HVAC Rated

2.5-ton central heat pump · COMFORT 15 SEER2 HP

Carrier 27SCA530A**30

Below average cooling and heating efficiency for a 2.5-ton central heat pump, but not rated for cold climates.

Ranks #175 of 199 2.5 ton central heat pumps for cooling efficiency, and costs about $963 a year to run in a mixed climate like Atlanta.

SEER2
15.2 Cooling efficiency over a season
Below average · beats 6%
HSPF2
8.1 Heating efficiency over a season
Below average · beats 20%
EER2
12.0 Cooling efficiency on a 95°F day
Average · beats 64%
Heat at 5°F
13,900 BTU/h48% of its 47°F output
Very good · beats 83%

A good fit if…

  • You want a certified 2.5-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

Specifications2.5 ton, R-454B
General
BrandCarrier
Also sold asWeatherMaker
Outdoor unit model27SCA530A**30
SeriesCOMFORT 15 SEER2 HP
TypeCentral heat pump
Nominal size2.5 ton
CompressorVariable-speed units run longer at low powerSingle stage
RefrigerantR-454B
Connected (smart) capableNo
On the market sinceJanuary 1, 2024
Last certifiedFebruary 11, 2026
Cooling
SEER2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better15.2 (range 15.2)
EER2Efficiency at 95°F outdoors12.0-12.5
Cooling capacity27,600-30,200 BTU/h
Heating
HSPF2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better7.8-8.1
Capacity at 47°F28,000-29,000 BTU/h
Capacity at 17°F17,200-17,800 BTU/h
Capacity at 5°F13,500-13,900 BTU/h
COP at 5°F2.0 = twice as efficient as a space heater1.96-2.26
ENERGY STAR cold climateNo
Heating output as it gets colder48% kept at 5°F

Every heat pump delivers less heat as the outdoor temperature drops. Certified output of its matchup with FMA5X36**AL at the standard test temperatures, in BTU/h:

Certified matchups6 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.
FMA5X36**AL-15.212.08.113,900214424195
FMA5X30**AL-15.212.58.113,900214424163
CVAVA4224XMA58SU*B080M21**2015.212.07.813,500214136789
FJ5AN*C42L-15.212.07.813,500214179468
F55AA*C42L-15.212.07.813,500216463890
CVAVA4224XMA58S(B,C)*B110M24**2015.212.07.813,500214136564
Same unit, other model numbers2

These model numbers have exactly the same certified ratings and matchups as the Carrier 27SCA530A**30: 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$895-$2,275

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

Questions6
What is the SEER2 rating of the Carrier 27SCA530A**30?
The Carrier 27SCA530A**30 is rated at up to 15.2 SEER2 and 12.0 EER2 for cooling and up to 8.1 HSPF2 for heating. The exact figure depends on the indoor unit it is paired with.
Is the Carrier 27SCA530A**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 2.5-ton model.
How much does the Carrier 27SCA530A**30 cost to run per year?
At its rated efficiency it costs about $895-$2,275 a year in electricity in large U.S. cities, depending on climate and local rates - for example $1,087 in Phoenix and $1,888 in Minneapolis. The calculator on this page works it out for your city and compares it with your current system.
Is the Carrier 27SCA530A**30 the same as the Carrier 27SPA630A**30?
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.
Which indoor units work with the Carrier 27SCA530A**30?
ENERGY STAR lists 6 certified combinations for this outdoor unit. The highest-rated ones use FMA5X36**AL, FMA5X30**AL, CVAVA4224XMA.
What refrigerant does the Carrier 27SCA530A**30 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 $1,070/yrYou save $422/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 27SCA530A**30
3. What it replaces
4. Price replace the example with your quote
Heat pump, per year
$1,070
Current system, per year
$1,492
You save per year
$422
Payback
26.1 years
Net after 10 years
-$6,778

Cooling $672Heating $398Electricity used: 6,686 kWhSaved vs. a minimum-efficiency heat pump: $74

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 199 2.5 ton central heat pumps, ranked

Source: ENERGY STAR Certified Heat Pumps (U.S. EPA), certification of February 11, 2026. How we use the data.