What is the SEER2 rating of the GE NS17H18SA4-?

The GE NS17H18SA4- is rated at up to 15.2 SEER2 and 13.0 EER2 for cooling and up to 8.0 HSPF2 for heating. The exact figure depends on the indoor unit it is paired with.

Is the GE NS17H18SA4- 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 1.5-ton model.

How much does the GE NS17H18SA4- cost to run per year?

At its rated efficiency it costs about $556-$1,428 a year in electricity in large U.S. cities, depending on climate and local rates - for example $677 in Phoenix and $1,187 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 GE NS17H18SA4-?

ENERGY STAR lists 1 certified combination for this outdoor unit. The highest-rated one uses NAM18P1TA4.

What refrigerant does the GE NS17H18SA4- 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.

1.5-ton central heat pump · NS17H SERIES

GE NS17H18SA4-

Below average cooling and heating efficiency for a 1.5-ton central heat pump, but not rated for cold climates.

Ranks #158 of 170 1.5 ton central heat pumps for cooling efficiency, and costs about $603 a year to run in a mixed climate like Atlanta.

SEER2: 15.2 Cooling efficiency over a season
Below average · beats 6%
HSPF2: 8.0 Heating efficiency over a season
Below average · beats 12%
EER2: 13.0 Cooling efficiency on a 95°F day
Very good · beats 89%
Heat at 5°F: 8,500 BTU/h47% of its 47°F output
Average · beats 47%

A good fit if…

You want a certified 1.5-ton central heat pump at a typical efficiency level.

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 central heat pumps.
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

Specifications1.5 ton, R-410A

General
Brand	GE
Outdoor unit model	NS17H18SA4-
Series	NS17H SERIES
Type	Central heat pump
Nominal size	1.5 ton
CompressorVariable-speed units run longer at low power	Single stage
Refrigerant	R-410A
Connected (smart) capable	No
On the market since	October 25, 2022
Last certified	May 27, 2026
Cooling
SEER2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better	15.2 (range 15.2)
EER2Efficiency at 95°F outdoors	13.0
Cooling capacity	18,000 BTU/h
Heating
HSPF2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better	8.0
Capacity at 47°F	17,900 BTU/h
Capacity at 17°F	11,200 BTU/h
Capacity at 5°F	8,500 BTU/h
COP at 5°F2.0 = twice as efficient as a space heater	2.02
ENERGY STAR cold climate	No

Heating output as it gets colder47% kept at 5°F

Every heat pump delivers less heat as the outdoor temperature drops. Certified output of its matchup with NAM18P1TA4 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 unit	SEER2	EER2	HSPF2	Heat @5°F	AHRI ref.
NAM18P1TA4	15.2	13.0	8.0	8,500	210331687

Yearly running cost in 10 large cities$556-$1,428

Phoenix, AZ$677/yr
Miami, FL$556/yr
Houston, TX$606/yr
Atlanta, GA$603/yr
Los Angeles, CA$584/yr
New York, NY$1,428/yr
Chicago, IL$1,157/yr
Denver, CO$959/yr
Seattle, WA$588/yr
Minneapolis, MN$1,187/yr

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

Questions5

What is the SEER2 rating of the GE NS17H18SA4-?: The GE NS17H18SA4- is rated at up to 15.2 SEER2 and 13.0 EER2 for cooling and up to 8.0 HSPF2 for heating. The exact figure depends on the indoor unit it is paired with.
Is the GE NS17H18SA4- 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 1.5-ton model.
How much does the GE NS17H18SA4- cost to run per year?: At its rated efficiency it costs about $556-$1,428 a year in electricity in large U.S. cities, depending on climate and local rates - for example $677 in Phoenix and $1,187 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 GE NS17H18SA4-?: ENERGY STAR lists 1 certified combination for this outdoor unit. The highest-rated one uses NAM18P1TA4.
What refrigerant does the GE NS17H18SA4- 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 $667/yrYou save $259/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 GE NS17H18SA4-

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: $667
Current system, per year: $926
You save per year: $259
Payback: 27.0 years
Net after 10 years: -$4,410

Cooling $417Heating $251Electricity used: 4,172 kWhSaved vs. a minimum-efficiency heat pump: $43

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 1.5 ton models

American Standard N5HP5018A115.2 SEER2 · 8.0 HSPF2
AC Pro SPHP-M-1018BB15.2 SEER2 · 7.8 HSPF2
Thermal Zone TZP15AZ18AJ2N · cold climate15.2 SEER2 · 8.1 HSPF2
Airquest N4H5S18*K*AAA15.2 SEER2 · 7.8 HSPF2
RunTru A5HP5018A115.2 SEER2 · 8.1 HSPF2
Arcoaire R4H5S18*K*AAA15.2 SEER2 · 7.8 HSPF2
Rheem WP15AY18AJ2N · cold climate15.2 SEER2 · 8.1 HSPF2
Bryant 225SAN018**AA15.2 SEER2 · 7.8 HSPF2

See all 170 1.5 ton central heat pumps, ranked

Source: ENERGY STAR Certified Heat Pumps (U.S. EPA), certification of May 27, 2026. How we use the data.