HVAC Rated

3-ton central heat pump · PERFORMANCE 15 SEER2 HP

Carrier 25SPA536A**30

Below average cooling and heating efficiency for a 3-ton central heat pump, but not rated for cold climates.

Ranks #290 of 302 3 ton central heat pumps for cooling efficiency, and costs about $1,160 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
- Not reported by the maker

A good fit if…

  • You want a certified 3-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.
  • You want the newest refrigerant - it uses R-410A, which is being phased down.

Calculate my running cost

Details

Specifications3 ton, R-410A
General
BrandCarrier
Outdoor unit model25SPA536A**30
SeriesPERFORMANCE 15 SEER2 HP
TypeCentral heat pump
Nominal size3 ton
CompressorVariable-speed units run longer at low powerSingle stage
RefrigerantR-410A
Connected (smart) capableNo
On the market sinceJuly 1, 2022
Last certifiedAugust 21, 2023
Cooling
SEER2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better15.2 (range 15.2)
EER2Efficiency at 95°F outdoors12.0
Cooling capacity34,600 BTU/h
Heating
HSPF2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better7.8
Capacity at 47°F33,600 BTU/h
Capacity at 17°F20,200 BTU/h
Capacity at 5°F-
COP at 5°F2.0 = twice as efficient as a space heater-
ENERGY STAR cold climateNo
Heating output as it gets colder

Every heat pump delivers less heat as the outdoor temperature drops. Certified output of its matchup with CAP**4321AL at the standard test temperatures, in BTU/h:

Certified matchups1 indoor units

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

Indoor unitFurnaceSEER2EER2HSPF2Heat @5°FAHRI ref.
CAP**4321AL58SP*B110V21**2215.212.07.8-213209339
Yearly running cost in 10 large cities$1,068-$2,748

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

Questions5
What is the SEER2 rating of the Carrier 25SPA536A**30?
The Carrier 25SPA536A**30 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 Carrier 25SPA536A**30 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-ton model.
How much does the Carrier 25SPA536A**30 cost to run per year?
At its rated efficiency it costs about $1,068-$2,748 a year in electricity in large U.S. cities, depending on climate and local rates - for example $1,302 in Phoenix and $2,284 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 Carrier 25SPA536A**30?
ENERGY STAR lists 1 certified combination for this outdoor unit. The highest-rated one uses CAP**4321AL.
What refrigerant does the Carrier 25SPA536A**30 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 $1,284/yrYou save $484/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 Carrier 25SPA536A**30
3. What it replaces
4. Price replace the example with your quote
Heat pump, per year
$1,284
Current system, per year
$1,768
You save per year
$484
Payback
26.9 years
Net after 10 years
-$8,160

Cooling $801Heating $482Electricity used: 8,023 kWhSaved vs. a minimum-efficiency heat pump: $70

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 ton models

See all 302 3 ton central heat pumps, ranked

Source: ENERGY STAR Certified Heat Pumps (U.S. EPA), certification of August 21, 2023. How we use the data.