HVAC Rated

2.5-ton central heat pump · MAINLINE 16 SEER2 HP

Tempstar T5H6S31*K*AAA

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

Ranks #160 of 199 2.5 ton central heat pumps for cooling efficiency, and costs about $992 a year to run in a mixed climate like Atlanta.

SEER2
16.0 Cooling efficiency over a season
Below average · beats 26%
HSPF2
8.0 Heating efficiency over a season
Below average · beats 12%
EER2
13.0 Cooling efficiency on a 95°F day
Very good · beats 89%
Heat at 5°F
14,000 BTU/h45% of its 47°F output
Average · beats 51%

A good fit if…

  • You want a choice of indoor units - 38 certified pairings.

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
Also sold asKenmore
Outdoor unit modelT5H6S31*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 sinceJuly 31, 2025
Last certifiedJuly 16, 2026
Cooling
SEER2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better16.0 (range 15.2-16.0)
EER2Efficiency at 95°F outdoors11.7-13.0
Cooling capacity27,400-29,400 BTU/h
Heating
HSPF2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better7.8-8.0
Capacity at 47°F29,200-30,600 BTU/h
Capacity at 17°F17,300-18,200 BTU/h
Capacity at 5°F13,100-14,000 BTU/h
COP at 5°F2.0 = twice as efficient as a space heater2.00-2.06
ENERGY STAR cold climateNo
Heating output as it gets colder45% kept at 5°F

Every heat pump delivers less heat as the outdoor temperature drops. Certified output of its matchup with FHMA5*42L*C at the standard test temperatures, in BTU/h:

Certified matchups38 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.
FHMA5*42L*C-16.013.08.013,400217721460
F5MA5*42L*C-16.013.08.013,400217721461
FM(C,U)5Z30**AL-16.012.58.013,400217721482
FM(C,U)5Z36**AL-16.012.58.013,400217721489
FMA5X30**AL-16.013.08.013,700217721510
FMA5X36**AL-16.013.08.013,700217721517
EA*5X37M21A*80MSU0601716A*15.512.08.014,000217717320
EA*5X37M21A*80MS(N,L)0902120A*15.512.58.014,000217717264
EA*5X37M21A*80MS(N,L)1102120A*15.512.58.014,000217717272
EA*5X37M21A*80VSL1102122B*15.512.58.014,000217717304
EA*5X37M21A*92MSN0802120A*15.512.58.014,000217717496
EA*5X37M21A*92MSN1002120A*15.512.58.014,000217717504
EA*5X37M21A*92MSN1002122A*15.512.58.014,000217717512
EA*5X37M21A*+WALLCON*80CSU0401712B*15.512.08.013,900217717192
EA*5X37M21A*+WALLCON*80CSU0802120B*15.512.58.014,000217717208
EA*5X37M21A*80MSU0802120A*15.512.58.014,000217717328
EA*5X37M21A*95MSU1002122A*15.512.08.014,000217717654
EA*5X37M21A*96VTN1002122B*15.512.58.014,000217717750
EA*5X37M21A*97VTN1002122A*15.512.58.014,000217717790
EA*5X43M21A*+WALLCON*80CSU0401712B*15.512.58.013,900217717878
EA*5X43M21A*80MS(N,L)0902120A*15.512.58.014,000217717958
EA*5X43M21A*+WALLCON*80CSU0802120B*15.512.58.013,900217717894
EA*5X43M21A*80MS(N,L)1102120A*15.512.58.014,000217717966
EA*5X43M21A*80VSL1102122B*15.512.58.014,000217717998
EA*5X43M21A*80MSU0601716A*15.512.08.014,000217718014
EA*5X43M21A*80MSU0802120A*15.512.58.014,000217718022
EA*5X43M21A*92MSN1002120A*15.512.58.014,000217718198
EA*5X43M21A*92MSN1002122A*15.512.58.014,000217718206
EA*5X43M21A*92MSN0802120A*15.512.58.014,000217718190
EA*5X43M21A*95MSU1002122A*15.511.78.014,000217718312
EA*5X43M21A*96VTN1002122B*15.513.08.014,000217718416
EA*5X43M21A*97VTN1002122A*15.513.08.014,000217718456
FHMA5*30L*B-15.512.57.813,400217687315
FCMA5B36L0C*+WALLCON-15.512.57.813,100217721407
FEVA0036**+NAVA53601CK-15.512.57.813,400217721415
FEVB0036**+NAVA53601CK-15.512.57.813,400217721423
F5MA5*30L*B-15.512.57.813,400217721431
FMA5L30**AL-15.212.08.013,800217721496
Same unit, other model numbers1

These model numbers have exactly the same certified ratings and matchups as the Tempstar T5H6S31*K*AAA: 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$859-$2,393

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

Questions6
What is the SEER2 rating of the Tempstar T5H6S31*K*AAA?
The Tempstar T5H6S31*K*AAA is rated at up to 16.0 SEER2 and 13.0 EER2 for cooling and up to 8.0 HSPF2 for heating. The exact figure depends on the indoor unit it is paired with; across its 38 certified matchups SEER2 ranges from 15.2-16.0.
Is the Tempstar T5H6S31*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 T5H6S31*K*AAA cost to run per year?
At its rated efficiency it costs about $859-$2,393 a year in electricity in large U.S. cities, depending on climate and local rates - for example $1,072 in Phoenix and $2,009 in Minneapolis. The calculator on this page works it out for your city and compares it with your current system.
Is the Tempstar T5H6S31*K*AAA the same as the Kenmore (C,H,T)5H6S31*K*AAA?
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 Tempstar T5H6S31*K*AAA?
ENERGY STAR lists 38 certified combinations for this outdoor unit. The highest-rated ones use FHMA5*42L*C, F5MA5*42L*C, FM(C,U)5Z30**AL.
What refrigerant does the Tempstar T5H6S31*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 $1,071/yrYou save $458/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 T5H6S31*K*AAA
3. What it replaces
4. Price replace the example with your quote
Heat pump, per year
$1,071
Current system, per year
$1,529
You save per year
$458
Payback
24.0 years
Net after 10 years
-$6,423

Cooling $642Heating $428Electricity used: 6,693 kWhSaved vs. a minimum-efficiency heat pump: $105

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 2.5 ton models

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.