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      42,000 BTU mini-split heat pump · Smart Multi

      Mitsubishi Electric MXZ-SM42NLHZ

      Below average cooling efficiency and very good heating efficiency for a 42,000 BTU mini-split heat pump, and certified for cold climates.

      Ranks #27 of 61 42,000 BTU mini-splits for cooling efficiency, and costs about $1,100 a year to run in a mixed climate like Atlanta.

      SEER2
      21.5 Cooling efficiency over a season
      Below average · beats 39%
      HSPF2
      11.1 Heating efficiency over a season
      Very good · beats 78%
      EER2
      13.4 Cooling efficiency on a 95°F day
      Very good · beats 72%
      Heat at 5°F
      48,000 BTU/h100% of its 47°F output
      Average · beats 48%

      A good fit if…

      • Your winters get properly cold - it is ENERGY STAR cold-climate certified, with 48,000 BTU/h at 5°F.
      • It will heat most of the year - its HSPF2 beats 78% of mini-splits.
      • 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.

      Calculate my running cost

      Details

      Specifications42,000 BTU, R-454B
      General
      BrandMitsubishi Electric
      Outdoor unit modelMXZ-SM42NLHZ
      SeriesSmart Multi
      TypeMini-split heat pump
      Nominal size42,000 BTU
      CompressorVariable-speed units run longer at low powerContinuously variable
      RefrigerantR-454B
      Connected (smart) capableNo
      On the market sinceAugust 26, 2025
      Last certifiedSeptember 2, 2025
      Cooling
      SEER2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better21.5 (range 17.5-21.5)
      EER2Efficiency at 95°F outdoors10.4-13.4
      Cooling capacity42,000 BTU/h
      Heating
      HSPF2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better10.0-11.1
      Capacity at 47°F48,000 BTU/h
      Capacity at 17°F32,000-34,000 BTU/h
      Capacity at 5°F48,000 BTU/h
      COP at 5°F2.0 = twice as efficient as a space heater1.86-2.00
      ENERGY STAR cold climateYes
      Heating output as it gets colder100% 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.
      - · cold climate21.513.411.148,000215685465
      - · cold climate19.511.910.648,000215712164
      - · cold climate17.510.410.048,000215712163
      Same unit, other model numbers2

      These model numbers have exactly the same certified ratings and matchups as the Mitsubishi Electric MXZ-SM42NLHZ: 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$921-$2,678

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

      Questions5
      What is the SEER2 rating of the Mitsubishi Electric MXZ-SM42NLHZ?
      The Mitsubishi Electric MXZ-SM42NLHZ is rated at up to 21.5 SEER2 and 13.4 EER2 for cooling and up to 11.1 HSPF2 for heating. The exact figure depends on the indoor unit it is paired with; across its 3 certified matchups SEER2 ranges from 17.5-21.5.
      Is the Mitsubishi Electric MXZ-SM42NLHZ good for cold climates?
      Yes. At least one certified matchup meets the ENERGY STAR cold-climate criteria, delivering up to 48,000 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 Mitsubishi Electric MXZ-SM42NLHZ cost to run per year?
      At its rated efficiency it costs about $921-$2,678 a year in electricity in large U.S. cities, depending on climate and local rates - for example $1,166 in Phoenix and $2,261 in Minneapolis. The calculator on this page works it out for your city and compares it with your current system.
      Is the Mitsubishi Electric MXZ-SM42NLHZ the same as the Mitsubishi Electric MXZ-SM42NLHZ-?
      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.
      What refrigerant does the Mitsubishi Electric MXZ-SM42NLHZ use?
      It uses R-454B.

      Running cost and savings

      Pre-filled with this model. Pick your city and what you heat with today; everything else is optional.

      Heat pump $1,172/yrYou save $1,092/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 Mitsubishi Electric MXZ-SM42NLHZ
      3. What it replaces
      4. Price replace the example with your quote
      Heat pump, per year
      $1,172
      Current system, per year
      $2,264
      You save per year
      $1,092
      Payback
      14.7 years
      Net after 10 years
      -$5,082

      Cooling $688Heating $484Electricity used: 7,325 kWhSaved vs. a minimum-efficiency heat pump: $579

      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 2, 2025. How we use the data.