HVAC Rated

2.5-ton central heat pump · E Series

Kinghome KU36UXO

Average cooling efficiency and very good heating efficiency for a 2.5-ton central heat pump, and certified for cold climates.

Ranks #42 of 199 2.5 ton central heat pumps for cooling efficiency, and costs about $912 a year to run in a mixed climate like Atlanta.

SEER2
18.0 Cooling efficiency over a season
Average · beats 66%
HSPF2
10.0 Heating efficiency over a season
Very good · beats 84%
EER2
12.0 Cooling efficiency on a 95°F day
Average · beats 64%
Heat at 5°F
34,000 BTU/h96% 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 34,000 BTU/h at 5°F.
  • It will heat most of the year - its HSPF2 beats 84% of central heat pumps.
  • You want steady temperatures and quiet running - the compressor varies its speed.

Think twice if…

  • Nothing stands out - its ratings have no weak spot for its class.

Calculate my running cost

Details

Specifications2.5 ton, R-32
General
BrandKinghome
Also sold asWillis, QuébecVair
Outdoor unit modelKU36UXO
SeriesE Series
TypeCentral heat pump
Nominal size2.5 ton
CompressorVariable-speed units run longer at low powerContinuously variable
RefrigerantR-32
Connected (smart) capableNo
On the market sinceMarch 10, 2025
Last certifiedSeptember 16, 2026
Cooling
SEER2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better18.0 (range 16.0-18.0)
EER2Efficiency at 95°F outdoors11.0-12.0
Cooling capacity23,000-34,000 BTU/h
Heating
HSPF2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better8.5-10.0
Capacity at 47°F24,000-35,000 BTU/h
Capacity at 17°F15,000-28,200 BTU/h
Capacity at 5°F24,000-34,000 BTU/h
COP at 5°F2.0 = twice as efficient as a space heater1.80-2.00
ENERGY STAR cold climateYes
Heating output as it gets colder96% kept at 5°F

Every heat pump delivers less heat as the outdoor temperature drops. Certified output of its matchup with KD24UXI 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.
KD24UXI · cold climate18.012.010.024,000217194944
KD36UXI · cold climate18.011.210.034,000217194945
KCAC36FI · cold climate16.011.08.532,000217603525
KCAC24FI · cold climate16.011.08.524,000218046860
Same unit, other model numbers2

These model numbers have exactly the same certified ratings and matchups as the Kinghome KU36UXO: 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$834-$2,164

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

Questions6
What is the SEER2 rating of the Kinghome KU36UXO?
The Kinghome KU36UXO is rated at up to 18.0 SEER2 and 12.0 EER2 for cooling and up to 10.0 HSPF2 for heating. The exact figure depends on the indoor unit it is paired with; across its 4 certified matchups SEER2 ranges from 16.0-18.0.
Is the Kinghome KU36UXO good for cold climates?
Yes. At least one certified matchup meets the ENERGY STAR cold-climate criteria, delivering up to 34,000 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 Kinghome KU36UXO cost to run per year?
At its rated efficiency it costs about $834-$2,164 a year in electricity in large U.S. cities, depending on climate and local rates - for example $1,019 in Phoenix and $1,801 in Minneapolis. The calculator on this page works it out for your city and compares it with your current system.
Is the Kinghome KU36UXO the same as the Willis FLEX36KUHR32?
Yes, as far as the certified ratings go. ENERGY STAR lists 3 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 Kinghome KU36UXO?
ENERGY STAR lists 4 certified combinations for this outdoor unit. The highest-rated ones use KD24UXI, KD36UXI, KCAC36FI.
What refrigerant does the Kinghome KU36UXO 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 $1,007/yrYou save $676/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 Kinghome KU36UXO
3. What it replaces
4. Price replace the example with your quote
Heat pump, per year
$1,007
Current system, per year
$1,683
You save per year
$676
Payback
17.7 years
Net after 10 years
-$5,239

Cooling $626Heating $381Electricity used: 6,291 kWhSaved vs. a minimum-efficiency heat pump: $289

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 September 16, 2026. How we use the data.