HVAC Rated

18,000 BTU mini-split heat pump · 37M Series

Carrier 37MTRAQ18CA3

Below average cooling and heating efficiency for a 18,000 BTU mini-split heat pump, and certified for cold climates.

Ranks #446 of 465 18,000 BTU mini-splits for cooling efficiency, and costs about $515 a year to run in a mixed climate like Atlanta.

SEER2
18.5 Cooling efficiency over a season
Below average · beats 6%
HSPF2
9.2 Heating efficiency over a season
Below average · beats 16%
EER2
11.7 Cooling efficiency on a 95°F day
Below average · beats 16%
Heat at 5°F
15,000 BTU/h83% of its 47°F output
Average · beats 48%

A good fit if…

  • Your winters get properly cold - it is ENERGY STAR cold-climate certified, with 15,000 BTU/h at 5°F.
  • You want steady temperatures and quiet running - the compressor varies its speed.

Think twice if…

  • Cooling cost matters most - its SEER2 is below average for mini-splits.
  • You mainly need heat - its HSPF2 is below average for mini-splits.

Calculate my running cost

Details

Specifications18,000 BTU, R-454B
General
BrandCarrier
Also sold asBryant, Payne, WeatherMaker, Midea
Outdoor unit model37MTRAQ18CA3
Series37M Series
TypeMini-split heat pump
Nominal size18,000 BTU
CompressorVariable-speed units run longer at low powerContinuously variable
RefrigerantR-454B
Connected (smart) capableNo
On the market sinceNovember 30, 2024
Last certifiedMarch 4, 2025
Cooling
SEER2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better18.5 (range 18.5)
EER2Efficiency at 95°F outdoors11.7
Cooling capacity18,000 BTU/h
Heating
HSPF2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better9.2
Capacity at 47°F18,000 BTU/h
Capacity at 17°F15,000 BTU/h
Capacity at 5°F15,000 BTU/h
COP at 5°F2.0 = twice as efficient as a space heater2.00
ENERGY STAR cold climateYes
Heating output as it gets colder83% 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 matchups5 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.
- CARRIER · cold climate18.511.79.215,000216765583
- BRYANT · cold climate18.511.79.215,000216765587
- PAYNE · cold climate18.511.79.215,000216765591
- Weathermaker · cold climate18.511.79.215,000216765595
- MIDEA · cold climate18.511.79.215,000216765599
Yearly running cost in 10 large cities$457-$1,233

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

Questions4
What is the SEER2 rating of the Carrier 37MTRAQ18CA3?
The Carrier 37MTRAQ18CA3 is rated at up to 18.5 SEER2 and 11.7 EER2 for cooling and up to 9.2 HSPF2 for heating. The exact figure depends on the indoor unit it is paired with.
Is the Carrier 37MTRAQ18CA3 good for cold climates?
Yes. At least one certified matchup meets the ENERGY STAR cold-climate criteria, delivering up to 15,000 BTU/h at 5°F with a COP of 2.00, so it is still 2.0 times as efficient as electric resistance heat at that temperature.
How much does the Carrier 37MTRAQ18CA3 cost to run per year?
At its rated efficiency it costs about $457-$1,233 a year in electricity in large U.S. cities, depending on climate and local rates - for example $565 in Phoenix and $1,032 in Minneapolis. The calculator on this page works it out for your city and compares it with your current system.
What refrigerant does the Carrier 37MTRAQ18CA3 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 $562/yrYou save $367/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 37MTRAQ18CA3
3. What it replaces
4. Price replace the example with your quote
Heat pump, per year
$562
Current system, per year
$928
You save per year
$367
Payback
19.1 years
Net after 10 years
-$3,335

Cooling $342Heating $219Electricity used: 3,510 kWhSaved vs. a minimum-efficiency heat pump: $150

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 18,000 BTU models

See all 465 18,000 BTU mini-splits, ranked

Source: ENERGY STAR Certified Heat Pumps (U.S. EPA), certification of March 4, 2025. How we use the data.