HVAC Rated

3-ton packaged heat pump · IDP Premium LGWP

Bosch BPBA-36RCB-M18S

Very good cooling efficiency and average heating efficiency for a 3-ton packaged heat pump, but not rated for cold climates.

Ranks #5 of 22 3 ton packaged heat pumps for cooling efficiency, and costs about $1,109 a year to run in a mixed climate like Atlanta.

SEER2
18.0 Cooling efficiency over a season
Very good · beats 86%
HSPF2
8.1 Heating efficiency over a season
Average · beats 62%
EER2
11.0 Cooling efficiency on a 95°F day
Below average · beats 17%
Heat at 5°F
23,000 BTU/h64% of its 47°F output
Below average · beats 33%

A good fit if…

  • You want low cooling bills - its SEER2 beats 86% of packaged 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.

Calculate my running cost

Details

Specifications3 ton, R-454B
General
BrandBosch
Also sold asMidea
Outdoor unit modelBPBA-36RCB-M18S
SeriesIDP Premium LGWP
TypePackaged heat pump
Nominal size3 ton
CompressorVariable-speed units run longer at low powerContinuously variable
RefrigerantR-454B
Connected (smart) capableNo
On the market sinceNovember 10, 2024
Last certifiedApril 22, 2026
Cooling
SEER2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better18.0 (range 18.0)
EER2Efficiency at 95°F outdoors11.0
Cooling capacity34,200 BTU/h
Heating
HSPF2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better8.1
Capacity at 47°F36,000 BTU/h
Capacity at 17°F25,000 BTU/h
Capacity at 5°F23,000 BTU/h
COP at 5°F2.0 = twice as efficient as a space heater1.80
ENERGY STAR cold climateNo
Heating output as it gets colder64% 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 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.
-18.011.08.123,000216011942
Same unit, other model numbers3

These model numbers have exactly the same certified ratings and matchups as the Bosch BPBA-36RCB-M18S: 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$898-$2,727

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

Questions5
What is the SEER2 rating of the Bosch BPBA-36RCB-M18S?
The Bosch BPBA-36RCB-M18S is rated at up to 18.0 SEER2 and 11.0 EER2 for cooling and up to 8.1 HSPF2 for heating. The exact figure depends on the indoor unit it is paired with.
Is the Bosch BPBA-36RCB-M18S 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-ton model.
How much does the Bosch BPBA-36RCB-M18S cost to run per year?
At its rated efficiency it costs about $898-$2,727 a year in electricity in large U.S. cities, depending on climate and local rates - for example $1,152 in Phoenix and $2,313 in Minneapolis. The calculator on this page works it out for your city and compares it with your current system.
Is the Bosch BPBA-36RCB-M18S the same as the Bosch BPBB-36RTB-M18S?
Yes, as far as the certified ratings go. ENERGY STAR lists 4 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 Bosch BPBA-36RCB-M18S 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 $1,167/yrYou save $626/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 Bosch BPBA-36RCB-M18S
3. What it replaces
4. Price replace the example with your quote
Heat pump, per year
$1,167
Current system, per year
$1,793
You save per year
$626
Payback
20.8 years
Net after 10 years
-$6,737

Cooling $669Heating $498Electricity used: 7,291 kWhSaved vs. a minimum-efficiency heat pump: $213

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 ton models

See all 22 3 ton packaged heat pumps, ranked

Source: ENERGY STAR Certified Heat Pumps (U.S. EPA), certification of April 22, 2026. How we use the data.