18,000 BTU mini-split heat pump · M-Series
Mitsubishi Electric MXZ-2C20NAHZ3
Below average cooling and heating efficiency for a 18,000 BTU mini-split heat pump, and certified for cold climates.
Ranks #464 of 465 18,000 BTU mini-splits for cooling efficiency, and costs about $610 a year to run in a mixed climate like Atlanta.
- SEER2
- 16.5 Cooling efficiency over a seasonBelow average · beats 1%
- HSPF2
- 9.2 Heating efficiency over a seasonBelow average · beats 16%
- EER2
- 13.5 Cooling efficiency on a 95°F dayVery good · beats 74%
- Heat at 5°F
- 21,600 BTU/h98% of its 47°F outputBelow average · beats 22%
A good fit if…
- Your winters get properly cold - it is ENERGY STAR cold-climate certified, with 21,600 BTU/h at 5°F.
- You want steady temperatures and quiet running - the compressor varies its speed.
Think twice if…
- 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.
Details
Specifications
| General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Mitsubishi Electric |
| Outdoor unit model | MXZ-2C20NAHZ3 |
| Series | M-Series |
| Type | Mini-split heat pump |
| Nominal size | 18,000 BTU |
| CompressorVariable-speed units run longer at low power | Continuously variable |
| Refrigerant | R-410A |
| Connected (smart) capable | No |
| On the market since | January 31, 2023 |
| Last certified | July 3, 2025 |
| Cooling | |
| SEER2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better | 16.5 (range 16.5) |
| EER2Efficiency at 95°F outdoors | 13.5 |
| Cooling capacity | 18,000 BTU/h |
| Heating | |
| HSPF2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better | 9.2 |
| Capacity at 47°F | 22,000 BTU/h |
| Capacity at 17°F | 13,000 BTU/h |
| Capacity at 5°F | 21,600 BTU/h |
| COP at 5°F2.0 = twice as efficient as a space heater | 1.89 |
| ENERGY STAR cold climate | Yes |
Heating output as it gets colder
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 matchups
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. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - · cold climate | 16.5 | 13.5 | 9.2 | 21,600 | 209836186 |
Yearly running cost in 10 large cities
- Phoenix, AZ$649/yr
- Miami, FL$514/yr
- Houston, TX$582/yr
- Atlanta, GA$610/yr
- Los Angeles, CA$598/yr
- New York, NY$1,484/yr
- Chicago, IL$1,210/yr
- Denver, CO$1,010/yr
- Seattle, WA$623/yr
- Minneapolis, MN$1,251/yr
At each state's average electricity price and the city's typical heating and cooling hours.
Questions
- What is the SEER2 rating of the Mitsubishi Electric MXZ-2C20NAHZ3?
- The Mitsubishi Electric MXZ-2C20NAHZ3 is rated at up to 16.5 SEER2 and 13.5 EER2 for cooling and up to 9.2 HSPF2 for heating. The exact figure depends on the indoor unit it is paired with.
- Is the Mitsubishi Electric MXZ-2C20NAHZ3 good for cold climates?
- Yes. At least one certified matchup meets the ENERGY STAR cold-climate criteria, delivering up to 21,600 BTU/h at 5°F with a COP of 1.89, so it is still 1.9 times as efficient as electric resistance heat at that temperature.
- How much does the Mitsubishi Electric MXZ-2C20NAHZ3 cost to run per year?
- At its rated efficiency it costs about $514-$1,484 a year in electricity in large U.S. cities, depending on climate and local rates - for example $649 in Phoenix and $1,251 in Minneapolis. The calculator on this page works it out for your city and compares it with your current system.
- What refrigerant does the Mitsubishi Electric MXZ-2C20NAHZ3 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.
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See all 465 18,000 BTU mini-splits, ranked
Source: ENERGY STAR Certified Heat Pumps (U.S. EPA), certification of July 3, 2025. How we use the data.