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      2.5-ton central heat pump · COMFORT 15 SEER2 HP

      Carrier 25SCA530A**30

      Below average cooling and heating efficiency for a 2.5-ton central heat pump, but not rated for cold climates.

      Ranks #184 of 199 2.5 ton central heat pumps for cooling efficiency, and costs about $953 a year to run in a mixed climate like Atlanta.

      SEER2
      15.2 Cooling efficiency over a season
      Below average · beats 6%
      HSPF2
      7.8 Heating efficiency over a season
      Below average · beats 5%
      EER2
      12.5 Cooling efficiency on a 95°F day
      Very good · beats 80%
      Heat at 5°F
      12,900 BTU/h46% of its 47°F output
      Average · beats 58%

      A good fit if…

      • You want a certified 2.5-ton central heat pump at a typical efficiency level.

      Think twice if…

      • You often see nights below 0°F - it is not cold-climate certified.
      • Cooling cost matters most - its SEER2 is below average for central heat pumps.
      • 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

      Specifications2.5 ton, R-410A
      General
      BrandCarrier
      Also sold asBryant, Tempstar, Day & Night
      Outdoor unit model25SCA530A**30
      SeriesCOMFORT 15 SEER2 HP
      TypeCentral heat pump
      Nominal size2.5 ton
      CompressorVariable-speed units run longer at low powerSingle stage
      RefrigerantR-410A
      Connected (smart) capableNo
      On the market sinceJuly 13, 2023
      Last certifiedFebruary 17, 2025
      Cooling
      SEER2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better15.2 (range 15.2)
      EER2Efficiency at 95°F outdoors12.5
      Cooling capacity27,800 BTU/h
      Heating
      HSPF2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better7.8
      Capacity at 47°F28,000 BTU/h
      Capacity at 17°F16,900 BTU/h
      Capacity at 5°F12,900 BTU/h
      COP at 5°F2.0 = twice as efficient as a space heater2.10
      ENERGY STAR cold climateNo
      Heating output as it gets colder46% kept at 5°F

      Every heat pump delivers less heat as the outdoor temperature drops. Certified output of its matchup with CAP**3721AL at the standard test temperatures, in BTU/h:

      Certified matchups1 indoor units

      The same outdoor unit scores differently with each indoor unit and furnace. Ask your installer for the AHRI reference number of the exact system you are quoted.

      Indoor unitFurnaceSEER2EER2HSPF2Heat @5°FAHRI ref.
      CAP**3721AL58S(B,C)*A090E21**2015.212.57.812,900210309871
      Same unit, other model numbers5

      These model numbers have exactly the same certified ratings and matchups as the Carrier 25SCA530A**30: 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$859-$2,273

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

      Questions6
      What is the SEER2 rating of the Carrier 25SCA530A**30?
      The Carrier 25SCA530A**30 is rated at up to 15.2 SEER2 and 12.5 EER2 for cooling and up to 7.8 HSPF2 for heating. The exact figure depends on the indoor unit it is paired with.
      Is the Carrier 25SCA530A**30 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 2.5-ton model.
      How much does the Carrier 25SCA530A**30 cost to run per year?
      At its rated efficiency it costs about $859-$2,273 a year in electricity in large U.S. cities, depending on climate and local rates - for example $1,056 in Phoenix and $1,897 in Minneapolis. The calculator on this page works it out for your city and compares it with your current system.
      Is the Carrier 25SCA530A**30 the same as the Carrier 25SPA530A**30?
      Yes, as far as the certified ratings go. ENERGY STAR lists 6 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.
      Which indoor units work with the Carrier 25SCA530A**30?
      ENERGY STAR lists 1 certified combination for this outdoor unit. The highest-rated one uses CAP**3721AL.
      What refrigerant does the Carrier 25SCA530A**30 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 $1,046/yrYou save $391/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 Carrier 25SCA530A**30
      3. What it replaces
      4. Price replace the example with your quote
      Heat pump, per year
      $1,046
      Current system, per year
      $1,437
      You save per year
      $391
      Payback
      26.9 years
      Net after 10 years
      -$6,591

      Cooling $644Heating $402Electricity used: 6,537 kWhSaved vs. a minimum-efficiency heat pump: $57

      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 2.5 ton models

      See all 199 2.5 ton central heat pumps, ranked

      Source: ENERGY STAR Certified Heat Pumps (U.S. EPA), certification of February 17, 2025. How we use the data.