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      36,000 BTU mini-split heat pump · BMS500

      Bosch BMS500-AAM036-1CSXRC

      Very good cooling efficiency and below average heating efficiency for a 36,000 BTU mini-split heat pump, but not rated for cold climates.

      Ranks #15 of 205 36,000 BTU mini-splits for cooling efficiency, and costs about $941 a year to run in a mixed climate like Atlanta.

      SEER2
      23.9 Cooling efficiency over a season
      Very good · beats 72%
      HSPF2
      9.5 Heating efficiency over a season
      Below average · beats 24%
      EER2
      11.7 Cooling efficiency on a 95°F day
      Below average · beats 16%
      Heat at 5°F
      25,200 BTU/h68% of its 47°F output
      Below average · beats 9%

      A good fit if…

      • You want low cooling bills - its SEER2 beats 72% of mini-splits.
      • You want steady temperatures and quiet running - the compressor varies its speed.

      Think twice if…

      • You often see nights below 0°F - it is not cold-climate certified.
      • You mainly need heat - its HSPF2 is below average for mini-splits.
      • You want the newest refrigerant - it uses R-410A, which is being phased down.

      Calculate my running cost

      Details

      Specifications36,000 BTU, R-410A
      General
      BrandBosch
      Also sold asComfortStar, Elios
      Outdoor unit modelBMS500-AAM036-1CSXRC
      SeriesBMS500
      TypeMini-split heat pump
      Nominal size36,000 BTU
      CompressorVariable-speed units run longer at low powerContinuously variable
      RefrigerantR-410A
      Connected (smart) capableNo
      On the market sinceJanuary 1, 2022
      Last certifiedJune 29, 2026
      Cooling
      SEER2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better23.9 (range 20.0-23.9)
      EER2Efficiency at 95°F outdoors11.0-11.7
      Cooling capacity36,000 BTU/h
      Heating
      HSPF2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better9.2-9.5
      Capacity at 47°F37,000 BTU/h
      Capacity at 17°F26,800-27,400 BTU/h
      Capacity at 5°F24,000-25,200 BTU/h
      COP at 5°F2.0 = twice as efficient as a space heater1.68-1.80
      ENERGY STAR cold climateNo
      Heating output as it gets colder68% kept at 5°F

      Every heat pump delivers less heat as the outdoor temperature drops. Certified output of its best matchup at the standard test temperatures, in BTU/h:

      Certified matchups4 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.
      - BOSCH23.911.79.525,200207760027
      - BOSCH23.911.79.525,200207760027
      - BOSCH22.011.49.424,600207760029
      - BOSCH20.011.09.224,000207760028
      Same unit, other model numbers2

      These model numbers have exactly the same certified ratings and matchups as the Bosch BMS500-AAM036-1CSXRC: the same equipment under another brand, or a variant code for voltage, colour or market. Everything on this page applies to them.

      Yearly running cost in 10 large cities$715-$2,351

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

      Questions5
      What is the SEER2 rating of the Bosch BMS500-AAM036-1CSXRC?
      The Bosch BMS500-AAM036-1CSXRC is rated at up to 23.9 SEER2 and 11.7 EER2 for cooling and up to 9.5 HSPF2 for heating. The exact figure depends on the indoor unit it is paired with; across its 4 certified matchups SEER2 ranges from 20.0-23.9.
      Is the Bosch BMS500-AAM036-1CSXRC 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 36,000 BTU model.
      How much does the Bosch BMS500-AAM036-1CSXRC cost to run per year?
      At its rated efficiency it costs about $715-$2,351 a year in electricity in large U.S. cities, depending on climate and local rates - for example $942 in Phoenix and $2,011 in Minneapolis. The calculator on this page works it out for your city and compares it with your current system.
      Is the Bosch BMS500-AAM036-1CSXRC the same as the ComfortStar CMZ-48-4Z?
      Yes, as far as the certified ratings go. ENERGY STAR lists 3 model numbers with identical efficiency, capacity and matchups, which means the same outdoor unit sold under a different brand or with a minor variant code (voltage, colour or region). The full list is on this page.
      What refrigerant does the Bosch BMS500-AAM036-1CSXRC use?
      It uses R-410A. R-410A is being phased down under the EPA AIM Act, and new systems are moving to R-454B and R-32.

      Running cost and savings

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

      Heat pump $966/yrYou save $906/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 Bosch BMS500-AAM036-1CSXRC
      3. What it replaces
      4. Price replace the example with your quote
      Heat pump, per year
      $966
      Current system, per year
      $1,873
      You save per year
      $906
      Payback
      14.9 years
      Net after 10 years
      -$4,438

      Cooling $530Heating $436Electricity used: 6,040 kWhSaved vs. a minimum-efficiency heat pump: $472

      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.

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      See all 205 36,000 BTU mini-splits, ranked

      Source: ENERGY STAR Certified Heat Pumps (U.S. EPA), certification of June 29, 2026. How we use the data.