Series	3-ton	16.0	10.0	10.0	34,400	Yes	6
225	Midea DLCURAH36ABKDlseries	3-ton	16.0	10.0	10.0	34,400	Yes	48
226	Panasonic CU-HE36YAHK6CU series	3-ton	16.0	10.0	10.0	34,400	Yes	4
227	TRUST AIR CONDITIONERS AA36H/O44PAA series	3-ton	16.0	10.0	10.0	34,400	Yes	2
228	1HVAC EZ-36-HPEZ Series	3-ton	16.0	10.0	9.5	34,600	Yes	4
229	Mitsutomo UHO36-NB-QUHO Series	3-ton	16.0	10.0	9.5	34,400	Yes	1
230	MRCOOL CENTRAL-36-HP-C-230A00CENTRAL SERIES	3-ton	16.0	10.0	9.5	34,600	Yes	1
231	Willis FLEX24/36KUHFLEXX High-efficiency Series	3-ton	16.0	10.0	9.0	28,000	Yes	1
232	RunTru A5HP5036A1A5HP5	3-ton	16.0	12.0	8.5	17,800	No	296
233	Coleman XH536E2S11LX SERIES	3-ton	16.0	11.7	8.1	18,400	No	1364
234	Luxaire THF2B36T21LX SERIES	3-ton	16.0	11.7	8.1	20,000	Yes	1095
235	Trane 5HPL5036A1000AA5HPL5	3-ton	16.0	11.7	8.1	27,000	Yes	2
236	Trane N5HP5036A1Advantage 15 Heat Pump	3-ton	16.0	12.0	8.1	17,800	No	166
237	York YH2F36TB21LX SERIES	3-ton	16.0	11.7	8.1	20,000	Yes	225
238	York YH536E2S11LX SERIES	3-ton	16.0	11.7	8.1	18,400	No	304
239	AIREASE A7HP14F36P-**AA7HP14F Seies	3-ton	16.0	13.4	8.0	16,900	No	80
240	Bryant 235SAN036**AALEGACY 15 SEER2 HP	3-ton	16.0	13.0	8.0	18,100	No	33
241	Bryant GH5SAN536**AA15 SEER2 HP	3-ton	16.0	13.0	8.0	18,100	No	63
242	Bryant PH5SAN536**AA15 SEER2 HP	3-ton	16.0	13.0	8.0	18,100	No	97
243	Carrier 27SCA536A**30COMFORT 15 SEER2 HP	3-ton	16.0	13.0	8.0	18,100	No	30
244	Ducane 7HP14F36P-**A7HP14F Seies	3-ton	16.0	13.4	8.0	16,800	No	135
245	Frigidaire FSH4BF5M2SX36KFRIGIDAIRE FSH4BF SERIES	3-ton	16.0	11.7	8.0	17,800	No	2
246	Grandaire W5H5S36KAAA15 SEER2 HP	3-ton	16.0	13.0	8.0	18,100	No	32
247	Heil R5H5S36KAAA15 SEER2 HP	3-ton	16.0	13.0	8.0	18,100	No	312
248	Lennox EL16KP1-036-230AELITE EL16KP1 Series	3-ton	16.0	13.4	8.0	16,900	No	69
249	Maytag PSH4BF5M2SX36KMAYTAG PSH4BF SERIES	3-ton	16.0	11.7	8.0	17,800	No	1
250	NORDYNE SH4BF5M2SX36KNORTEK GLOBAL HVAC SH4BF SERIES	3-ton	16.0	11.7	8.0	17,800	No	3
251	WeatherMaker PH5SAN536**AB15 SEER2 HP	3-ton	16.0	13.0	8.0	18,100	No	21
252	AC Pro BH714S36P-**ABH714S Series	3-ton	16.0	13.4	7.8	16,900	No	86
253	Comfort-Aire HSA1436S1-**AHSA14 Series	3-ton	16.0	13.4	7.8	16,800	No	32
254	DuraSTAR DRHP15B36AJ2ANDRAC	3-ton	16.0	11.7	7.8	18,900	No	56
255	Friedrich FRP15AY36AJ2NF-SERIES	3-ton	16.0	11.7	7.8	18,900	No	138
256	Friedrich FWP15AY36AJ2NVERSUS	3-ton	16.0	11.7	7.8	18,900	No	134
257	GE NS16H36SA5-**ANS16H Series	3-ton	16.0	13.4	7.8	16,900	No	28
258	Rheem RP15AY36AJ2NCLASSIC SERIES	3-ton	16.0	11.7	7.8	18,900	No	167
259	Sure SP15AY36AJ2NVANTIX	3-ton	16.0	11.7	7.8	18,900	No	143
260	WeatherKing WP15AY36AJ2NW Series	3-ton	16.0	12.0	7.8	18,900	No	311
261	WeatherMaker PH7TAN436**AA2-STAGE 17 SEER HP	3-ton	16.0	11.7	7.8	-	No	4
262	Whirlpool WLP15AY36AJ2NCLASSIC	3-ton	16.0	11.7	7.8	18,000	No	3
263	KERR A-KXP36TA-1KXP Series	3-ton	15.8	10.7	9.4	36,000	Yes	2
264	Kepler AZPN/36WACAZPN Series	3-ton	15.5	10.0	8.6	31,600	Yes	1
265	Bryant 227TAN036**AA2-STAGE 17 SEER HP	3-ton	15.5	11.7	7.8	-	No	1
266	Bryant PH5SAN436**AA15 SEER2 HP	3-ton	15.5	12.5	7.8	-	No	1
267	Heil B5H6S36KAAAMAINLINE 16 SEER2 HP	3-ton	15.5	12.5	7.8	18,100	No	208
268	Heil H5H6S36KAAAMAINLINE 16 SEER2 HP	3-ton	15.5	13.0	7.8	18,100	No	90
269	LPS Legacy N4H5S36KAAAPERFORMANCE 15 SEER2 HP	3-ton	15.5	12.5	7.8	-	No	8
270	Tempstar T5H6S36KAAAMAINLINE 16 SEER2 HP	3-ton	15.5	13.0	7.8	18,100	No	30
271	AC Pro SPHP-Z-V037BBSPHP Series	3-ton	15.4	10.2	9.8	36,000	Yes	1
272	MOOVAIR MSHMB36R2ANMSH Series	3-ton	15.3	10.6	9.6	35,000	Yes	2
273	Trane/American Standard 5HCL6036A1000AM series	3-ton	15.2	10.5	9.1	37,000	Yes	1
274	Kepler AZPN/C36WDUIDAZPN Series	3-ton	15.2	10.0	8.5	30,000	Yes	1
275	Samsung AC036FCUDCGHylex - Premium	3-ton	15.2	9.5	8.2	26,800	Yes	2
276	ECOTEMP W4H7T36KAAA2-STAGE 17 SEER HP	3-ton	15.2	11.7	8.1	-	No	2
277	Friedrich FWP14AZ36AJ2NVERSUS	3-ton	15.2	11.7	8.1	20,200	No	1
278	Friedrich FWP15AZ36AJ2NF-SERIES PLUS	3-ton	15.2	11.7	8.1	19,900	No	38
279	Fujitsu FOP1536TJAZNAF Series	3-ton	15.2	11.7	8.1	19,400	Yes	2
280	NORTEK GLOBAL HVAC LLC SH3BF4M2SX36KNORTEK GLOBAL HVAC SH3BF SERIES	3-ton	15.2	11.7	8.1	-	No	4
281	Rheem RP15AZ36AJ2NCLASSIC PLUS	3-ton	15.2	11.7	8.1	19,400	Yes	11
282	Ruud RP14AZ36AJ2NACHIEVER SERIES	3-ton	15.2	11.7	8.1	20,200	No	2
283	Ruud WP15AZ36AJ2NW Series	3-ton	15.2	11.7	8.1	19,600	No	14
284	Sure SP15AZ36AJ2NVANTIX	3-ton	15.2	11.7	8.1	19,400	Yes	6
285	AC Pro SPHP-M-1036BBSPHP-M	3-ton	15.2	12.0	7.8	16,900	No	2
286	Arcoaire H4H5S36KAAAMAINLINE 15 SEER2 HP	3-ton	15.2	12.5	7.8	16,500	No	12
287	Broan FSH3BF4M2SX36KBROAN FSH3BF SERIES	3-ton	15.2	11.7	7.8	-	No	2
288	Bryant GH5SAN436**AA15 SEER2 HP	3-ton	15.2	12.0	7.8	-	No	2
289	Carrier 25SCA536A**30COMFORT 15 SEER2 HP	3-ton	15.2	12.5	7.8	16,600	No	5
290	Carrier 25SPA536A**30PERFORMANCE 15 SEER2 HP	3-ton	15.2	12.0	7.8	-	No	1
291	Comfortmaker C4H5S36KAAAMAINLINE 15 SEER2 HP	3-ton	15.2	12.0	7.8	16,500	No	12
292	Daikin DH5SEA3610ADH5SE	3-ton	15.2	12.5	7.8	17,600	No	2
293	DuraSTAR DRHP15A36AJ2ANSeries	3-ton	15.2	11.7	7.8	17,500	No	2
294	Fujitsu FOP1536TJAYNAF Series	3-ton	15.2	11.7	7.8	18,500	No	2
295	Guardian RHP15036B21LX SERIES	3-ton	15.2	11.7	7.8	18,500	Yes	14
296	Kenmore (C,H,T)4H5S36KAAAMAINLINE 15 SEER2 HP	3-ton	15.2	12.0	7.8	10,000	No	4
297	Mainline MLP15AY36AJ2NElite	3-ton	15.2	11.7	7.8	18,500	No	1
298	Mainline MPP15AZ36AJ2NPerformance	3-ton	15.2	11.7	7.8	17,500	No	1
299	Maytag PSH3BF4M2SX36KMAYTAG PSH3BF SERIES	3-ton	15.2	11.7	7.8	-	No	1
300	Midea MOVA-36HN10-M152LM152H	3-ton	15.2	12.0	7.8	16,900	No	4
301	OXBOX J5HP5036A1000AAOxbox-J5HP5	3-ton	15.2	12.0	7.8	16,900	No	1
302	Tempstar T4H5S36KAAAMAINLINE 15 SEER2 HP	3-ton	15.2	12.5	7.8	16,500	No	4

More about 3-ton central heat pumps

Top 5 for cold climatesranked by COP at 5°F

Cold-climate certified models with the highest efficiency at 5°F. Often sold as hyper-heat or low-ambient models.

#	Model	SEER2	EER2	HSPF2	COP at 5°F
1	Lennox EL21KLV-036-230A	20.0	11.7	10.4	2.48
2	MDV MOE30-36HFN10-M3X	18.0	12.0	10.0	2.46
3	Armstrong Air A7CP21V36P-**A	20.0	11.7	10.4	2.46
4	GE NS21H36MA5-**A	20.0	12.2	10.4	2.46
5	Luxaire THF2B36T21	16.0	11.7	8.1	2.44

Top 5 for hot climatesranked by EER2

Highest efficiency on a 95°F afternoon, which drives summer bills in places like Phoenix, Houston and Florida.

#	Model	SEER2	EER2	HSPF2	COP at 5°F
1	TOSHIBA CARRIER MCY-MUB0368HS2P-UL	29.7	17.2	12.2	2.42
2	Armstrong Air 4SHP17LE136P-**A	16.8	14.0	8.7	2.36
3	Concord 4HP17L36P-**A	16.8	14.0	8.7	2.36
4	GE NS17H36SA4-**A	16.8	14.0	8.7	2.34
5	Lennox ML14KP1-036-230A	16.5	13.8	8.1	2.06

Top 5 for heatingranked by HSPF2

Highest seasonal heating efficiency, for homes where the heat pump replaces a furnace.

#	Model	SEER2	EER2	HSPF2	COP at 5°F
1	TOSHIBA CARRIER MCY-MUB0368HS2P-UL	29.7	17.2	12.2	2.42
2	Lennox SL22KLV-036-230A	20.5	13.6	10.5	2.42
3	Trane 5TWV0X36A1also sold as 1 other model number	21.0	13.0	10.5	2.24
4	LG KUSXA361A	23.5	13.7	10.5	2.16
5	Lennox EL21KLV-036-230A	20.0	11.7	10.4	2.48

How many square feet does a 3-ton central heat pump cover?1,200-2,000 sq ft

Hot and dry climate (Phoenix)up to 2,000 sq ft
Hot and humid climate (Houston)up to 2,000 sq ft
Mixed climate (Atlanta)up to 1,900 sq ft
Cold climate (Chicago)up to 1,350 sq ft
Very cold climate (Minneapolis)up to 1,200 sq ft

Average insulation, 8 ft ceilings. Sunny rooms, kitchens and older houses need more capacity. Size calculator

What a 3-ton central heat pump costs to run$87/month typical

Hot and dry (Phoenix)$1,194/yr · best $744
Hot and humid (Houston)$1,069/yr · best $668
Mixed (Atlanta)$1,043/yr · best $727
Cold (Chicago)$1,976/yr · best $1,472
Very cold (Minneapolis)$2,021/yr · best $1,531

Typical = median model of this size (17.0 SEER2, 9.5 HSPF2); best = most efficient. Local electricity prices from the U.S. EIA. Calculate for your home

Questions4

What is the best 3-ton central heat pump?: On certified efficiency, the TOSHIBA CARRIER MCY-MUB0368HS2P-UL leads at 29.7 SEER2 and 12.2 HSPF2. For cold climates the Lennox EL21KLV-036-230A has the best efficiency at 5°F (COP 2.48). The right pick depends on your climate, so compare the lists above.
How many square feet does a 3-ton central heat pump cover?: About 1,200 to 2,000 sq ft with average insulation: 2,000 sq ft in a hot and dry climate like Phoenix, 2,000 sq ft in a hot and humid climate like Houston, 1,900 sq ft in a mixed climate like Atlanta, 1,350 sq ft in a cold climate like Chicago, 1,200 sq ft in a very cold climate like Minneapolis. Cold climates cover less because the heating load is larger.
How much does a 3-ton central heat pump cost to run?: A typical 3-ton central heat pump (17.0 SEER2, 9.5 HSPF2) uses about $1,043 of electricity a year in a mixed climate like Atlanta, roughly $87 a month on average. Across U.S. climates it ranges from $1,043 to $2,021 a year. The most efficient model in this class saves about $316 a year in Atlanta.
Which 3-ton central heat pump works best in cold weather?: Look for ENERGY STAR cold-climate certification (200 of 302 qualify). The Lennox EL21KLV-036-230A has the highest COP at 5°F in this class (2.48) and delivers 25,400 BTU/h at 5°F. Cold-climate units are often marketed as hyper-heat or low-ambient models.

Other sizes

ENERGY STAR data, updated October 12, 2026

Best 3-ton central heat pumps

Top picks

TOSHIBA CARRIER MCY-MUB0368HS2P-UL

Lennox EL21KLV-036-230A

Armstrong Air 4SHP17LE136P-**A

Compare all 302 3-ton central heat pumps

More about 3-ton central heat pumps

Other sizes