HVAC Rated

36,000 BTU mini-split heat pump · Lennox Real

Lennox VPC036H4M-3PD

Below average cooling and heating efficiency for a 36,000 BTU mini-split heat pump, but not rated for cold climates.

Ranks #184 of 205 36,000 BTU mini-splits for cooling efficiency, and costs about $1,065 a year to run in a mixed climate like Atlanta.

SEER2
19.2 Cooling efficiency over a season
Below average · beats 11%
HSPF2
9.5 Heating efficiency over a season
Below average · beats 24%
EER2
12.1 Cooling efficiency on a 95°F day
Below average · beats 31%
Heat at 5°F
28,000 BTU/h70% of its 47°F output
Below average · beats 9%

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.
  • You want the newest refrigerant - it uses R-410A, which is being phased down.

Calculate my running cost

Details

Specifications36,000 BTU, R-410A
General
BrandLennox
Also sold asMidea
Outdoor unit modelVPC036H4M-3PD
SeriesLennox Real
TypeMini-split heat pump
Nominal size36,000 BTU
CompressorVariable-speed units run longer at low powerContinuously variable
RefrigerantR-410A
Connected (smart) capableNo
On the market sinceFebruary 13, 2023
Last certifiedApril 17, 2026
Cooling
SEER2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better19.2 (range 17.7-19.2)
EER2Efficiency at 95°F outdoors11.7-12.1
Cooling capacity36,000 BTU/h
Heating
HSPF2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better9.2-9.5
Capacity at 47°F40,000 BTU/h
Capacity at 17°F28,000-29,600 BTU/h
Capacity at 5°F28,000 BTU/h
COP at 5°F2.0 = twice as efficient as a space heater1.80
ENERGY STAR cold climateNo
Heating output as it gets colder70% 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.
- LENNOX19.212.19.528,000212608408
- LENNOX18.511.99.428,000212608415
- LENNOX17.711.79.228,000212608409
Same unit, other model numbers1

These model numbers have exactly the same certified ratings and matchups as the Lennox VPC036H4M-3PD: 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$885-$2,601

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 VPC036H4M-3PD?
The Lennox VPC036H4M-3PD is rated at up to 19.2 SEER2 and 12.1 EER2 for cooling and up to 9.5 HSPF2 for heating. The exact figure depends on the indoor unit it is paired with; across its 3 certified matchups SEER2 ranges from 17.7-19.2.
Is the Lennox VPC036H4M-3PD 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 36,000 BTU model.
How much does the Lennox VPC036H4M-3PD cost to run per year?
At its rated efficiency it costs about $885-$2,601 a year in electricity in large U.S. cities, depending on climate and local rates - for example $1,123 in Phoenix and $2,199 in Minneapolis. The calculator on this page works it out for your city and compares it with your current system.
Is the Lennox VPC036H4M-3PD the same as the Midea MDV-V36WMN1TE?
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 VPC036H4M-3PD 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 $1,132/yrYou save $790/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 VPC036H4M-3PD
3. What it replaces
4. Price replace the example with your quote
Heat pump, per year
$1,132
Current system, per year
$1,922
You save per year
$790
Payback
17.1 years
Net after 10 years
-$5,599

Cooling $660Heating $472Electricity used: 7,072 kWhSaved vs. a minimum-efficiency heat pump: $352

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 36,000 BTU models

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Source: ENERGY STAR Certified Heat Pumps (U.S. EPA), certification of April 17, 2026. How we use the data.