HVAC Rated

24,000 BTU mini-split heat pump · Multi Zone series

Sharp AE-X3M24BU

Very good cooling and heating efficiency for a 24,000 BTU mini-split heat pump, and certified for cold climates.

Ranks #47 of 430 24,000 BTU mini-splits for cooling efficiency, and costs about $571 a year to run in a mixed climate like Atlanta.

SEER2
24.0 Cooling efficiency over a season
Very good · beats 75%
HSPF2
11.5 Heating efficiency over a season
Very good · beats 84%
EER2
14.0 Cooling efficiency on a 95°F day
Very good · beats 82%
Heat at 5°F
21,200 BTU/h82% of its 47°F output
Very good · beats 86%

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 21,200 BTU/h at 5°F.
  • It will heat most of the year - its HSPF2 beats 84% of mini-splits.
  • 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

Specifications24,000 BTU, R-32
General
BrandSharp
Outdoor unit modelAE-X3M24BU
SeriesMulti Zone series
TypeMini-split heat pump
Nominal size24,000 BTU
CompressorVariable-speed units run longer at low powerContinuously variable
RefrigerantR-32
Connected (smart) capableNo
On the market sinceApril 1, 2024
Last certifiedJuly 6, 2026
Cooling
SEER2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better24.0 (range 24.0)
EER2Efficiency at 95°F outdoors14.0
Cooling capacity24,000 BTU/h
Heating
HSPF2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better11.5
Capacity at 47°F26,000 BTU/h
Capacity at 17°F25,000 BTU/h
Capacity at 5°F21,200 BTU/h
COP at 5°F2.0 = twice as efficient as a space heater2.30
ENERGY STAR cold climateYes
Heating output as it gets colder82% 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.
- SHARP · cold climate24.014.011.521,200213927543
Same unit, other model numbers1

These model numbers have exactly the same certified ratings and matchups as the Sharp AE-X3M24BU: 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$472-$1,395

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

Questions5
What is the SEER2 rating of the Sharp AE-X3M24BU?
The Sharp AE-X3M24BU is rated at up to 24.0 SEER2 and 14.0 EER2 for cooling and up to 11.5 HSPF2 for heating. The exact figure depends on the indoor unit it is paired with.
Is the Sharp AE-X3M24BU good for cold climates?
Yes. At least one certified matchup meets the ENERGY STAR cold-climate criteria, delivering up to 21,200 BTU/h at 5°F with a COP of 2.30, so it is still 2.3 times as efficient as electric resistance heat at that temperature.
How much does the Sharp AE-X3M24BU cost to run per year?
At its rated efficiency it costs about $472-$1,395 a year in electricity in large U.S. cities, depending on climate and local rates - for example $600 in Phoenix and $1,180 in Minneapolis. The calculator on this page works it out for your city and compares it with your current system.
Is the Sharp AE-X3M24BU the same as the Sharp AE-X3M24CU?
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 Sharp AE-X3M24BU use?
It uses 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 $605/yrYou save $665/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 Sharp AE-X3M24BU
3. What it replaces
4. Price replace the example with your quote
Heat pump, per year
$605
Current system, per year
$1,270
You save per year
$665
Payback
13.5 years
Net after 10 years
-$2,350

Cooling $352Heating $253Electricity used: 3,783 kWhSaved vs. a minimum-efficiency heat pump: $374

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.

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