HVAC Rated

18,000 BTU mini-split heat pump · C series

ComfortStar CHF18CD(O)

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

Ranks #266 of 465 18,000 BTU mini-splits for cooling efficiency, and costs about $434 a year to run in a mixed climate like Atlanta.

SEER2
21.5 Cooling efficiency over a season
Below average · beats 39%
HSPF2
11.3 Heating efficiency over a season
Very good · beats 81%
EER2
12.5 Cooling efficiency on a 95°F day
Average · beats 44%
Heat at 5°F
18,000 BTU/h100% of its 47°F output
Below average · beats 32%

A good fit if…

  • Your winters get properly cold - it is ENERGY STAR cold-climate certified, with 18,000 BTU/h at 5°F.
  • It will heat most of the year - its HSPF2 beats 81% of mini-splits.
  • 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 want the newest refrigerant - it uses R-410A, which is being phased down.

Calculate my running cost

Details

Specifications18,000 BTU, R-410A
General
BrandComfortStar
Outdoor unit modelCHF18CD(O)
SeriesC series
TypeMini-split heat pump
Nominal size18,000 BTU
CompressorVariable-speed units run longer at low powerContinuously variable
RefrigerantR-410A
Connected (smart) capableNo
On the market sinceFebruary 2, 2020
Last certifiedJune 25, 2026
Cooling
SEER2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better21.5 (range 18.0-21.5)
EER2Efficiency at 95°F outdoors11.7-12.5
Cooling capacity16,000-18,000 BTU/h
Heating
HSPF2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better9.5-11.3
Capacity at 47°F17,000-20,000 BTU/h
Capacity at 17°F12,000-15,600 BTU/h
Capacity at 5°F16,000-18,000 BTU/h
COP at 5°F2.0 = twice as efficient as a space heater1.75-1.93
ENERGY STAR cold climateYes
Heating output as it gets colder100% kept at 5°F

Every heat pump delivers less heat as the outdoor temperature drops. Certified output of its matchup with CHF18CD(I) at the standard test temperatures, in BTU/h:

Certified matchups6 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.
CHF18CD(I) COMFORTSTAR · cold climate21.512.511.318,000207658928
FPA-18 COMFORTSTAR · cold climate20.512.59.816,800207658960
TPA-18 COMFORTSTAR · cold climate20.012.59.516,000207658951
T1W18P COMFORTSTAR · cold climate19.812.511.216,700214594912
CPA-18B COMFORTSTAR · cold climate18.011.79.517,700207765971
CPA-18C COMFORTSTAR · cold climate18.011.79.517,700207658939
Yearly running cost in 10 large cities$372-$1,049

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

Questions5
What is the SEER2 rating of the ComfortStar CHF18CD(O)?
The ComfortStar CHF18CD(O) is rated at up to 21.5 SEER2 and 12.5 EER2 for cooling and up to 11.3 HSPF2 for heating. The exact figure depends on the indoor unit it is paired with; across its 6 certified matchups SEER2 ranges from 18.0-21.5.
Is the ComfortStar CHF18CD(O) good for cold climates?
Yes. At least one certified matchup meets the ENERGY STAR cold-climate criteria, delivering up to 18,000 BTU/h at 5°F with a COP of 1.93, so it is still 1.9 times as efficient as electric resistance heat at that temperature.
How much does the ComfortStar CHF18CD(O) cost to run per year?
At its rated efficiency it costs about $372-$1,049 a year in electricity in large U.S. cities, depending on climate and local rates - for example $466 in Phoenix and $882 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 ComfortStar CHF18CD(O)?
ENERGY STAR lists 6 certified combinations for this outdoor unit. The highest-rated ones use COMFORTSTAR CHF18CD(I), COMFORTSTAR FPA-18, COMFORTSTAR TPA-18.
What refrigerant does the ComfortStar CHF18CD(O) 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 $467/yrYou save $443/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 ComfortStar CHF18CD(O)
3. What it replaces
4. Price replace the example with your quote
Heat pump, per year
$467
Current system, per year
$909
You save per year
$443
Payback
14.7 years
Net after 10 years
-$2,074

Cooling $278Heating $188Electricity used: 2,917 kWhSaved vs. a minimum-efficiency heat pump: $236

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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Source: ENERGY STAR Certified Heat Pumps (U.S. EPA), certification of June 25, 2026. How we use the data.