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      24,000 BTU mini-split heat pump · 38M series

      Carrier 38MTRAQ27CA3

      Below average cooling and heating efficiency for a 24,000 BTU mini-split heat pump, but not rated for cold climates.

      Ranks #355 of 430 24,000 BTU mini-splits for cooling efficiency, and costs about $791 a year to run in a mixed climate like Atlanta.

      SEER2
      20.0 Cooling efficiency over a season
      Below average · beats 18%
      HSPF2
      8.5 Heating efficiency over a season
      Below average · beats 2%
      EER2
      11.5 Cooling efficiency on a 95°F day
      Below average · beats 13%
      Heat at 5°F
      16,400 BTU/h61% of its 47°F output
      Below average · beats 1%

      A good fit if…

      • 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.
      • Cooling cost matters most - its SEER2 is below average for mini-splits.
      • 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

      Specifications24,000 BTU, R-410A
      General
      BrandCarrier
      Also sold asBryant, Payne, WeatherMaker, Midea
      Outdoor unit model38MTRAQ27CA3
      Series38M series
      TypeMini-split heat pump
      Nominal size24,000 BTU
      CompressorVariable-speed units run longer at low powerContinuously variable
      RefrigerantR-410A
      Connected (smart) capableNo
      On the market sinceOctober 5, 2023
      Last certifiedApril 17, 2026
      Cooling
      SEER2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better20.0 (range 20.0)
      EER2Efficiency at 95°F outdoors11.5
      Cooling capacity27,000 BTU/h
      Heating
      HSPF2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better8.5
      Capacity at 47°F27,000 BTU/h
      Capacity at 17°F19,000 BTU/h
      Capacity at 5°F16,400 BTU/h
      COP at 5°F2.0 = twice as efficient as a space heater1.75
      ENERGY STAR cold climateNo
      Heating output as it gets colder61% 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.
      - CARRIER20.011.58.516,400213363523
      - BRYANT20.011.58.516,400213363535
      - PAYNE20.011.58.516,400213363547
      - Weathermaker20.011.58.516,400213363559
      - MIDEA20.011.58.516,400213363571
      Yearly running cost in 10 large cities$638-$1,947

      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 38MTRAQ27CA3?
      The Carrier 38MTRAQ27CA3 is rated at up to 20.0 SEER2 and 11.5 EER2 for cooling and up to 8.5 HSPF2 for heating. The exact figure depends on the indoor unit it is paired with.
      Is the Carrier 38MTRAQ27CA3 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 24,000 BTU model.
      How much does the Carrier 38MTRAQ27CA3 cost to run per year?
      At its rated efficiency it costs about $638-$1,947 a year in electricity in large U.S. cities, depending on climate and local rates - for example $820 in Phoenix and $1,652 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 38MTRAQ27CA3 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 $831/yrYou save $561/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 38MTRAQ27CA3
      3. What it replaces
      4. Price replace the example with your quote
      Heat pump, per year
      $831
      Current system, per year
      $1,392
      You save per year
      $561
      Payback
      17.8 years
      Net after 10 years
      -$4,388

      Cooling $475Heating $356Electricity used: 5,194 kWhSaved vs. a minimum-efficiency heat pump: $237

      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 24,000 BTU models

      See all 430 24,000 BTU mini-splits, ranked

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