SplitAtlas

Carrier / Performance 26

Carrier Performance 26 12k R-454B 208/230V Mini-Split

Certified capacity
12,000 BTU/h[2]
SEER2
25.5 SEER2[2]
Heating floor
-13 F[1]
Voltage
230 V[1]
Install path
Professional install

The 230V, 12,000 BTU Performance 26 on R-454B is the cold-climate-ready version, posting 25.5 SEER2, 13.1 EER2, and 10.7 HSPF2. It heats to 12,000 BTU at 47F, 10,100 BTU at 17F, and 8,400 BTU at 5F. It is ENERGY STAR certified and cold-climate designated.

1 zoneProfessional installCurrent

Refrigerant generation

R-454B - current-generation refrigerant

This brand doesn't honor its warranty on systems bought online. Buy it through a local contractor who installs it: get quotes from installers in your area, and ask whether they're an authorized dealer for this brand.

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Error Codes
Carrier Performance 26 12,000 BTU R-454B 208/230V (45MAHAQ12XA3 / 37MARAQ12AA3)

Image: Carrier

Data completeness: 100%
Last sourced
Jul 27, 2026

SplitAtlas score

8.9 / 10

Methodology
Cooling efficiencyTop quartile

(25.5 SEER2) among 12k systems

Heating efficiencyTop quartile

(10.7 HSPF2) among 12k systems

Cold-weather performanceBelow average

(5F certified capacity: 70% of the 47F rating; -13 F heating floor) among 12k systems

NoiseAbove average

(19.5 dBA indoor min / 56 dBA outdoor) among 12k systems

WarrantyAbove average

(10 yr parts, no separate compressor term) across the catalogue

Feature setTop 10%

(7 verified features) across the catalogue

Documentation & partsBelow average

(8 manuals; spec sheet) across the catalogue

Not evaluated

  • Installation accessibility — not applicable (professional install)N/A

    professional install - DIY-accessibility not applicable

  • Price-to-value — not evaluatedN/A

    This is a professionally installed, quote-only system, so we can't score its price. Get an installed quote to compare real cost.

    Get a quote

Key ratings

Rated cooling

12,000BTU/h[2]

Rated heating

12,000BTU/h[2]

Buyer review snapshot

Best for / skip if

Best for

  • Top efficiency shortlists; SEER2 is 25.5.

Install difficulty

Professional install
  • Electrical: 230V; MCA 12 A; breaker/fuse 15 A.
  • Line set: connection type not sourced; precharged 24.6 ft; max 82.02 ft.

Alternatives

Availability and price context

Carrier sells this system through authorized dealers and contractors, not online, and doesn't honor its warranty on systems bought online. Get installation quotes and ask whether the installer is an authorized Carrier dealer.

Purchase channel policy

Carrier's ductless warranty excludes products purchased over the Internet; buyers should treat public online carts as outside the warranty-covered purchase channel.

Warranty consequence
Warranty coverage does not apply to any product purchased over the Internet.
Authorized channel
Licensed HVAC technician installation with defective parts returned to the distributor through a registered servicing dealer; not an internet purchase.

Any online offer for this brand should be treated as a warranty-risk warning, not a recommendation.

Compare online-purchase warranty rules by brand

Source: Carrier Corporation: CAC/BDP Limited Warranty Certificate - Limited Warranty for Ductless Split Units; retrieved Aug 15, 2026.

Source date

Model data sourced
Jul 27, 2026
Page reviewed
Jul 22, 2026
Source-backed records
5
Newest source retrieved
Jul 27, 2026

Warranty tiers

Registered
10 yr parts / no separate compressor term - eligible timely registered residential installation
Dealer alternative
5 yr parts / no separate compressor term - Consumer Choice dealer alternative: 5-year parts plus 3-year labor through a participating dealer

The score uses Registered. Additional published terms are shown for reference and not counted in the score.

Review methodology

Model context

Structured ratings
Certification: ENERGY STAR certified and AHRI cold-climate designated. Refrigerant: current low-GWP R-454B. Minimum heating ambient: -13 F.

Strengths

  • Higher SEER2, HSPF2, and 5F output than the 115V 12k, thanks to the 230V supply and cold-climate tuning.
  • Cold-climate certified and ENERGY STAR listed, a strong mid-tier combination for northern homes.

Weaknesses

  • Requires a 230V circuit, unlike its 115V sibling.
  • 5F output of 8,400 BTU is solid but below the larger Performance heads for whole-zone deep-cold duty.

Climate suitability

Minimum heating ambient
-13 F[1]
Certified heating at 5F
8,400 BTU/h[2]
Rated heating at 17F
10,100 BTU/h[2]
Rated heating at 47F
12,000 BTU/h[2]

Specifications

Show
Manufacturer
Carrier
Brand
Carrier
Product line
Performance 26
Model number
45MAHAQ12XA3 indoor / 37MARAQ12AA3 outdoor
Indoor unit model
45MAHAQ12XA3
Outdoor unit model
37MARAQ12AA3
Number of zones
1
Max indoor units
not published
Rated cooling capacity
12,000 BTU/h[2]
Rated heating capacity
12,000 BTU/h[2]
Voltage
230 V[1]
MCA
12 A[1]
Maximum fuse or breaker size
15 A[1]
Breaker needed
not published
SEER2
25.5 SEER2[2]
EER2
13.1 EER2[2]
HSPF2 (Region 4)
10.7 HSPF2[2]
HSPF2 (Region 5)
not published
COP
not published
COP at 47F
3.9 COP[1]
COP at 5F
2.3 COP[2]
Minimum outdoor heating temperature
-13 F[1]
Minimum outdoor cooling temperature
-13 F[1]
Maximum outdoor temperature
122 F[1]
Indoor noise range
19.5-36.5 dB(A)[1]
Outdoor noise rating
56 dBA[1]
Indoor weight
23.37 lb[1]
Outdoor weight
62.17 lb[1]
Refrigerant
R-454B[1]
Refrigerant charge
32.48 oz[1]
Manufacturer coverage
not published
Line-set size
1/4 in liquid / 3/8 in suction
Included line-set length
Professional installations use separately selected line sets
Maximum line-set length
82.02 ft[1]
Max line set per indoor
not published
Maximum elevation difference
49.21 ft[1]
Max height between indoor units
not published
Wi-Fi support
supported[1]
Energy Star status
ENERGY STAR certified[3]
AHRI certification number
215323750[2]
Warranty
Registered: 10 yr parts / no separate compressor term (eligible timely registered residential installation); Dealer alternative: 5 yr parts / no separate compressor term (Consumer Choice dealer alternative: 5-year parts plus 3-year labor through a participating dealer). Score uses Registered. Additional published terms are shown for reference and not counted in the score.. Consumer Choice Warranty: 10-year parts-only or 5-year parts plus 3-year labor for eligible timely registered residential installations; terms and participating dealer requirements apply.
Install path
Professional install
Retail price
Authorized dealers only
Available retailers
not published
Manual links
AHRI public directory record 215323750, ENERGY STAR exact check 215323750, Carrier Performance 26 R-454B heat-pump installation manual, Performance 26 installation documentation locator, Carrier Performance 26 Mini Split Heat Pump, 45MAHAQ12XA3 & 37MARAQ12AA3 Carrier Performance 26 product data, AHRI Appendix M1 public detail 215323750
Specification sheet
AHRI Appendix M1 public detail 215323750
Last sourced date
Jul 27, 2026

Electrical requirements

Show
Voltage
230 V[1]
Voltage range
208/230V[1]
Phase
1[1]
Frequency
60 Hz[1]
MCA
12 A[1]
Breaker needed
not published
Maximum breaker size
15 A[1]
Maximum fuse size
15 A[1]
Maximum cooling current
not published
Maximum heating current
not published
Manufacturer wire notes
14/3 stranded copper indoor-outdoor power/communication wiring[1]

Installation considerations

Show
Liquid line
1/4 in[1]
Suction line
3/8 in[1]
Line connection type
not published
Precharged length
24.6 ft[1]
Included line-set length
Professional installations use separately selected line sets
Maximum line-set length
82.02 ft[1]
Max line set per indoor
not published
Max height between indoor units
not published
Indoor dimensions
31.30 x 8.86 x 11.61 in[1]
Outdoor dimensions
30.12 x 11.93 x 21.85 in[1]
Indoor weight
23.37 lb[1]
Outdoor weight
62.17 lb[1]
Drain size
not published

Related systems and guides

Frequently asked questions

Can I install the Carrier Performance 26 12,000 BTU R-454B 208/230V (45MAHAQ12XA3 / 37MARAQ12AA3) myself, or do I need a pro?
Carrier Performance 26 12,000 BTU R-454B 208/230V (45MAHAQ12XA3 / 37MARAQ12AA3) is built for professional installation: the line set must be flared, evacuated, and charged, which requires EPA-certified refrigerant handling. Installing it outside the manufacturer's requirements can void the warranty, so budget for a qualified HVAC installer.
Will the Carrier Performance 26 12,000 BTU R-454B 208/230V (45MAHAQ12XA3 / 37MARAQ12AA3) keep heating in a cold winter?
The AHRI/ENERGY STAR certification lists 8,400 BTU/h of heating capacity at 5F. Rated heating operation extends down to -13 F. Certified heating efficiency is 10.7 HSPF2. Match those numbers against your climate's design temperature - in cold regions, output at 5F matters far more than the nameplate capacity measured at 47F.
What electrical circuit does the Carrier Performance 26 12,000 BTU R-454B 208/230V (45MAHAQ12XA3 / 37MARAQ12AA3) need?
Published electrical requirements: 230 V voltage, 12 A minimum circuit ampacity, and 15 A maximum breaker or fuse sizing. Confirm the final circuit against the unit nameplate and local code with a licensed electrician.
How far can the outdoor unit be from the indoor head?
The published maximum line-set length is 82.02 ft. The outdoor unit's factory charge covers up to 24.6 ft of line; longer runs need added refrigerant. Measure the planned routing before ordering.
What warranty does the Carrier Performance 26 12,000 BTU R-454B 208/230V (45MAHAQ12XA3 / 37MARAQ12AA3) carry?
The manufacturer publishes these warranty tiers: Registered: 10 yr parts / no separate compressor term (eligible timely registered residential installation); Dealer alternative: 5 yr parts / no separate compressor term (Consumer Choice dealer alternative: 5-year parts plus 3-year labor through a participating dealer). Score uses Registered. Additional published terms are shown for reference and not counted in the score.. Registration requirements and proof of qualified installation commonly affect coverage, so read the warranty terms before install day.

Data sources

Show
  1. Carrier Corporation: 45MAHAQ09XA3 & 37MARAQ09AA3 Carrier Performance 26 product dataSourced - manufacturer technical document

    Covers Frequency, electrical_spec.guaranteed_voltage_range, Maximum breaker size, Maximum fuse size, Minimum circuit ampacity, Phase and more

  2. AHRI Directory: AHRI public directory record 215323750Sourced - AHRI directory

    Covers AHRI certification number, performance_spec.cold_climate_designation, Rated cooling capacity, COP at 5F, EER2, Rated heating capacity and more

  3. ENERGY STAR Certified Products: ENERGY STAR record 3555730 for 37MARAQ12AA3 / 45MAHAQ12XA3Sourced - Energy Star listing

    Covers Energy Star status

  4. Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute: AHRI Appendix M1 public detail for 37MARAQ12AA3 / 45MAHAQ12XA3Sourced - AHRI directory

    Covers system.lifecycle_status

  5. Carrier Corporation: Performance 26 Mini Split Heat Pump manufacturer pageSourced - manufacturer product page

    Covers Additional compressor warranty status, Additional published warranty conditions, Additional published parts warranty, Legacy warranty value, Registered compressor warranty status, Registered warranty conditions and more

Last updated

Jul 22, 2026