HVAC Rated

18,000 BTU mini-split heat pump · M series

Lennox MLB018S4M-1P

Average cooling efficiency and below average heating efficiency for a 18,000 BTU mini-split heat pump, and certified for cold climates.

Ranks #255 of 465 18,000 BTU mini-splits for cooling efficiency, and costs about $510 a year to run in a mixed climate like Atlanta.

SEER2
21.7 Cooling efficiency over a season
Average · beats 42%
HSPF2
9.8 Heating efficiency over a season
Below average · beats 33%
EER2
12.5 Cooling efficiency on a 95°F day
Average · beats 44%
Heat at 5°F
19,700 BTU/h99% of its 47°F output
Below average · beats 27%

A good fit if…

  • Your winters get properly cold - it is ENERGY STAR cold-climate certified, with 19,700 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 mini-splits.
  • You want the newest refrigerant - it uses R-410A, which is being phased down.

Calculate my running cost

Details

Specifications18,000 BTU, R-410A
General
BrandLennox
Also sold asMDV
Outdoor unit modelMLB018S4M-1P
SeriesM series
TypeMini-split heat pump
Nominal size18,000 BTU
CompressorVariable-speed units run longer at low powerContinuously variable
RefrigerantR-410A
Connected (smart) capableNo
On the market sinceDecember 18, 2019
Last certifiedJune 13, 2026
Cooling
SEER2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better21.7 (range 19.0-21.7)
EER2Efficiency at 95°F outdoors12.0-12.5
Cooling capacity19,000 BTU/h
Heating
HSPF2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better9.3-9.8
Capacity at 47°F20,000 BTU/h
Capacity at 17°F15,000-16,000 BTU/h
Capacity at 5°F19,000-19,700 BTU/h
COP at 5°F2.0 = twice as efficient as a space heater1.85-1.90
ENERGY STAR cold climateYes
Heating output as it gets colder99% kept at 5°F

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

Certified matchups3 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.
- LENNOX · cold climate21.712.59.819,700207768727
- LENNOX · cold climate20.412.39.619,300207768729
- LENNOX · cold climate19.012.09.319,000207768728
Same unit, other model numbers1

These model numbers have exactly the same certified ratings and matchups as the Lennox MLB018S4M-1P: the same equipment under another brand, or a variant code for voltage, colour or market. Everything on this page applies to them.

  • MDV M2OI-18HFN1-M-L
Yearly running cost in 10 large cities$414-$1,253

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

Questions5
What is the SEER2 rating of the Lennox MLB018S4M-1P?
The Lennox MLB018S4M-1P is rated at up to 21.7 SEER2 and 12.5 EER2 for cooling and up to 9.8 HSPF2 for heating. The exact figure depends on the indoor unit it is paired with; across its 3 certified matchups SEER2 ranges from 19.0-21.7.
Is the Lennox MLB018S4M-1P good for cold climates?
Yes. At least one certified matchup meets the ENERGY STAR cold-climate criteria, delivering up to 19,700 BTU/h at 5°F with a COP of 1.90, so it is still 1.9 times as efficient as electric resistance heat at that temperature.
How much does the Lennox MLB018S4M-1P cost to run per year?
At its rated efficiency it costs about $414-$1,253 a year in electricity in large U.S. cities, depending on climate and local rates - for example $530 in Phoenix and $1,062 in Minneapolis. The calculator on this page works it out for your city and compares it with your current system.
Is the Lennox MLB018S4M-1P the same as the MDV M2OI-18HFN1-M-L?
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.
What refrigerant does the Lennox MLB018S4M-1P 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 $537/yrYou save $459/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 Lennox MLB018S4M-1P
3. What it replaces
4. Price replace the example with your quote
Heat pump, per year
$537
Current system, per year
$996
You save per year
$459
Payback
15.2 years
Net after 10 years
-$2,407

Cooling $308Heating $229Electricity used: 3,355 kWhSaved vs. a minimum-efficiency heat pump: $230

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 13, 2026. How we use the data.