HVAC Rated

3-ton central heat pump · MAINLINE 16 SEER2 HP

Tempstar T5H6S36*K*AAA

Below average cooling and heating efficiency for a 3-ton central heat pump, but not rated for cold climates.

Ranks #270 of 302 3 ton central heat pumps for cooling efficiency, and costs about $1,186 a year to run in a mixed climate like Atlanta.

SEER2
15.5 Cooling efficiency over a season
Below average · beats 15%
HSPF2
7.8 Heating efficiency over a season
Below average · beats 5%
EER2
13.0 Cooling efficiency on a 95°F day
Very good · beats 89%
Heat at 5°F
18,100 BTU/h50% of its 47°F output
Very good · beats 81%

A good fit if…

  • You want a choice of indoor units - 30 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

Specifications3 ton, R-454B
General
BrandTempstar
Also sold asKenmore
Outdoor unit modelT5H6S36*K*AAA
SeriesMAINLINE 16 SEER2 HP
TypeCentral heat pump
Nominal size3 ton
CompressorVariable-speed units run longer at low powerSingle stage
RefrigerantR-454B
Connected (smart) capableNo
On the market sinceJanuary 1, 2024
Last certifiedJuly 21, 2026
Cooling
SEER2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better15.5 (range 15.2-15.5)
EER2Efficiency at 95°F outdoors11.7-13.0
Cooling capacity33,800-36,800 BTU/h
Heating
HSPF2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better7.8
Capacity at 47°F33,200-36,200 BTU/h
Capacity at 17°F21,000-22,800 BTU/h
Capacity at 5°F16,700-18,100 BTU/h
COP at 5°F2.0 = twice as efficient as a space heater2.00-2.24
ENERGY STAR cold climateNo
Heating output as it gets colder50% kept at 5°F

Every heat pump delivers less heat as the outdoor temperature drops. Certified output of its matchup with FHMA5*48L*C at the standard test temperatures, in BTU/h:

Certified matchups30 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*48L*C-15.513.07.817,500214165324
FTMA5B48L0C-15.512.57.816,700214165268
FEVB0048**+NAVA54801CK-15.512.57.817,400214277705
FMA5X36**AL-15.512.57.817,000214424330
F5MA5*48L*C-15.513.07.817,500216464045
FEVA0048**+NAVA54801CK-15.512.57.817,400217051678
EVD5X42M24A*80MSU1002120A*15.212.07.818,100214155658
EA*5X43M21A*80CSU0601716A*15.212.07.817,000214154327
EA*5X43M21A*80CSU1002120A*15.212.07.817,600214154335
EA*5X48M21A*80MSU0601716A*15.212.07.817,600214154842
EA*5X48M21A*80MSU0802120A*15.212.07.817,300214154850
EA*5X37M21A*80CSU0601716A*15.212.07.817,100214153855
EA*5X48M21A*80MS(N,L)0902120A*15.212.07.817,500214154762
EA*5X48M21A*80MS(N,L)1102120A*15.212.07.817,600214154770
EA*5X48M21A*80VSL0902120B*15.212.07.817,500214154794
EA*5X43M21A*80MS(N,L)0902120A*15.212.07.817,900214154375
EA*5X43M21A*80MS(N,L)1102120A*15.212.07.818,000214154383
EA*5X48M21A*80CTL1102120B*15.212.07.817,500214154898
EA*5X48M21A*80VTL0902120B*15.212.07.817,500214154922
EA*5X48M21A*92MSN1002120A*15.212.07.817,600214155010
EA*5X43M21A*92MSN1002120A*15.212.07.817,900214154535
EA*5X48M21A*96CTN0802120B*15.212.07.817,500214155138
EA*5X48M21A*95MSU1002122A*15.212.07.817,600214155114
EA*5X37M21A*80MS(N,L)0902120A*15.212.07.817,900214153895
EA*5X48M21A*96VTN1002122B*15.211.77.817,500214155178
EVM5X44M21A*80ESU0401712A*15.212.07.818,100214155234
FHMA5*42L*C-15.212.57.817,000214165260
FM(C,U)5Z36**AL-15.212.57.817,200215829134
F5MA5*42L*C-15.212.57.817,000216464037
EA*5X48M21A*+WALLCON*96CTN0802120B*15.212.07.817,500215808708
Same unit, other model numbers1

These model numbers have exactly the same certified ratings and matchups as the Tempstar T5H6S36*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$1,061-$2,835

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 T5H6S36*K*AAA?
The Tempstar T5H6S36*K*AAA is rated at up to 15.5 SEER2 and 13.0 EER2 for cooling and up to 7.8 HSPF2 for heating. The exact figure depends on the indoor unit it is paired with; across its 30 certified matchups SEER2 ranges from 15.2-15.5.
Is the Tempstar T5H6S36*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 3-ton model.
How much does the Tempstar T5H6S36*K*AAA cost to run per year?
At its rated efficiency it costs about $1,061-$2,835 a year in electricity in large U.S. cities, depending on climate and local rates - for example $1,308 in Phoenix and $2,368 in Minneapolis. The calculator on this page works it out for your city and compares it with your current system.
Is the Tempstar T5H6S36*K*AAA the same as the Kenmore (C,H,T)5H6S36*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 T5H6S36*K*AAA?
ENERGY STAR lists 30 certified combinations for this outdoor unit. The highest-rated ones use FHMA5*48L*C, FTMA5B48L0C, FEVB0048**+NAVA54801CK.
What refrigerant does the Tempstar T5H6S36*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 $1,297/yrYou save $507/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 T5H6S36*K*AAA
3. What it replaces
4. Price replace the example with your quote
Heat pump, per year
$1,297
Current system, per year
$1,805
You save per year
$507
Payback
25.6 years
Net after 10 years
-$7,927

Cooling $795Heating $503Electricity used: 8,109 kWhSaved vs. a minimum-efficiency heat pump: $87

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 3 ton models

See all 302 3 ton central heat pumps, ranked

Source: ENERGY STAR Certified Heat Pumps (U.S. EPA), certification of July 21, 2026. How we use the data.