HVAC Rated

2.5-ton central heat pump · MAINLINE 16 SEER2 HP

Tempstar T5H6S30*K*AAA

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

Ranks #181 of 199 2.5 ton central heat pumps for cooling efficiency, and costs about $963 a year to run in a mixed climate like Atlanta.

SEER2
15.2 Cooling efficiency over a season
Below average · beats 6%
HSPF2
8.1 Heating efficiency over a season
Below average · beats 20%
EER2
12.0 Cooling efficiency on a 95°F day
Average · beats 64%
Heat at 5°F
13,900 BTU/h48% of its 47°F output
Very good · beats 83%

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.
  • Comfort and noise matter - a single-stage compressor runs only full-on or off.

Calculate my running cost

Details

Specifications2.5 ton, R-454B
General
BrandTempstar
Outdoor unit modelT5H6S30*K*AAA
SeriesMAINLINE 16 SEER2 HP
TypeCentral heat pump
Nominal size2.5 ton
CompressorVariable-speed units run longer at low powerSingle stage
RefrigerantR-454B
Connected (smart) capableNo
On the market sinceJanuary 1, 2024
Last certifiedJuly 16, 2026
Cooling
SEER2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better15.2 (range 15.2)
EER2Efficiency at 95°F outdoors12.0-12.5
Cooling capacity28,000-30,000 BTU/h
Heating
HSPF2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better7.8-8.1
Capacity at 47°F28,400-29,000 BTU/h
Capacity at 17°F17,200-17,800 BTU/h
Capacity at 5°F13,500-13,900 BTU/h
COP at 5°F2.0 = twice as efficient as a space heater2.02-2.26
ENERGY STAR cold climateNo
Heating output as it gets colder48% kept at 5°F

Every heat pump delivers less heat as the outdoor temperature drops. Certified output of its matchup with FMA5X36**AL at the standard test temperatures, in BTU/h:

Certified matchups5 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.
FMA5X36**AL-15.212.08.113,900214424250
FMA5X30**AL-15.212.58.113,900214424242
EVD5X42M24A*80MSU0802120A*15.212.07.813,500214153503
FM(C,U)5Z30**AL-15.212.07.813,500215829086
FM(C,U)5Z36**AL-15.212.07.813,500215829094
Yearly running cost in 10 large cities$895-$2,275

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

Questions5
What is the SEER2 rating of the Tempstar T5H6S30*K*AAA?
The Tempstar T5H6S30*K*AAA is rated at up to 15.2 SEER2 and 12.0 EER2 for cooling and up to 8.1 HSPF2 for heating. The exact figure depends on the indoor unit it is paired with.
Is the Tempstar T5H6S30*K*AAA 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 Tempstar T5H6S30*K*AAA cost to run per year?
At its rated efficiency it costs about $895-$2,275 a year in electricity in large U.S. cities, depending on climate and local rates - for example $1,087 in Phoenix and $1,888 in Minneapolis. The calculator on this page works it out for your city and compares it with your current system.
Which indoor units work with the Tempstar T5H6S30*K*AAA?
ENERGY STAR lists 5 certified combinations for this outdoor unit. The highest-rated ones use FMA5X36**AL, FMA5X30**AL, EVD5X42M24A.
What refrigerant does the Tempstar T5H6S30*K*AAA 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 $1,070/yrYou save $422/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 Tempstar T5H6S30*K*AAA
3. What it replaces
4. Price replace the example with your quote
Heat pump, per year
$1,070
Current system, per year
$1,492
You save per year
$422
Payback
26.1 years
Net after 10 years
-$6,778

Cooling $672Heating $398Electricity used: 6,686 kWhSaved vs. a minimum-efficiency heat pump: $74

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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See all 199 2.5 ton central heat pumps, ranked

Source: ENERGY STAR Certified Heat Pumps (U.S. EPA), certification of July 16, 2026. How we use the data.