What is the SEER2 rating of the Daikin DZ6VSA481EA?

The Daikin DZ6VSA481EA is rated at up to 17.0 SEER2 and 10.0 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 Daikin DZ6VSA481EA good for cold climates?

Yes. At least one certified matchup meets the ENERGY STAR cold-climate criteria, delivering up to 31,000 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 Daikin DZ6VSA481EA cost to run per year?

At its rated efficiency it costs about $1,216-$3,266 a year in electricity in large U.S. cities, depending on climate and local rates - for example $1,502 in Phoenix and $2,730 in Minneapolis. The calculator on this page works it out for your city and compares it with your current system.

Is the Daikin DZ6VSA481EA the same as the Amana ASZS60481EA?

Yes, as far as the certified ratings go. ENERGY STAR lists both model numbers with identical efficiency, capacity and matchups, which means the same outdoor unit sold under a different brand or with a minor variant code (voltage, colour or region). The full list is on this page.

Which indoor units work with the Daikin DZ6VSA481EA?

ENERGY STAR lists 4 certified combinations for this outdoor unit. The highest-rated one uses CA*EA6030*4A.

What refrigerant does the Daikin DZ6VSA481EA 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.

3.5-ton central heat pump · DZ6VS

Daikin DZ6VSA481EA

Average cooling efficiency and below average heating efficiency for a 3.5-ton central heat pump, and certified for cold climates.

Ranks #36 of 138 3.5 ton central heat pumps for cooling efficiency, and costs about $1,365 a year to run in a mixed climate like Atlanta.

SEER2: 17.0 Cooling efficiency over a season
Average · beats 49%
HSPF2: 8.5 Heating efficiency over a season
Below average · beats 38%
EER2: 10.0 Cooling efficiency on a 95°F day
Below average · beats 10%
Heat at 5°F: 31,000 BTU/h70% of its 47°F output
Below average · beats 39%

A good fit if…

Your winters get properly cold - it is ENERGY STAR cold-climate certified, with 31,000 BTU/h at 5°F.
You want steady temperatures and quiet running - the compressor varies its speed.

Think twice if…

You mainly need heat - its HSPF2 is below average for central heat pumps.
You want the newest refrigerant - it uses R-410A, which is being phased down.

Calculate my running cost

Details

Specifications3.5 ton, R-410A

General
Brand	Daikin
Also sold as	Amana
Outdoor unit model	DZ6VSA481EA
Series	DZ6VS
Type	Central heat pump
Nominal size	3.5 ton
CompressorVariable-speed units run longer at low power	Continuously variable
Refrigerant	R-410A
Connected (smart) capable	No
On the market since	May 6, 2025
Last certified	August 19, 2026
Cooling
SEER2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better	17.0 (range 17.0)
EER2Efficiency at 95°F outdoors	10.0
Cooling capacity	44,000 BTU/h
Heating
HSPF2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better	8.5
Capacity at 47°F	44,000 BTU/h
Capacity at 17°F	28,000 BTU/h
Capacity at 5°F	31,000 BTU/h
COP at 5°F2.0 = twice as efficient as a space heater	2.00
ENERGY STAR cold climate	Yes

Heating output as it gets colder70% kept at 5°F

Every heat pump delivers less heat as the outdoor temperature drops. Certified output of its matchup with CA*EA6030*4A at the standard test temperatures, in BTU/h:

Certified matchups4 indoor units

The same outdoor unit scores differently with each indoor unit and furnace. Ask your installer for the AHRI reference number of the exact system you are quoted.

Indoor unit	Furnace	SEER2	EER2	HSPF2	Heat @5°F	AHRI ref.
CAEA60304A · cold climate	D80TC0805DA*	17.0	10.0	8.5	31,000	217362037
CAEA60304A · cold climate	D80TC0805CA*	17.0	10.0	8.5	31,000	217362044
CAEA60304A · cold climate	D80TC1005CA*	17.0	10.0	8.5	31,000	217362043
CAEA60304A · cold climate	D80TC0804CA*	17.0	10.0	8.5	31,000	217362045

Same unit, other model numbers1

These model numbers have exactly the same certified ratings and matchups as the Daikin DZ6VSA481EA: the same equipment under another brand, or a variant code for voltage, colour or market. Everything on this page applies to them.

Amana ASZS60481EA

Yearly running cost in 10 large cities$1,216-$3,266

Phoenix, AZ$1,502/yr
Miami, FL$1,216/yr
Houston, TX$1,346/yr
Atlanta, GA$1,365/yr
Los Angeles, CA$1,329/yr
New York, NY$3,266/yr
Chicago, IL$2,653/yr
Denver, CO$2,206/yr
Seattle, WA$1,356/yr
Minneapolis, MN$2,730/yr

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

Questions6

What is the SEER2 rating of the Daikin DZ6VSA481EA?: The Daikin DZ6VSA481EA is rated at up to 17.0 SEER2 and 10.0 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 Daikin DZ6VSA481EA good for cold climates?: Yes. At least one certified matchup meets the ENERGY STAR cold-climate criteria, delivering up to 31,000 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 Daikin DZ6VSA481EA cost to run per year?: At its rated efficiency it costs about $1,216-$3,266 a year in electricity in large U.S. cities, depending on climate and local rates - for example $1,502 in Phoenix and $2,730 in Minneapolis. The calculator on this page works it out for your city and compares it with your current system.
Is the Daikin DZ6VSA481EA the same as the Amana ASZS60481EA?: Yes, as far as the certified ratings go. ENERGY STAR lists both model numbers with identical efficiency, capacity and matchups, which means the same outdoor unit sold under a different brand or with a minor variant code (voltage, colour or region). The full list is on this page.
Which indoor units work with the Daikin DZ6VSA481EA?: ENERGY STAR lists 4 certified combinations for this outdoor unit. The highest-rated one uses CA*EA6030*4A.
What refrigerant does the Daikin DZ6VSA481EA 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 $1,491/yrYou save $778/yrSee details ↓

1. Where you live

StateCityElectricity ¢ per kWh

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.

Cooling hours full-load hours per yearHeating hours full-load hours per year

2. The heat pump Daikin DZ6VSA481EA

Find a model (fills in the ratings below)

SEER2 cooling efficiencyHSPF2 heating efficiencyCooling capacity BTU/hHeating capacity BTU/h

3. What it replaces

Current heatingFurnace efficiency (AFUE %)Gas price, $/thermCurrent coolingOld AC rating SEER2 (10 ≈ 15+ years old)

4. Price replace the example with your quote

Installed price, $Rebates and incentives, $ utility, state

Heat pump, per year: $1,491
Current system, per year: $2,269
You save per year: $778
Payback: 21.2 years
Net after 10 years: -$8,721

Cooling $911Heating $580Electricity used: 9,318 kWhSaved vs. a minimum-efficiency heat pump: $249

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 3.5 ton models

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Midea MOVC-60HDN10-M16G · cold climate17.0 SEER2 · 8.5 HSPF2
Bosch BOVA-60RXB-M15S · cold climate17.0 SEER2 · 8.5 HSPF2
Samsung AC048FCUPCG · cold climate17.0 SEER2 · 8.5 HSPF2
Trane 5TWR5042A117.0 SEER2 · 8.5 HSPF2
Trane 5TWX7048A1 · cold climate17.1 SEER2 · 9.0 HSPF2
AI AIR CONDITIONING AUO19-42N2-M3H-S · cold climate16.7 SEER2 · 9.5 HSPF2
Trane 5TWR7048A1 · cold climate17.1 SEER2 · 9.4 HSPF2

See all 138 3.5 ton central heat pumps, ranked

Source: ENERGY STAR Certified Heat Pumps (U.S. EPA), certification of August 19, 2026. How we use the data.