18,000 BTU mini-split heat pump · LEA SERIES
NOVAIR LEA18MZ-2P-25SK-O
Below average cooling efficiency and average heating efficiency for a 18,000 BTU mini-split heat pump, and certified for cold climates.
Ranks #323 of 465 18,000 BTU mini-splits for cooling efficiency, and costs about $477 a year to run in a mixed climate like Atlanta.
- SEER2
- 21.0 Cooling efficiency over a seasonBelow average · beats 30%
- HSPF2
- 10.2 Heating efficiency over a seasonAverage · beats 53%
- EER2
- 12.5 Cooling efficiency on a 95°F dayAverage · beats 44%
- Heat at 5°F
- 13,300 BTU/h66% of its 47°F outputAverage · beats 48%
A good fit if…
- Your winters get properly cold - it is ENERGY STAR cold-climate certified, with 13,300 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 want the newest refrigerant - it uses R-410A, which is being phased down.
Details
Specifications
| General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | NOVAIR |
| Also sold as | ECO AC |
| Outdoor unit model | LEA18MZ-2P-25SK-O |
| Series | LEA 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 1, 2023 |
| Last certified | June 29, 2026 |
| Cooling | |
| SEER2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better | 21.0 (range 19.0-21.0) |
| EER2Efficiency at 95°F outdoors | 12.0-12.5 |
| Cooling capacity | 18,000 BTU/h |
| Heating | |
| HSPF2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better | 9.8-10.2 |
| Capacity at 47°F | 19,000 BTU/h |
| Capacity at 17°F | 14,400-14,800 BTU/h |
| Capacity at 5°F | 12,600-13,300 BTU/h |
| COP at 5°F2.0 = twice as efficient as a space heater | 2.00 |
| 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. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | 21.0 | 12.5 | 10.2 | 12,600 | 207641276 |
| - | 21.0 | 12.5 | 10.2 | 12,600 | 207641276 |
| - | 20.0 | 12.3 | 10.0 | 12,900 | 207641278 |
| - · cold climate | 19.0 | 12.0 | 9.8 | 13,300 | 207641277 |
Same unit, other model numbers
These model numbers have exactly the same certified ratings and matchups as the NOVAIR LEA18MZ-2P-25SK-O: the same equipment under another brand, or a variant code for voltage, colour or market. Everything on this page applies to them.
- ECO AC EMH-2O18BB
Yearly running cost in 10 large cities
- Phoenix, AZ$509/yr
- Miami, FL$404/yr
- Houston, TX$456/yr
- Atlanta, GA$477/yr
- Los Angeles, CA$467/yr
- New York, NY$1,158/yr
- Chicago, IL$943/yr
- Denver, CO$787/yr
- Seattle, WA$486/yr
- Minneapolis, MN$975/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 NOVAIR LEA18MZ-2P-25SK-O?
- The NOVAIR LEA18MZ-2P-25SK-O is rated at up to 21.0 SEER2 and 12.5 EER2 for cooling and up to 10.2 HSPF2 for heating. The exact figure depends on the indoor unit it is paired with; across its 4 certified matchups SEER2 ranges from 19.0-21.0.
- Is the NOVAIR LEA18MZ-2P-25SK-O good for cold climates?
- Yes. At least one certified matchup meets the ENERGY STAR cold-climate criteria, delivering up to 13,300 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 NOVAIR LEA18MZ-2P-25SK-O cost to run per year?
- At its rated efficiency it costs about $404-$1,158 a year in electricity in large U.S. cities, depending on climate and local rates - for example $509 in Phoenix and $975 in Minneapolis. The calculator on this page works it out for your city and compares it with your current system.
- Is the NOVAIR LEA18MZ-2P-25SK-O the same as the ECO AC EMH-2O18BB?
- 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 NOVAIR LEA18MZ-2P-25SK-O 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 June 29, 2026. How we use the data.