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      48,000 BTU mini-split heat pump · CH series

      Cooper&Hunter CH-48MES-230VO

      Average cooling efficiency and below average heating efficiency for a 48,000 BTU mini-split heat pump, but not rated for cold climates.

      Ranks #16 of 146 48,000 BTU mini-splits for cooling efficiency, and costs about $1,285 a year to run in a mixed climate like Atlanta.

      SEER2
      23.4 Cooling efficiency over a season
      Average · beats 68%
      HSPF2
      9.2 Heating efficiency over a season
      Below average · beats 16%
      EER2
      12.5 Cooling efficiency on a 95°F day
      Average · beats 44%
      Heat at 5°F
      33,000 BTU/h69% of its 47°F output
      Below average · beats 9%

      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.
      • 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

      Specifications48,000 BTU, R-410A
      General
      BrandCooper&Hunter
      Also sold asC&H
      Outdoor unit modelCH-48MES-230VO
      SeriesCH series
      TypeMini-split heat pump
      Nominal size48,000 BTU
      CompressorVariable-speed units run longer at low powerContinuously variable
      RefrigerantR-410A
      Connected (smart) capableNo
      On the market sinceJanuary 1, 2022
      Last certifiedJune 25, 2026
      Cooling
      SEER2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better23.4 (range 22.0-23.4)
      EER2Efficiency at 95°F outdoors11.7-12.5
      Cooling capacity48,000 BTU/h
      Heating
      HSPF2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better8.7-9.2
      Capacity at 47°F48,000-49,000 BTU/h
      Capacity at 17°F34,000-35,000 BTU/h
      Capacity at 5°F33,000 BTU/h
      COP at 5°F2.0 = twice as efficient as a space heater1.75-1.80
      ENERGY STAR cold climateNo
      Heating output as it gets colder69% 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 matchups4 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.
      -23.412.58.733,000210799625
      - C&H23.412.58.733,000207742370
      - C&H22.011.79.233,000207742372
      -22.011.79.233,000210799627
      Yearly running cost in 10 large cities$974-$3,213

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

      Questions4
      What is the SEER2 rating of the Cooper&Hunter CH-48MES-230VO?
      The Cooper&Hunter CH-48MES-230VO is rated at up to 23.4 SEER2 and 12.5 EER2 for cooling and up to 9.2 HSPF2 for heating. The exact figure depends on the indoor unit it is paired with; across its 4 certified matchups SEER2 ranges from 22.0-23.4.
      Is the Cooper&Hunter CH-48MES-230VO 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 48,000 BTU model.
      How much does the Cooper&Hunter CH-48MES-230VO cost to run per year?
      At its rated efficiency it costs about $974-$3,213 a year in electricity in large U.S. cities, depending on climate and local rates - for example $1,285 in Phoenix and $2,750 in Minneapolis. The calculator on this page works it out for your city and compares it with your current system.
      What refrigerant does the Cooper&Hunter CH-48MES-230VO 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 $1,319/yrYou save $1,173/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 Cooper&Hunter CH-48MES-230VO
      3. What it replaces
      4. Price replace the example with your quote
      Heat pump, per year
      $1,319
      Current system, per year
      $2,491
      You save per year
      $1,173
      Payback
      15.3 years
      Net after 10 years
      -$6,272

      Cooling $722Heating $597Electricity used: 8,241 kWhSaved vs. a minimum-efficiency heat pump: $595

      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.