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      12,000 BTU mini-split heat pump · Savein 20S

      TCL H12SAH20BQC

      Below average cooling efficiency and average heating efficiency for a 12,000 BTU mini-split heat pump, and certified for cold climates.

      Ranks #358 of 394 12,000 BTU mini-splits for cooling efficiency, and costs about $316 a year to run in a mixed climate like Atlanta.

      SEER2
      20.0 Cooling efficiency over a season
      Below average · beats 18%
      HSPF2
      10.0 Heating efficiency over a season
      Average · beats 43%
      EER2
      9.5 Cooling efficiency on a 95°F day
      Below average · beats 3%
      Heat at 5°F
      8,800 BTU/h73% of its 47°F output
      Below average · beats 9%

      A good fit if…

      • Your winters get properly cold - it is ENERGY STAR cold-climate certified, with 8,800 BTU/h at 5°F.
      • You want steady temperatures and quiet running - the compressor varies its speed.

      Think twice if…

      • Cooling cost matters most - its SEER2 is below average for mini-splits.

      Calculate my running cost

      Details

      Specifications12,000 BTU, R-32
      General
      BrandTCL
      Also sold asiFFALCON, Keystone
      Outdoor unit modelH12SAH20BQC
      SeriesSavein 20S
      TypeMini-split heat pump
      Nominal size12,000 BTU
      CompressorVariable-speed units run longer at low powerContinuously variable
      RefrigerantR-32
      Connected (smart) capableNo
      On the market sinceDecember 10, 2025
      Last certifiedMarch 26, 2026
      Cooling
      SEER2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better20.0 (range 20.0)
      EER2Efficiency at 95°F outdoors9.5
      Cooling capacity12,000 BTU/h
      Heating
      HSPF2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better10.0
      Capacity at 47°F12,000 BTU/h
      Capacity at 17°F10,000 BTU/h
      Capacity at 5°F8,800 BTU/h
      COP at 5°F2.0 = twice as efficient as a space heater1.80
      ENERGY STAR cold climateYes
      Heating output as it gets colder73% kept at 5°F

      Every heat pump delivers less heat as the outdoor temperature drops. Certified output of its matchup with H12SAH20BQE 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.
      H12SAH20BQE · cold climate20.09.510.08,800218330413
      Same unit, other model numbers7

      These model numbers have exactly the same certified ratings and matchups as the TCL H12SAH20BQC: 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$282-$757

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

      Questions6
      What is the SEER2 rating of the TCL H12SAH20BQC?
      The TCL H12SAH20BQC is rated at up to 20.0 SEER2 and 9.5 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 TCL H12SAH20BQC good for cold climates?
      Yes. At least one certified matchup meets the ENERGY STAR cold-climate criteria, delivering up to 8,800 BTU/h at 5°F with a COP of 1.80, so it is still 1.8 times as efficient as electric resistance heat at that temperature.
      How much does the TCL H12SAH20BQC cost to run per year?
      At its rated efficiency it costs about $282-$757 a year in electricity in large U.S. cities, depending on climate and local rates - for example $348 in Phoenix and $633 in Minneapolis. The calculator on this page works it out for your city and compares it with your current system.
      Is the TCL H12SAH20BQC the same as the TCL H12SAH20XQC?
      Yes, as far as the certified ratings go. ENERGY STAR lists 8 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 TCL H12SAH20BQC?
      ENERGY STAR lists 1 certified combination for this outdoor unit. The highest-rated one uses H12SAH20BQE.
      What refrigerant does the TCL H12SAH20BQC 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 $346/yrYou save $273/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 TCL H12SAH20BQC
      3. What it replaces
      4. Price replace the example with your quote
      Heat pump, per year
      $346
      Current system, per year
      $619
      You save per year
      $273
      Payback
      16.5 years
      Net after 10 years
      -$1,769

      Cooling $211Heating $134Electricity used: 2,160 kWhSaved vs. a minimum-efficiency heat pump: $129

      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 March 26, 2026. How we use the data.