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      3.5-ton central heat pump · SPHP-M

      AC Pro SPHP-M-1048BB

      Below average cooling and heating efficiency for a 3.5-ton central heat pump, but not rated for cold climates.

      Ranks #125 of 138 3.5 ton central heat pumps for cooling efficiency, and costs about $1,515 a year to run in a mixed climate like Atlanta.

      SEER2
      15.2 Cooling efficiency over a season
      Below average · beats 6%
      HSPF2
      7.8 Heating efficiency over a season
      Below average · beats 5%
      EER2
      12.0 Cooling efficiency on a 95°F day
      Average · beats 64%
      Heat at 5°F
      21,600 BTU/h49% of its 47°F output
      Excellent · beats 90%

      A good fit if…

      • You want a certified 3.5-ton central heat pump at a typical efficiency level.

      Think twice if…

      • You often see nights below 0°F - it is not cold-climate certified.
      • Cooling cost matters most - its SEER2 is below average for central heat pumps.
      • You mainly need heat - its HSPF2 is below average for central heat pumps.
      • Comfort and noise matter - a single-stage compressor runs only full-on or off.

      Calculate my running cost

      Details

      Specifications3.5 ton, R-454B
      General
      BrandAC Pro
      Outdoor unit modelSPHP-M-1048BB
      SeriesSPHP-M
      TypeCentral heat pump
      Nominal size3.5 ton
      CompressorVariable-speed units run longer at low powerSingle stage
      RefrigerantR-454B
      Connected (smart) capableNo
      On the market sinceApril 3, 2023
      Last certifiedMay 1, 2026
      Cooling
      SEER2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better15.2 (range 15.2)
      EER2Efficiency at 95°F outdoors12.0
      Cooling capacity44,500-45,000 BTU/h
      Heating
      HSPF2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better7.8
      Capacity at 47°F44,000 BTU/h
      Capacity at 17°F26,600-27,600 BTU/h
      Capacity at 5°F21,400-21,600 BTU/h
      COP at 5°F2.0 = twice as efficient as a space heater2.28-2.32
      ENERGY STAR cold climateNo
      Heating output as it gets colder49% kept at 5°F

      Every heat pump delivers less heat as the outdoor temperature drops. Certified output of its matchup with AIRH-M-1061E20B at the standard test temperatures, in BTU/h:

      Certified matchups3 indoor units

      The same outdoor unit scores differently with each indoor unit. Ask your installer for the AHRI reference number of the exact system you are quoted.

      Indoor unitSEER2EER2HSPF2Heat @5°FAHRI ref.
      AIRH-M-1061E20B15.212.07.821,600215869500
      AIRH-M-1048E16B15.212.07.821,400215853773
      AIRH-M-1060E20B15.212.07.821,400215853772
      Yearly running cost in 10 large cities$1,389-$3,593

      At each state's average electricity price and the city's typical heating and cooling hours.

      Questions5
      What is the SEER2 rating of the AC Pro SPHP-M-1048BB?
      The AC Pro SPHP-M-1048BB is rated at up to 15.2 SEER2 and 12.0 EER2 for cooling and up to 7.8 HSPF2 for heating. The exact figure depends on the indoor unit it is paired with.
      Is the AC Pro SPHP-M-1048BB good for cold climates?
      It is not cold-climate certified: none of its matchups meet the ENERGY STAR cold-climate criteria (a COP of at least 1.75 at 5°F among other limits). In places with frequent sub-zero nights, pick a cold-climate 3.5-ton model.
      How much does the AC Pro SPHP-M-1048BB cost to run per year?
      At its rated efficiency it costs about $1,389-$3,593 a year in electricity in large U.S. cities, depending on climate and local rates - for example $1,696 in Phoenix and $2,989 in Minneapolis. The calculator on this page works it out for your city and compares it with your current system.
      Which indoor units work with the AC Pro SPHP-M-1048BB?
      ENERGY STAR lists 3 certified combinations for this outdoor unit. The highest-rated ones use AIRH-M-1061E20B, AIRH-M-1048E16B, AIRH-M-1060E20B.
      What refrigerant does the AC Pro SPHP-M-1048BB use?
      It uses R-454B.

      Running cost and savings

      Pre-filled with this model. Pick your city and what you heat with today; everything else is optional.

      Heat pump $1,674/yrYou save $630/yrSee details ↓
      1. Where you live
      Adjust heating and cooling hours

      Filled in from your city's climate. Change them if you run the system much more or less than usual.

      2. The heat pump AC Pro SPHP-M-1048BB
      3. What it replaces
      4. Price replace the example with your quote
      Heat pump, per year
      $1,674
      Current system, per year
      $2,304
      You save per year
      $630
      Payback
      27.0 years
      Net after 10 years
      -$10,700

      Cooling $1,042Heating $632Electricity used: 10,462 kWhSaved vs. a minimum-efficiency heat pump: $91

      Estimates use the unit's rated SEER2 and HSPF2, full-load hours derived from NOAA 1991-2020 degree days, average residential electricity prices from the U.S. EIA (12 months to July 2026) and fuel prices from EIA (2025 for natural gas, week of 2026-10-05 for propane and heating oil). Very cold days that need backup heat are not modelled. Federal minimum for comparison: 14.3 SEER2 / 7.5 HSPF2.

      Similar 3.5 ton models

      See all 138 3.5 ton central heat pumps, ranked

      Source: ENERGY STAR Certified Heat Pumps (U.S. EPA), certification of May 1, 2026. How we use the data.