HVAC Rated

18,000 BTU mini-split heat pump · Floating Air Select

Friedrich FSHSR18B3D

Below average cooling and heating efficiency for a 18,000 BTU mini-split heat pump, but not rated for cold climates.

Ranks #346 of 465 18,000 BTU mini-splits for cooling efficiency, and costs about $472 a year to run in a mixed climate like Atlanta.

SEER2
21.0 Cooling efficiency over a season
Below average · beats 30%
HSPF2
9.8 Heating efficiency over a season
Below average · beats 33%
EER2
12.0 Cooling efficiency on a 95°F day
Below average · beats 19%
Heat at 5°F
13,700 BTU/h76% of its 47°F output
Excellent · beats 97%

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.

Calculate my running cost

Details

Specifications18,000 BTU, R-32
General
BrandFriedrich
Also sold asRheem, Ruud
Outdoor unit modelFSHSR18B3D
SeriesFloating Air Select
TypeMini-split heat pump
Nominal size18,000 BTU
CompressorVariable-speed units run longer at low powerContinuously variable
RefrigerantR-32
Connected (smart) capableNo
On the market sinceSeptember 28, 2024
Last certifiedAugust 26, 2025
Cooling
SEER2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better21.0 (range 21.0)
EER2Efficiency at 95°F outdoors12.0
Cooling capacity18,000 BTU/h
Heating
HSPF2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better9.8
Capacity at 47°F18,000 BTU/h
Capacity at 17°F14,800 BTU/h
Capacity at 5°F13,700 BTU/h
COP at 5°F2.0 = twice as efficient as a space heater2.50
ENERGY STAR cold climateNo
Heating output as it gets colder76% kept at 5°F

Every heat pump delivers less heat as the outdoor temperature drops. Certified output of its matchup with FAHFW18A3D 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.
FAHFW18A3D Rheem21.012.09.813,700215792227
FAHFW18A3D Ruud21.012.09.813,700215792238
FAHFW18A3D21.012.09.813,700215792216
FAHFW18A3A FRIEDRICH21.012.09.813,700217666461
Yearly running cost in 10 large cities$404-$1,144

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

Questions5
What is the SEER2 rating of the Friedrich FSHSR18B3D?
The Friedrich FSHSR18B3D is rated at up to 21.0 SEER2 and 12.0 EER2 for cooling and up to 9.8 HSPF2 for heating. The exact figure depends on the indoor unit it is paired with.
Is the Friedrich FSHSR18B3D 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 18,000 BTU model.
How much does the Friedrich FSHSR18B3D cost to run per year?
At its rated efficiency it costs about $404-$1,144 a year in electricity in large U.S. cities, depending on climate and local rates - for example $507 in Phoenix and $963 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 Friedrich FSHSR18B3D?
ENERGY STAR lists 4 certified combinations for this outdoor unit. The highest-rated ones use Rheem FAHFW18A3D, Ruud FAHFW18A3D, FAHFW18A3D.
What refrigerant does the Friedrich FSHSR18B3D use?
It uses 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 $507/yrYou save $421/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 FSHSR18B3D
3. What it replaces
4. Price replace the example with your quote
Heat pump, per year
$507
Current system, per year
$928
You save per year
$421
Payback
16.6 years
Net after 10 years
-$2,793

Cooling $302Heating $206Electricity used: 3,171 kWhSaved vs. a minimum-efficiency heat pump: $204

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 18,000 BTU models

See all 465 18,000 BTU mini-splits, ranked

Source: ENERGY STAR Certified Heat Pumps (U.S. EPA), certification of August 26, 2025. How we use the data.