What is the best 3.5-ton central heat pump?

On certified efficiency, the Bryant 293VAN048**AA leads at 23.0 SEER2 and 9.5 HSPF2. For cold climates the Samsung AC048FCUPCG has the best efficiency at 5°F (COP 2.52). For very hot summers the GE NS16H42SA5-**A has the highest EER2 (13.2). The right pick depends on your climate, so compare the lists above.

How much does a 3.5-ton central heat pump cost to run?

A typical 3.5-ton central heat pump (16.0 SEER2, 8.1 HSPF2) uses about $1,374 of electricity a year in a mixed climate like Atlanta, roughly $114 a month on average. Across U.S. climates it ranges from $1,360 to $2,738 a year. The most efficient model in this class saves about $283 a year in Atlanta.

Which 3.5-ton central heat pump works best in cold weather?

Look for ENERGY STAR cold-climate certification (84 of 138 qualify). The Samsung AC048FCUPCG has the highest COP at 5°F in this class (2.52) and delivers 40,500 BTU/h at 5°F. Cold-climate units are often marketed as hyper-heat or low-ambient models.

Best 3.5-ton central heat pumps

138 ENERGY STAR certified 3.5-ton central heat pumps from 56 brands, ranked on their official ratings. Here are the winners for each kind of home, then the full list.

Best overall

Bryant 293VAN048**AA

3.5 ton central · Evolution 23 VS Heat Pump · cold-climate certified

SEER2: 23.0
HSPF2: 9.5
Heat at 5°F: 37,400

Highest seasonal cooling efficiency of all 138 3.5-ton central heat pumps, with 9.5 HSPF2 for heating.

Full specs and running cost

Best for cold winters

Samsung AC048FCUPCG

3.5 ton central · Hylex · cold-climate certified

SEER2: 17.0
HSPF2: 8.5
COP at 5°F: 2.52

Cold-climate certified, with one of the best efficiencies at 5°F in this size (COP 2.52).

Full specs and running cost

Best for hot summers

GE NS16H42SA5-**A

3.5 ton central · NS16H Series

SEER2: 15.5
HSPF2: 8.2
EER2: 13.2

EER2 of 13.2: among the most efficient on a 95°F afternoon.

Full specs and running cost

Area one unit coversabout 1,400-2,650 sq ft
Typical running cost$1,374/yr in Atlanta
Average efficiency16.7 SEER2
Cold-climate certified84 of 138

Compare all 138 3.5-ton central heat pumps

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

#							Cold
1	Bryant 293VAN048**AAEvolution 23 VS Heat Pump	3.5-ton	23.0	12.5	9.5	37,400	Yes	78
2	Carrier 27VNA348A*030Infinity 23 VS Heat Pump	3.5-ton	23.0	12.5	9.5	37,400	Yes	78
3	Comfortmaker C5H3V48KAAASoftSound 23 VS Heat Pump	3.5-ton	23.0	12.5	9.5	38,500	Yes	414
4	Heil H5H3V48KAAAQUIETCOMFORT DELUXE 23 VS HP	3.5-ton	23.0	12.5	9.5	38,500	Yes	539
5	Tempstar B5H3V48KAAASmartSense 23 VS HP	3.5-ton	23.0	12.5	9.5	37,400	Yes	648
6	Tempstar T5H3V48KAAASmartSense 23 VS HP	3.5-ton	23.0	12.5	9.5	38,500	Yes	138
7	Carrier 25VNA448A*031INFINITY 24 HP with GREENSPEED INTELLIGENCE	3.5-ton	21.0	11.5	9.0	36,400	Yes	6
8	Trane 5TWV0X48A120 TruComfort Variable Speed Heat Pump	3.5-ton	20.8	12.0	10.0	34,800	Yes	137
9	Lennox SL22KLV-048-230ADAVE LENNOX SIGNATURE SL22KLV SERIES	3.5-ton	20.5	12.4	9.8	46,500	Yes	38
10	ECOER EODA19H-4860AATDi Pro	3.5-ton	19.5	12.5	9.5	38,500	Yes	34
11	York YZV48B21AFFINITY	3.5-ton	19.5	12.4	8.5	35,200	No	1
12	Bosch BOVA-60MTB-M19EIDS Ultra	3.5-ton	19.0	12.0	10.0	55,000	Yes	25
13	Bosch BOVB-60MTB-M19EIDS Ultra	3.5-ton	19.0	11.7	10.0	55,000	Yes	25
14	ECOER EODA19H-4860ABTDi Pro 2	3.5-ton	19.0	12.0	10.0	38,500	Yes	59
15	Friedrich RD18AY48AJVCVANTIX	3.5-ton	19.0	12.0	10.0	38,000	Yes	674
16	YISO YOHA2-60CBPro	3.5-ton	19.0	12.0	10.0	38,500	Yes	57
17	LG KUSXA422AKUSXA422A	3.5-ton	19.0	12.5	9.8	46,000	Yes	4
18	York HH860E2S11LX SERIES	3.5-ton	19.0	12.0	9.5	40,500	Yes	3576
19	Friedrich FRP18AZ48AJVCK-SERIES	3.5-ton	19.0	12.0	8.5	42,000	Yes	1
20	Rheem RP18AZ48AJVCPRESTIGE SERIES	3.5-ton	19.0	12.0	8.5	45,000	Yes	2
21	Bosch BOVA-60RTB-M20SIDS Premium LGWP	3.5-ton	18.5	12.0	9.5	38,500	Yes	25
22	GE Appliances NS18H60HA5Connect	3.5-ton	18.3	11.0	9.6	45,000	Yes	352
23	Lennox EL18KSLV-060-230AElite EL18KSLV Series	3.5-ton	18.3	11.0	9.6	45,000	Yes	353
24	RUSSELL SP18AZ48AJVCVANTIX	3.5-ton	18.0	11.7	8.5	45,000	Yes	4
25	York HH860E2S12LX SERIES	3.5-ton	18.0	11.0	8.5	40,000	Yes	2201
26	MDV MOX630-48HFN10-M3XMVB Series	3.5-ton	17.5	12.0	9.5	48,000	Yes	41
27	Midea MO1HE-H48B-2AMAU Series	3.5-ton	17.5	12.0	9.5	48,000	Yes	78
28	MRCOOL UHP18048-OUHP Series	3.5-ton	17.5	12.0	9.5	48,000	Yes	5
29	Daikin DH7VSA4210ADH7VSA	3.5-ton	17.5	10.0	8.8	31,000	Yes	62
30	ECOER EODA17H-4860ADTDi Select 2	3.5-ton	17.5	11.2	8.8	39,500	Yes	26
31	Trane 5TWR7048A117 Multi-Speed Heat Pump	3.5-ton	17.1	12.0	9.4	33,800	Yes	231
32	Trane 5TWX7048A117 Multi-Speed Heat Pump with WeatherGuard Top	3.5-ton	17.1	12.0	9.0	33,200	Yes	220
33	Daikin DZ6VSA421EADZ6VS	3.5-ton	17.0	10.0	8.6	30,600	Yes	4
34	Bosch BOVA-60RXB-M15SIDS Light-LGWP	3.5-ton	17.0	11.7	8.5	39,500	Yes	19
35	Bosch BOVB-60RTB-M15SIDS Light-LGWP	3.5-ton	17.0	11.7	8.5	39,500	Yes	20
36	Daikin DZ6VSA481EADZ6VS	3.5-ton	17.0	10.0	8.5	31,000	Yes	4
37	Midea MOVC-60HDN10-M16GXD16H-LGWP	3.5-ton	17.0	11.7	8.5	39,500	Yes	21
38	Samsung AC048FCUPCGHylex	3.5-ton	17.0	11.0	8.5	40,500	Yes	7
39	Trane 5TWR5042A115 Single-Stage Heat Pump	3.5-ton	17.0	12.0	8.5	20,000	No	293
40	AI AIR CONDITIONING AUO19-42N2-M3H-SAU Series	3.5-ton	16.7	11.7	9.5	46,000	Yes	1
41	DuraSTAR DRU1H42S2ADRU Series	3.5-ton	16.7	11.7	9.5	46,000	Yes	28
42	Mainline ML42HP230LMNTH-OML Series	3.5-ton	16.7	11.7	9.5	46,000	Yes	2
43	MDV MOX630-42HFN10-M3X-DMVB Series	3.5-ton	16.7	11.7	9.5	46,000	Yes	3
44	Midea MO1HE-H42B-2AMAU Series	3.5-ton	16.7	11.7	9.5	46,000	Yes	4
45	DuraSTAR DRU1U48S2ADRU Series	3.5-ton	16.7	10.3	9.0	41,000	Yes	35
46	MDV MOX630-48HFN10-M3MVB Series	3.5-ton	16.7	10.3	9.0	42,000	Yes	43
47	Midea MO1BE-H48B-2AMAU Series	3.5-ton	16.7	10.3	9.0	42,000	Yes	92
48	Panasonic CU-M48BAHUCU Series	3.5-ton	16.7	10.3	9.0	40,000	Yes	9
49	Thermal Zone TZID48H520ZCSTZID Series	3.5-ton	16.7	10.3	9.0	42,000	Yes	37
50	MRCOOL CENTRAL-48-HP-C-230B00-OMVP Series	3.5-ton	16.6	10.0	9.5	46,000	Yes	8
51	Capella CCB1-H48A-OCAHB Series	3.5-ton	16.5	10.5	9.5	46,000	Yes	3
52	DIRECT AIR DIRM4-48MAGICPRO20-OUDIR Series	3.5-ton	16.5	10.5	9.5	46,000	Yes	4
53	KERR A-KXP48SA-1A Series	3.5-ton	16.5	10.5	9.5	46,000	Yes	3
54	Trane 5TWR6042A116 Single-Stage Heat Pump	3.5-ton	16.5	12.0	8.5	19,900	No	248
55	Trane 5TWX5042A115 Single-Stage Heat Pump with WeatherGuard Top	3.5-ton	16.5	12.0	8.5	20,000	No	231
56	Friedrich FRP17AY48AJVCF-Series Plus	3.5-ton	16.0	10.0	9.5	37,600	Yes	221
57	Ruud RP17AY48AJVCAchiever Plus	3.5-ton	16.0	10.0	9.5	37,600	Yes	222
58	Sure SP17AY48AJVCNONE	3.5-ton	16.0	10.0	9.5	37,600	Yes	111
59	AC Pro SPHP-Y-V048BBSPHP Series	3.5-ton	16.0	10.0	9.0	41,000	Yes	5
60	DIRECT AIR DIRM4-48CS19-OUDIR Series	3.5-ton	16.0	10.0	9.0	41,000	Yes	4
61	Innovair SOV48H2BASAV Series	3.5-ton	16.0	10.0	9.0	42,000	Yes	4
62	MRCOOL MVP-48-HP-C-230A00-OMVP Series	3.5-ton	16.0	10.0	9.0	41,000	Yes	8
63	Friedrich RD16AY48AJVCVANTIX	3.5-ton	16.0	9.0	8.5	25,800	Yes	35
64	Trane 5TWR5048A115 Single-Stage Heat Pump	3.5-ton	16.0	12.0	8.5	22,600	No	167
65	Trane 5TWR6048A116 Single-Stage Heat Pump	3.5-ton	16.0	12.0	8.5	22,600	No	127
66	Trane 5TWX5048A115 Single-Stage Heat Pump with WeatherGuard Top	3.5-ton	16.0	12.0	8.5	22,600	No	101
67	American Standard 5HPL5048A15HPL5	3.5-ton	16.0	11.7	8.1	38,000	Yes	8
68	American Standard N5HP5042A1Bronze 15	3.5-ton	16.0	12.0	8.1	19,900	No	144
69	American Standard N5HP5048A1Bronze 15	3.5-ton	16.0	12.0	8.1	22,400	No	56
70	Ameristar A5HP5048A1A5HP5	3.5-ton	16.0	12.0	8.1	22,600	No	156
71	DuraSTAR DRHP15B42AJ2ANDRAC	3.5-ton	16.0	11.7	8.1	19,300	Yes	50
72	Friedrich FRP15AY42AJ2NF-SERIES	3.5-ton	16.0	11.7	8.1	19,300	Yes	129
73	Friedrich FWP15AY42AJ2NVERSUS	3.5-ton	16.0	11.7	8.1	19,300	Yes	127
74	Fujitsu FOP1542TJAYNAF Series	3.5-ton	16.0	11.7	8.1	19,300	Yes	57
75	Guardian RHP15042B21LX SERIES	3.5-ton	16.0	11.7	8.1	22,400	No	54
76	Luxaire THF2B42T21LX SERIES	3.5-ton	16.0	12.0	8.1	22,600	No	2200
77	Mainline MLP15AY42AJ2NElite	3.5-ton	16.0	11.7	8.1	19,300	Yes	58
78	Mainline MPP15AY42AJ2NPerformance	3.5-ton	16.0	11.7	8.1	19,300	Yes	53
79	RunTru A5HP5042A1A5HP5	3.5-ton	16.0	12.0	8.1	20,000	No	250
80	Ruud RP15AY42AJ2NCLASSIC SERIES	3.5-ton	16.0	11.7	8.1	21,000	Yes	151
81	Sure SP15AY42AJ2NVANTIX	3.5-ton	16.0	11.7	8.1	19,300	Yes	132
82	TCL THH48HES2NAGOH24TH24	3.5-ton	16.0	11.7	8.1	38,000	Yes	22
83	Thermal Zone TZP15AY42AJ2NPerformance	3.5-ton	16.0	11.7	8.1	19,300	Yes	56
84	Trane 5TWX6042A116 Single-Stage Heat Pump with WeatherGuard Top	3.5-ton	16.0	12.0	8.1	19,800	No	188
85	Trane 5TWX6048A116 Single-Stage Heat Pump with WeatherGuard Top	3.5-ton	16.0	12.0	8.1	22,400	No	54
86	WeatherKing WP15AY42AJ2NVERSUS	3.5-ton	16.0	11.7	8.1	21,000	Yes	328
87	York YH2F42TB21LX SERIES	3.5-ton	16.0	12.0	8.1	22,600	No	449
88	Armstrong Air 4SHP17LE142P-**A4SHP17LE SERIES	3.5-ton	15.6	13.0	8.3	22,000	No	170
89	Blueridge BHP17L42P-**ABHP17L SERIES	3.5-ton	15.6	13.0	8.3	22,000	No	37
90	Comfort-Aire HRG1542S1R-**AHRG15 Series	3.5-ton	15.6	13.0	8.3	22,000	No	60
91	Ducane 4HP17L42P-**A4HP17L SERIES	3.5-ton	15.6	13.0	8.3	22,000	No	349
92	GE NS17H42SA4-**ANS17H	3.5-ton	15.6	13.0	8.3	21,800	No	52
93	Lennox EL17XP1-042-230AELITE EL17XP1 Series	3.5-ton	15.6	13.0	8.3	22,000	No	188
94	Lennox ML17XP1-042-230AMERIT ML17XP1 Series	3.5-ton	15.6	13.0	8.3	22,000	No	206
95	MRCOOL MHP17L42P-**AMHP17L Series	3.5-ton	15.6	13.0	8.3	22,000	No	2
96	Hisense AUWR-48U3SPHi ULTRA HD-Coil	3.5-ton	15.6	11.4	8.6	34,600	Yes	1
97	AIREASE A7HP14F42P-**AA7HP14F Series	3.5-ton	15.5	12.8	8.2	20,800	No	128
98	Concord 7HP14F42P-**A7HP14F Series	3.5-ton	15.5	12.8	8.2	20,800	No	188
99	GE NS16H42SA5-**ANS16H Series	3.5-ton	15.5	13.2	8.2	20,800	No	42
100	Lennox EL16KP1-042-230AELITE EL16KP1 Series	3.5-ton	15.5	12.8	8.2	20,800	No	85
101	AC Pro BH714S42P-**ABH714S Series	3.5-ton	15.5	13.0	8.0	20,800	No	124
102	Century HSA1442S1-**AHSA14 Series	3.5-ton	15.5	13.0	8.0	20,600	No	44
103	Bryant 235SAN042**AALEGACY 15 SEER2 HP	3.5-ton	15.5	13.0	7.8	19,900	No	7
104	Bryant GH5SAN542**AA15 SEER2 HP	3.5-ton	15.5	13.0	7.8	19,900	No	12
105	Bryant PH5SAN542**AA15 SEER2 HP	3.5-ton	15.5	13.0	7.8	19,900	No	18
106	Carrier 27SCA542A**30COMFORT 15 SEER2 HP	3.5-ton	15.5	13.0	7.8	19,900	No	5
107	ECOTEMP W5H5S42KAAA15 SEER2 HP	3.5-ton	15.5	13.0	7.8	19,900	No	6
108	Heil N5H5S42KAAAPERFORMANCE 16 SEER2 HP	3.5-ton	15.5	13.0	7.8	19,900	No	43
109	Kenmore B5H6S42KAAAMAINLINE 16 SEER2 HP	3.5-ton	15.5	13.0	7.8	19,900	No	32
110	Tempstar T5H6S42KAAAMAINLINE 16 SEER2 HP	3.5-ton	15.5	13.0	7.8	19,900	No	4
111	MRCOOL MHP17042A-**AMHP170 SERIES	3.5-ton	15.4	12.5	7.8	20,200	No	5
112	Kepler AZPN/45WDAZPN Series	3.5-ton	15.2	10.0	9.2	46,500	Yes	2
113	MDV MOE30U-45HFN1-MMAC series	3.5-ton	15.2	10.0	9.2	46,500	Yes	3
114	Continental WSCHV0048BA1-CWSC Series	3.5-ton	15.2	10.0	9.0	40,000	Yes	1
115	KERR A-KXP48TA-1KXP Series	3.5-ton	15.2	10.0	8.8	42,000	Yes	1
116	TCL THH42HAI2NAF2U23TS1	3.5-ton	15.2	10.0	8.5	34,000	Yes	3
117	DuraSTAR DRHP15A42AJ2ANSeries	3.5-ton	15.2	11.7	8.1	20,400	Yes	2
118	Friedrich FRP15AZ42AJ2NF-SERIES PLUS	3.5-ton	15.2	11.7	8.1	23,000	Yes	10
119	Fujitsu FOP1542TJAZNAF Series	3.5-ton	15.2	11.7	8.1	22,800	Yes	2
120	Mainline MPP15AZ42AJ2NPerformance	3.5-ton	15.2	11.7	8.1	20,400	Yes	1
121	Rheem RP15AZ42AJ2NCLASSIC PLUS	3.5-ton	15.2	11.7	8.1	22,800	Yes	6
122	Rheem WP15AZ42AJ2NW Series	3.5-ton	15.2	11.7	8.1	20,400	Yes	10
123	Sure SP15AZ42AJ2NVANTIX	3.5-ton	15.2	11.7	8.1	22,800	Yes	3
124	AC Pro SPHP-M-1042BBSPHP-M	3.5-ton	15.2	12.0	7.8	20,200	No	2
125	AC Pro SPHP-M-1048BBSPHP-M	3.5-ton	15.2	12.0	7.8	21,600	No	3
126	Daikin DH5SEA4210ADH5SE	3.5-ton	15.2	12.5	7.8	20,000	No	2
127	DuraSTAR DRHP14B42AJ2ANDRHP	3.5-ton	15.2	11.7	7.8	19,400	No	7
128	Friedrich FRP14AY42AJ2NF Series	3.5-ton	15.2	11.7	7.8	19,900	No	11
129	Friedrich FWP14AY42AJ2NF Series	3.5-ton	15.2	11.7	7.8	-	No	8
130	Fujitsu FOP1442TJAYNAF Series	3.5-ton	15.2	11.7	7.8	-	No	4
131	Midea MOVA-42HN10-M152LM152H	3.5-ton	15.2	12.0	7.8	20,200	No	5
132	Midea MOVA-48HN10-M152LM152H	3.5-ton	15.2	12.0	7.8	21,600	No	5
133	Midea MOVC-42HN10-M152LM152H	3.5-ton	15.2	12.0	7.8	20,200	No	4
134	OXBOX J5HP5042A1000AAOxbox-J5HP5	3.5-ton	15.2	12.0	7.8	20,200	No	1
135	OXBOX J5HP5048A1000AAOxbox-J5HP5	3.5-ton	15.2	12.0	7.8	21,600	No	2
136	Rheem RP14AY42AJ2NCLASSIC SERIES	3.5-ton	15.2	11.7	7.8	19,900	No	12
137	WeatherKing WP14AY42AJ2NVERSUS	3.5-ton	15.2	11.7	7.8	19,900	No	28
138	Whirlpool WLP15AY42AJ2NCLASSIC	3.5-ton	15.2	11.7	7.8	19,700	No	1

More about 3.5-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	Samsung AC048FCUPCG	17.0	11.0	8.5	2.52
2	Friedrich FRP15AZ42AJ2Nalso sold as 1 other model number	15.2	11.7	8.1	2.40
3	Fujitsu FOP1542TJAZNAalso sold as 1 other model number	15.2	11.7	8.1	2.40
4	Rheem RP15AZ42AJ2N	15.2	11.7	8.1	2.40
5	Sure SP15AZ42AJ2N	15.2	11.7	8.1	2.40

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	GE NS16H42SA5-**A	15.5	13.2	8.2	2.14
2	Armstrong Air 4SHP17LE142P-**A	15.6	13.0	8.3	2.20
3	Blueridge BHP17L42P-**A	15.6	13.0	8.3	2.14
4	Comfort-Aire HRG1542S1R-**A	15.6	13.0	8.3	2.14
5	Ducane 4HP17L42P-**A	15.6	13.0	8.3	2.20

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	Trane 5TWV0X48A1also sold as 1 other model number	20.8	12.0	10.0	2.22
2	Friedrich RD18AY48AJVC	19.0	12.0	10.0	2.20
3	Bosch BOVA-60MTB-M19Ealso sold as 1 other model number	19.0	12.0	10.0	2.10
4	Bosch BOVB-60MTB-M19Ealso sold as 1 other model number	19.0	11.7	10.0	2.10
5	ECOER EODA19H-4860AB	19.0	12.0	10.0	2.10

How many square feet does a 3.5-ton central heat pump cover?1,400-2,650 sq ft

Hot and dry climate (Phoenix)up to 2,650 sq ft
Hot and humid climate (Houston)up to 2,650 sq ft
Mixed climate (Atlanta)up to 2,250 sq ft
Cold climate (Chicago)up to 1,550 sq ft
Very cold climate (Minneapolis)up to 1,400 sq ft

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

What a 3.5-ton central heat pump costs to run$114/month typical

Hot and dry (Phoenix)$1,518/yr · best $1,119
Hot and humid (Houston)$1,360/yr · best $1,005
Mixed (Atlanta)$1,374/yr · best $1,091
Cold (Chicago)$2,662/yr · best $2,207
Very cold (Minneapolis)$2,738/yr · best $2,295

Typical = median model of this size (16.0 SEER2, 8.1 HSPF2); best = most efficient. Local electricity prices from the U.S. EIA. Calculate for your home

Questions4

What is the best 3.5-ton central heat pump?: On certified efficiency, the Bryant 293VAN048**AA leads at 23.0 SEER2 and 9.5 HSPF2. For cold climates the Samsung AC048FCUPCG has the best efficiency at 5°F (COP 2.52). For very hot summers the GE NS16H42SA5-**A has the highest EER2 (13.2). The right pick depends on your climate, so compare the lists above.
How many square feet does a 3.5-ton central heat pump cover?: About 1,400 to 2,650 sq ft with average insulation: 2,650 sq ft in a hot and dry climate like Phoenix, 2,650 sq ft in a hot and humid climate like Houston, 2,250 sq ft in a mixed climate like Atlanta, 1,550 sq ft in a cold climate like Chicago, 1,400 sq ft in a very cold climate like Minneapolis. Cold climates cover less because the heating load is larger.
How much does a 3.5-ton central heat pump cost to run?: A typical 3.5-ton central heat pump (16.0 SEER2, 8.1 HSPF2) uses about $1,374 of electricity a year in a mixed climate like Atlanta, roughly $114 a month on average. Across U.S. climates it ranges from $1,360 to $2,738 a year. The most efficient model in this class saves about $283 a year in Atlanta.
Which 3.5-ton central heat pump works best in cold weather?: Look for ENERGY STAR cold-climate certification (84 of 138 qualify). The Samsung AC048FCUPCG has the highest COP at 5°F in this class (2.52) and delivers 40,500 BTU/h at 5°F. Cold-climate units are often marketed as hyper-heat or low-ambient models.

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ENERGY STAR data, updated October 12, 2026

Best 3.5-ton central heat pumps

Top picks

Bryant 293VAN048**AA

Samsung AC048FCUPCG

GE NS16H42SA5-**A

Compare all 138 3.5-ton central heat pumps

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