HVAC Rated

3-ton central heat pump · SIDE-DISCHARGE

UTL UCHA-36HDCSN2

Average cooling and heating efficiency for a 3-ton central heat pump, and certified for cold climates.

Ranks #109 of 302 3 ton central heat pumps for cooling efficiency, and costs about $1,002 a year to run in a mixed climate like Atlanta.

SEER2
18.0 Cooling efficiency over a season
Average · beats 66%
HSPF2
9.0 Heating efficiency over a season
Average · beats 54%
EER2
11.0 Cooling efficiency on a 95°F day
Below average · beats 23%
Heat at 5°F
26,000 BTU/h76% of its 47°F output
Average · beats 58%

A good fit if…

  • Your winters get properly cold - it is ENERGY STAR cold-climate certified, with 26,000 BTU/h at 5°F.
  • 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

Specifications3 ton, R-32
General
BrandUTL
Outdoor unit modelUCHA-36HDCSN2
SeriesSIDE-DISCHARGE
TypeCentral heat pump
Nominal size3 ton
CompressorVariable-speed units run longer at low powerContinuously variable
RefrigerantR-32
Connected (smart) capableNo
On the market sinceJuly 29, 2026
Last certifiedAugust 5, 2026
Cooling
SEER2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better18.0 (range 18.0)
EER2Efficiency at 95°F outdoors11.0
Cooling capacity34,200 BTU/h
Heating
HSPF2Seasonal efficiency, higher is better9.0
Capacity at 47°F34,200 BTU/h
Capacity at 17°F28,600 BTU/h
Capacity at 5°F26,000 BTU/h
COP at 5°F2.0 = twice as efficient as a space heater2.10
ENERGY STAR cold climateYes
Heating output as it gets colder76% kept at 5°F

Every heat pump delivers less heat as the outdoor temperature drops. Certified output of its matchup with UCHA-36HDCALN2 at the standard test temperatures, in BTU/h:

Certified matchups2 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.
UCHA-36HDCALN2 · cold climate18.011.09.026,000218694273
UCHA-36SHDCALN2 · cold climate18.011.09.026,000218694269
Yearly running cost in 10 large cities$893-$2,398

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

Questions5
What is the SEER2 rating of the UTL UCHA-36HDCSN2?
The UTL UCHA-36HDCSN2 is rated at up to 18.0 SEER2 and 11.0 EER2 for cooling and up to 9.0 HSPF2 for heating. The exact figure depends on the indoor unit it is paired with.
Is the UTL UCHA-36HDCSN2 good for cold climates?
Yes. At least one certified matchup meets the ENERGY STAR cold-climate criteria, delivering up to 26,000 BTU/h at 5°F with a COP of 2.10, so it is still 2.1 times as efficient as electric resistance heat at that temperature.
How much does the UTL UCHA-36HDCSN2 cost to run per year?
At its rated efficiency it costs about $893-$2,398 a year in electricity in large U.S. cities, depending on climate and local rates - for example $1,102 in Phoenix and $2,004 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 UTL UCHA-36HDCSN2?
ENERGY STAR lists 2 certified combinations for this outdoor unit. The highest-rated ones use UCHA-36HDCALN2, UCHA-36SHDCALN2.
What refrigerant does the UTL UCHA-36HDCSN2 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 $1,094/yrYou save $669/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 UTL UCHA-36HDCSN2
3. What it replaces
4. Price replace the example with your quote
Heat pump, per year
$1,094
Current system, per year
$1,763
You save per year
$669
Payback
19.4 years
Net after 10 years
-$6,310

Cooling $669Heating $426Electricity used: 6,840 kWhSaved vs. a minimum-efficiency heat pump: $258

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 August 5, 2026. How we use the data.