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      3.5-ton central heat pump · AFFINITY

      York YZV48B21

      Excellent cooling efficiency and below average heating efficiency for a 3.5-ton central heat pump, but not rated for cold climates.

      Ranks #11 of 138 3.5 ton central heat pumps for cooling efficiency, and costs about $1,295 a year to run in a mixed climate like Atlanta.

      SEER2
      19.5 Cooling efficiency over a season
      Excellent · beats 91%
      HSPF2
      8.5 Heating efficiency over a season
      Below average · beats 38%
      EER2
      12.4 Cooling efficiency on a 95°F day
      Very good · beats 76%
      Heat at 5°F
      35,200 BTU/h81% of its 47°F output
      Below average · beats 39%

      A good fit if…

      • You want low cooling bills - its SEER2 beats 91% of central heat pumps.
      • 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.
      • You mainly need heat - its HSPF2 is below average for central heat pumps.
      • You want the newest refrigerant - it uses R-410A, which is being phased down.

      Calculate my running cost

      Details

      Specifications3.5 ton, R-410A
      General
      BrandYork
      Outdoor unit modelYZV48B21
      SeriesAFFINITY
      TypeCentral heat pump
      Nominal size3.5 ton
      CompressorVariable-speed units run longer at low powerContinuously variable
      RefrigerantR-410A
      Connected (smart) capableNo
      On the market sinceNovember 27, 2023
      Last certifiedJuly 7, 2026
      Cooling
      SEER2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better19.5 (range 19.5)
      EER2Efficiency at 95°F outdoors12.4
      Cooling capacity44,500 BTU/h
      Heating
      HSPF2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better8.5
      Capacity at 47°F43,500 BTU/h
      Capacity at 17°F43,500 BTU/h
      Capacity at 5°F35,200 BTU/h
      COP at 5°F2.0 = twice as efficient as a space heater2.00
      ENERGY STAR cold climateNo
      Heating output as it gets colder81% kept at 5°F

      Every heat pump delivers less heat as the outdoor temperature drops. Certified output of its matchup with JHVVC48HE3C2N1+CC at the standard test temperatures, in BTU/h:

      Certified matchups1 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.
      JHVVC48HE3C2N1+CC19.512.48.535,200211010175
      Yearly running cost in 10 large cities$1,077-$3,163

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

      Questions5
      What is the SEER2 rating of the York YZV48B21?
      The York YZV48B21 is rated at up to 19.5 SEER2 and 12.4 EER2 for cooling and up to 8.5 HSPF2 for heating. The exact figure depends on the indoor unit it is paired with.
      Is the York YZV48B21 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 3.5-ton model.
      How much does the York YZV48B21 cost to run per year?
      At its rated efficiency it costs about $1,077-$3,163 a year in electricity in large U.S. cities, depending on climate and local rates - for example $1,367 in Phoenix and $2,672 in Minneapolis. The calculator on this page works it out for your city and compares it with your current system.
      Which indoor units work with the York YZV48B21?
      ENERGY STAR lists 1 certified combination for this outdoor unit. The highest-rated one uses JHVVC48HE3C2N1+CC.
      What refrigerant does the York YZV48B21 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 $1,376/yrYou save $902/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 York YZV48B21
      3. What it replaces
      4. Price replace the example with your quote
      Heat pump, per year
      $1,376
      Current system, per year
      $2,278
      You save per year
      $902
      Payback
      18.3 years
      Net after 10 years
      -$7,483

      Cooling $803Heating $573Electricity used: 8,603 kWhSaved vs. a minimum-efficiency heat pump: $369

      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 3.5 ton models

      See all 138 3.5 ton central heat pumps, ranked

      Source: ENERGY STAR Certified Heat Pumps (U.S. EPA), certification of July 7, 2026. How we use the data.