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      48,000 BTU mini-split heat pump · Polar Series

      NOVAIR LEA48MZ-6P-454-O

      Very good cooling efficiency and average heating efficiency for a 48,000 BTU mini-split heat pump, and certified for cold climates.

      Ranks #9 of 146 48,000 BTU mini-splits for cooling efficiency, and costs about $1,188 a year to run in a mixed climate like Atlanta.

      SEER2
      24.0 Cooling efficiency over a season
      Very good · beats 75%
      HSPF2
      10.0 Heating efficiency over a season
      Average · beats 43%
      EER2
      12.3 Cooling efficiency on a 95°F day
      Below average · beats 35%
      Heat at 5°F
      42,000 BTU/h88% of its 47°F output
      Average · beats 48%

      A good fit if…

      • You want low cooling bills - its SEER2 beats 75% of mini-splits.
      • Your winters get properly cold - it is ENERGY STAR cold-climate certified, with 42,000 BTU/h at 5°F.
      • You want steady temperatures and quiet running - the compressor varies its speed.

      Think twice if…

      • Nothing stands out - its ratings have no weak spot for its class.

      Calculate my running cost

      Details

      Specifications48,000 BTU, R-454B
      General
      BrandNOVAIR
      Also sold asKANIONco
      Outdoor unit modelLEA48MZ-6P-454-O
      SeriesPolar Series
      TypeMini-split heat pump
      Nominal size48,000 BTU
      CompressorVariable-speed units run longer at low powerContinuously variable
      RefrigerantR-454B
      Connected (smart) capableNo
      On the market sinceApril 1, 2026
      Last certifiedMay 29, 2026
      Cooling
      SEER2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better24.0 (range 24.0)
      EER2Efficiency at 95°F outdoors12.3
      Cooling capacity48,000 BTU/h
      Heating
      HSPF2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better10.0
      Capacity at 47°F48,000 BTU/h
      Capacity at 17°F48,500 BTU/h
      Capacity at 5°F42,000 BTU/h
      COP at 5°F2.0 = twice as efficient as a space heater2.00
      ENERGY STAR cold climateYes
      Heating output as it gets colder88% 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.
      - novair · cold climate24.012.310.042,000218372845
      Same unit, other model numbers1

      These model numbers have exactly the same certified ratings and matchups as the NOVAIR LEA48MZ-6P-454-O: 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$946-$2,932

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

      Questions5
      What is the SEER2 rating of the NOVAIR LEA48MZ-6P-454-O?
      The NOVAIR LEA48MZ-6P-454-O is rated at up to 24.0 SEER2 and 12.3 EER2 for cooling and up to 10.0 HSPF2 for heating. The exact figure depends on the indoor unit it is paired with.
      Is the NOVAIR LEA48MZ-6P-454-O good for cold climates?
      Yes. At least one certified matchup meets the ENERGY STAR cold-climate criteria, delivering up to 42,000 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 LEA48MZ-6P-454-O cost to run per year?
      At its rated efficiency it costs about $946-$2,932 a year in electricity in large U.S. cities, depending on climate and local rates - for example $1,222 in Phoenix and $2,493 in Minneapolis. The calculator on this page works it out for your city and compares it with your current system.
      Is the NOVAIR LEA48MZ-6P-454-O the same as the KANIONco KWSMO-48IR454BHS24R?
      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 LEA48MZ-6P-454-O 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 $1,242/yrYou save $1,233/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 NOVAIR LEA48MZ-6P-454-O
      3. What it replaces
      4. Price replace the example with your quote
      Heat pump, per year
      $1,242
      Current system, per year
      $2,475
      You save per year
      $1,233
      Payback
      14.6 years
      Net after 10 years
      -$5,666

      Cooling $704Heating $538Electricity used: 7,760 kWhSaved vs. a minimum-efficiency heat pump: $657

      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 48,000 BTU models

      See all 146 48,000 BTU mini-splits, ranked

      Source: ENERGY STAR Certified Heat Pumps (U.S. EPA), certification of May 29, 2026. How we use the data.