HVAC Rated

36,000 BTU mini-split heat pump · 37VMB036HDS3-1

Carrier 37VMB036HDS3-1

Below average cooling efficiency and average heating efficiency for a 36,000 BTU mini-split heat pump, and certified for cold climates.

Ranks #145 of 205 36,000 BTU mini-splits for cooling efficiency, and costs about $1,009 a year to run in a mixed climate like Atlanta.

SEER2
20.0 Cooling efficiency over a season
Below average · beats 18%
HSPF2
10.1 Heating efficiency over a season
Average · beats 51%
EER2
13.3 Cooling efficiency on a 95°F day
Very good · beats 70%
Heat at 5°F
34,000 BTU/h85% 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 34,000 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.

Calculate my running cost

Details

Specifications36,000 BTU, R-454B
General
BrandCarrier
Also sold asICP Commercial, Bryant
Outdoor unit model37VMB036HDS3-1
Series37VMB036HDS3-1
TypeMini-split heat pump
Nominal size36,000 BTU
CompressorVariable-speed units run longer at low powerContinuously variable
RefrigerantR-454B
Connected (smart) capableNo
On the market sinceNovember 20, 2024
Last certifiedApril 17, 2026
Cooling
SEER2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better20.0 (range 17.8-20.0)
EER2Efficiency at 95°F outdoors12.0-13.3
Cooling capacity36,000 BTU/h
Heating
HSPF2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better9.6-10.1
Capacity at 47°F40,000 BTU/h
Capacity at 17°F27,800-30,600 BTU/h
Capacity at 5°F34,000 BTU/h
COP at 5°F2.0 = twice as efficient as a space heater2.00
ENERGY STAR cold climateYes
Heating output as it gets colder85% 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 matchups9 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 climate20.013.310.134,000216369712
- ICP COMMERCIAL · cold climate20.013.310.134,000217022349
- BRYANT · cold climate20.013.310.134,000217022358
- CARRIER · cold climate18.912.79.934,000216369716
- ICP COMMERCIAL · cold climate18.912.79.934,000217022352
- BRYANT · cold climate18.912.79.934,000217022361
- CARRIER · cold climate17.812.09.634,000216369708
- ICP COMMERCIAL · cold climate17.812.09.634,000217022346
- BRYANT · cold climate17.812.09.634,000217022355
Yearly running cost in 10 large cities$849-$2,456

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 37VMB036HDS3-1?
The Carrier 37VMB036HDS3-1 is rated at up to 20.0 SEER2 and 13.3 EER2 for cooling and up to 10.1 HSPF2 for heating. The exact figure depends on the indoor unit it is paired with; across its 9 certified matchups SEER2 ranges from 17.8-20.0.
Is the Carrier 37VMB036HDS3-1 good for cold climates?
Yes. At least one certified matchup meets the ENERGY STAR cold-climate criteria, delivering up to 34,000 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 37VMB036HDS3-1 cost to run per year?
At its rated efficiency it costs about $849-$2,456 a year in electricity in large U.S. cities, depending on climate and local rates - for example $1,072 in Phoenix and $2,071 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 37VMB036HDS3-1 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 $1,077/yrYou save $845/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 37VMB036HDS3-1
3. What it replaces
4. Price replace the example with your quote
Heat pump, per year
$1,077
Current system, per year
$1,922
You save per year
$845
Payback
16.0 years
Net after 10 years
-$5,055

Cooling $634Heating $444Electricity used: 6,732 kWhSaved vs. a minimum-efficiency heat pump: $406

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 36,000 BTU models

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

Source: ENERGY STAR Certified Heat Pumps (U.S. EPA), certification of April 17, 2026. How we use the data.