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      12,000 BTU mini-split heat pump · Pro

      Friedrich FPHFR12A3A

      Below average cooling and heating efficiency for a 12,000 BTU mini-split heat pump, and certified for cold climates.

      Ranks #351 of 394 12,000 BTU mini-splits for cooling efficiency, and costs about $324 a year to run in a mixed climate like Atlanta.

      SEER2
      20.5 Cooling efficiency over a season
      Below average · beats 24%
      HSPF2
      9.5 Heating efficiency over a season
      Below average · beats 24%
      EER2
      12.5 Cooling efficiency on a 95°F day
      Average · beats 44%
      Heat at 5°F
      8,500 BTU/h71% of its 47°F output
      Very good · beats 86%

      A good fit if…

      • Your winters get properly cold - it is ENERGY STAR cold-climate certified, with 8,500 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.
      • 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

      Specifications12,000 BTU, R-410A
      General
      BrandFriedrich
      Also sold asAIR-CON, DIAL, Westinghouse
      Outdoor unit modelFPHFR12A3A
      SeriesPro
      TypeMini-split heat pump
      Nominal size12,000 BTU
      CompressorVariable-speed units run longer at low powerContinuously variable
      RefrigerantR-410A
      Connected (smart) capableNo
      On the market sinceApril 21, 2023
      Last certifiedJune 9, 2026
      Cooling
      SEER2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better20.5 (range 20.5)
      EER2Efficiency at 95°F outdoors12.5
      Cooling capacity12,000 BTU/h
      Heating
      HSPF2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better9.5
      Capacity at 47°F12,000 BTU/h
      Capacity at 17°F7,600 BTU/h
      Capacity at 5°F8,500 BTU/h
      COP at 5°F2.0 = twice as efficient as a space heater2.30
      ENERGY STAR cold climateYes
      Heating output as it gets colder71% kept at 5°F

      Every heat pump delivers less heat as the outdoor temperature drops. Certified output of its matchup with FPHFC12A3B at the standard test temperatures, in BTU/h:

      Certified matchups1 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.
      FPHFC12A3B FRIEDRICH · cold climate20.512.59.58,500205104716
      Same unit, other model numbers4

      These model numbers have exactly the same certified ratings and matchups as the Friedrich FPHFR12A3A: the same equipment under another brand, or a variant code for voltage, colour or market. Everything on this page applies to them.

      Yearly running cost in 10 large cities$276-$786

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

      Questions6
      What is the SEER2 rating of the Friedrich FPHFR12A3A?
      The Friedrich FPHFR12A3A is rated at up to 20.5 SEER2 and 12.5 EER2 for cooling and up to 9.5 HSPF2 for heating. The exact figure depends on the indoor unit it is paired with.
      Is the Friedrich FPHFR12A3A good for cold climates?
      Yes. At least one certified matchup meets the ENERGY STAR cold-climate criteria, delivering up to 8,500 BTU/h at 5°F with a COP of 2.30, so it is still 2.3 times as efficient as electric resistance heat at that temperature.
      How much does the Friedrich FPHFR12A3A cost to run per year?
      At its rated efficiency it costs about $276-$786 a year in electricity in large U.S. cities, depending on climate and local rates - for example $347 in Phoenix and $662 in Minneapolis. The calculator on this page works it out for your city and compares it with your current system.
      Is the Friedrich FPHFR12A3A the same as the AIR-CON ASLCI4H4S12?
      Yes, as far as the certified ratings go. ENERGY STAR lists 5 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 Friedrich FPHFR12A3A?
      ENERGY STAR lists 1 certified combination for this outdoor unit. The highest-rated one uses FRIEDRICH FPHFC12A3B.
      What refrigerant does the Friedrich FPHFR12A3A 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 $348/yrYou save $271/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 Friedrich FPHFR12A3A
      3. What it replaces
      4. Price replace the example with your quote
      Heat pump, per year
      $348
      Current system, per year
      $619
      You save per year
      $271
      Payback
      16.6 years
      Net after 10 years
      -$1,788

      Cooling $206Heating $141Electricity used: 2,172 kWhSaved vs. a minimum-efficiency heat pump: $127

      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 9, 2026. How we use the data.