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      12,000 BTU mini-split heat pump · P-Series

      Mitsubishi Electric PUZ-A12NKA8

      Excellent cooling efficiency and very good heating efficiency for a 12,000 BTU mini-split heat pump, but not rated for cold climates.

      Ranks #27 of 394 12,000 BTU mini-splits for cooling efficiency, and costs about $376 a year to run in a mixed climate like Atlanta.

      SEER2
      26.9 Cooling efficiency over a season
      Excellent · beats 94%
      HSPF2
      10.9 Heating efficiency over a season
      Very good · beats 72%
      EER2
      16.4 Cooling efficiency on a 95°F day
      Excellent · beats 98%
      Heat at 5°F
      7,600 BTU/h31% of its 47°F output
      Excellent · beats 93%

      A good fit if…

      • You want low cooling bills - its SEER2 beats 94% of mini-splits.
      • It will heat most of the year - its HSPF2 beats 72% of mini-splits.
      • 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 want the newest refrigerant - it uses R-410A, which is being phased down.

      Calculate my running cost

      Details

      Specifications12,000 BTU, R-410A
      General
      BrandMitsubishi Electric
      Also sold asTrane / Mitsubishi Electric
      Outdoor unit modelPUZ-A12NKA8
      SeriesP-Series
      TypeMini-split heat pump
      Nominal size12,000 BTU
      CompressorVariable-speed units run longer at low powerContinuously variable
      RefrigerantR-410A
      Connected (smart) capableNo
      On the market sinceOctober 1, 2023
      Last certifiedMay 6, 2026
      Cooling
      SEER2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better26.9 (range 21.3-26.9)
      EER2Efficiency at 95°F outdoors13.3-16.4
      Cooling capacity12,000 BTU/h
      Heating
      HSPF2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better8.9-10.9
      Capacity at 47°F18,000-20,000 BTU/h
      Capacity at 17°F9,000-10,600 BTU/h
      Capacity at 5°F5,400-7,600 BTU/h
      COP at 5°F2.0 = twice as efficient as a space heater1.37-2.40
      ENERGY STAR cold climateNo
      Heating output as it gets colder31% kept at 5°F

      Every heat pump delivers less heat as the outdoor temperature drops. Certified output of its matchup with PLA-A12EA at the standard test temperatures, in BTU/h:

      Certified matchups8 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.
      PLA-A12EA26.916.410.96,100213249012
      TPLA0A0121EA Trane / Mitsubishi Electric26.916.410.96,100213307615
      PVA-A12AA22.013.48.96,200213249013
      TPVA0A0121AA Trane / Mitsubishi Electric22.013.48.96,200213307616
      PKA-A12LA21.313.310.27,600213249015
      TPKA0A0121LA Trane / Mitsubishi Electric21.313.310.27,600213307618
      PEAD-A12AA21.313.49.85,400213249014
      TPEADA0121AA Trane / Mitsubishi Electric21.313.49.85,400213307617
      Same unit, other model numbers1

      These model numbers have exactly the same certified ratings and matchups as the Mitsubishi Electric PUZ-A12NKA8: 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$216-$997

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

      Questions6
      What is the SEER2 rating of the Mitsubishi Electric PUZ-A12NKA8?
      The Mitsubishi Electric PUZ-A12NKA8 is rated at up to 26.9 SEER2 and 16.4 EER2 for cooling and up to 10.9 HSPF2 for heating. The exact figure depends on the indoor unit it is paired with; across its 8 certified matchups SEER2 ranges from 21.3-26.9.
      Is the Mitsubishi Electric PUZ-A12NKA8 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 12,000 BTU model.
      How much does the Mitsubishi Electric PUZ-A12NKA8 cost to run per year?
      At its rated efficiency it costs about $216-$997 a year in electricity in large U.S. cities, depending on climate and local rates - for example $325 in Phoenix and $878 in Minneapolis. The calculator on this page works it out for your city and compares it with your current system.
      Is the Mitsubishi Electric PUZ-A12NKA8 the same as the Trane / Mitsubishi Electric TRUZA0121KA80?
      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.
      Which indoor units work with the Mitsubishi Electric PUZ-A12NKA8?
      ENERGY STAR lists 8 certified combinations for this outdoor unit. The highest-rated ones use PLA-A12EA, Trane / Mitsubishi Electric TPLA0A0121EA, PVA-A12AA.
      What refrigerant does the Mitsubishi Electric PUZ-A12NKA8 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 $352/yrYou save $381/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 PUZ-A12NKA8
      3. What it replaces
      4. Price replace the example with your quote
      Heat pump, per year
      $352
      Current system, per year
      $733
      You save per year
      $381
      Payback
      11.8 years
      Net after 10 years
      -$690

      Cooling $157Heating $195Electricity used: 2,202 kWhSaved vs. a minimum-efficiency heat pump: $227

      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 12,000 BTU models

      See all 394 12,000 BTU mini-splits, ranked

      Source: ENERGY STAR Certified Heat Pumps (U.S. EPA), certification of May 6, 2026. How we use the data.