Heat PumpsSplit System
GE NS21H36MA5-**A Heat Pump Manual
Setup, everyday use, maintenance and troubleshooting for the 3-ton split-system heat pump, with verified specifications.
- Capacity3 tons
- SEER215.2–20.0
- HSPF28.5–10.4
- Matched systems133
About the GE NS21H36MA5-**A
GE's NS21H36MA5-**A outdoor unit is a 3-ton split-system heat pump (NS21H Series series). It appears in 133 ENERGY STAR certified indoor/outdoor combinations.
Depending on the indoor unit it is paired with, efficiency ranges from 15.2–20.0 SEER2 and 8.5–10.4 HSPF2. The matched indoor coil or air handler matters: always confirm the exact combination on an AHRI certificate before purchase, because rebates and efficiency claims apply only to certified matches.
Its inverter-driven, continuously variable compressor ramps capacity up and down to match the load, which gives steadier temperatures, better dehumidification and the highest part-load efficiency.
At least one matched system meets the ENERGY STAR cold-climate criteria, with up to 24,400 Btu/h of heating capacity at 5 °F and a COP as high as 2.46 at that temperature.
Specifications
| Brand | GE |
|---|---|
| Model number | NS21H36MA5-**A |
| Model name / series | NS21H Series |
| System type | Split System |
| Product series | NS21H Series |
| Nominal cooling capacity | 33,000 Btu/h |
| SEER2 (cooling efficiency) | 15.2–20.0 |
| EER2 (peak cooling efficiency) | 11.0–12.2 |
| HSPF2 (heating efficiency) | 8.5–10.4 |
| Heating capacity at 47 °F | 31,600 Btu/h |
| Max heating capacity at 17 °F | 31,400 Btu/h |
| Max heating capacity at 5 °F | 24,400 Btu/h |
| Best COP at 5 °F | 2.46 |
| Compressor staging | Continuously variable |
| Refrigerant | R-454B (GWP:470 | Lower GWP) |
| ENERGY STAR cold-climate match available | Yes |
| Connected / demand-response capable | No |
| AHRI-matched systems listed | 133 |
| ENERGY STAR Most Efficient match available | Yes |
AHRI-matched systems
133 certified indoor/outdoor combinations are listed for the GE NS21H36MA5-**A, sorted by SEER2. The 25 most efficient are shown below. Each row links to a page with that system's full ratings and guidance.
| AHRI ref. | Indoor unit | SEER2 | EER2 | HSPF2 | Cooling Btu/h |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 217642528 | NAM42V1TA5*-** | 20.0 | 12.2 | 9.0 | 34,800 |
| 217642660 | NCDC36BT5*-**+TDRwith furnace NF97D070M3B* | 19.5 | 11.2 | 9.2 | 33,800 |
| 217642561 | NAM42E1TA5*-** | 19.5 | 11.7 | 8.5 | 34,400 |
| 217642563 | NAM36V1TA5*-** | 19.5 | 12.0 | 8.5 | 34,600 |
| 217642684 | NCHC30BT5*-**+TDRwith furnace NF98U070M3B* | 19.0 | 11.0 | 9.4 | 33,400 |
| 217642650 | NCU[C,U]30BT5*-**+TDRwith furnace NF80X080V4B* | 19.0 | 11.2 | 10.4 | 33,000 |
| 217642651 | NCU[C,U]30BT5*-**+TDRwith furnace NF97X040V3B* | 19.0 | 11.2 | 10.4 | 33,000 |
| 217642653 | NCU[C,U]30BT5*-**+TDRwith furnace NF98U070M3B* | 19.0 | 11.5 | 10.4 | 33,000 |
| 217642676 | NCDC36CT5*-**+TDRwith furnace NF97D090M4C* | 19.0 | 11.2 | 9.2 | 34,000 |
| 217642682 | NCHC30BT5*-**+TDRwith furnace NF97X040V3B* | 19.0 | 11.2 | 9.0 | 33,200 |
| 217642632 | NCU[C,U]30AT5*-**+TDRwith furnace NF80X060S3A* | 19.0 | 11.2 | 10.4 | 32,600 |
| 217642634 | NCU[C,U]30AT5*-**+TDRwith furnace NF80U070T3A* | 19.0 | 11.5 | 10.4 | 32,600 |
| 217642636 | NCU[C,U]30AT5*-**+TDRwith furnace NF80L045S3A* | 19.0 | 11.5 | 10.4 | 33,000 |
| 217642717 | NCU[C,U]30AT5*-**+TDRwith furnace NF80X040S3A* | 19.0 | 11.2 | 10.4 | 32,600 |
| 217642635 | NCU[C,U]30AT5*-**+TDRwith furnace NF80U045S3A* | 19.0 | 11.5 | 10.4 | 33,000 |
| 218374411 | NCU[C,U]37CT5*-**+TDRwith furnace NF98U090M4C* | 18.5 | 11.7 | 8.5 | 33,200 |
| 218374410 | NCU[C,U]37CT5*-**+TDRwith furnace NF98U090M3C* | 18.5 | 11.7 | 8.5 | 33,200 |
| 218159768 | NCU[C,U]30BT5*-**+TDRwith furnace NF97U070T3B* | 18.5 | 11.2 | 10.4 | 32,800 |
| 217901805 | NCDC36CT5*-**+TDRwith furnace NF97D110V5C* | 18.5 | 11.2 | 8.5 | 34,000 |
| 217642453 | NCU[C,U]36BT5*-**+TDRwith furnace NF80X080V4B* | 18.5 | 11.2 | 9.0 | 34,000 |
| 217642644 | NCU[C,U]30BT5*-**+TDRwith furnace NF80U070S3B* | 18.5 | 11.5 | 10.4 | 33,000 |
| 217642652 | NCU[C,U]30BT5*-**+TDRwith furnace NF97X060V3B* | 18.5 | 11.2 | 10.4 | 33,000 |
| 217642665 | NCHC30AT5*-**+TDRwith furnace NF80U045T3A* | 18.5 | 11.2 | 9.0 | 33,000 |
| 217642681 | NCHC30BT5*-**+TDRwith furnace NF80X080V4B* | 18.5 | 11.2 | 9.0 | 33,400 |
| 217642683 | NCHC30BT5*-**+TDRwith furnace NF97X060V3B* | 18.5 | 11.2 | 9.0 | 33,200 |
Safety information
- Installation, refrigerant charging and electrical connection must be performed by a licensed HVAC contractor in accordance with local codes and the manufacturer's installation instructions. Many jurisdictions require a permit and inspection.
- Turn off power at the outdoor disconnect and at the main panel before opening any service panel. Capacitors can hold a dangerous charge after power is removed.
- Keep children and pets away from the outdoor unit; never insert objects through the fan guard.
- Do not operate the system with panels or the fan guard removed.
- If a gas furnace provides backup heat, make sure carbon monoxide alarms are installed on every level of the home and near sleeping areas.
Installation and sizing
Proper installation matters more than any rating on the label: field studies show that incorrect charge, poor airflow and leaky ducts can cut real-world efficiency by 30% or more. Use the checklist below when reviewing quotes for the GE NS21H36MA5-**A.
- Load calculation
Insist on a room-by-room heat-loss and heat-gain calculation (ACCA Manual J) before choosing a size. Oversized heat pumps short-cycle, dehumidify poorly and wear out sooner; rule-of-thumb sizing by square footage is unreliable.
- Verify the matched system
Confirm the outdoor unit, indoor coil or air handler (and furnace, if any) match an AHRI certificate. Mismatched components can lower efficiency well below the published ratings and may void rebates.
- Outdoor unit placement
Set the condenser on a level pad raised above expected snow depth, with at least 12–24 in. of clearance around the coil and 5 ft above the fan. Avoid spots under roof drip lines where ice can fall onto the unit.
- Ductwork and airflow
Have the contractor measure static pressure and set blower airflow (typically 350–450 CFM per ton). Leaky or undersized ducts are the most common reason a new system underperforms.
- Line set and charge
The refrigerant line set should be pressure-tested, evacuated to 500 microns or lower and charged by weight and verified by subcooling or superheat as the manufacturer specifies.
- Commissioning
Ask for a commissioning report showing airflow, refrigerant charge readings, thermostat configuration (including auxiliary-heat lockout) and a test of defrost operation.
Using your heat pump
Thermostat settings
Pick a comfortable setpoint and leave it. Heat pumps are most efficient when they hold a steady temperature; deep night setbacks in heating mode can trigger expensive auxiliary (strip) heat during recovery. If you use setbacks, limit them to 2–3 °F or use a thermostat with adaptive recovery designed for heat pumps.
Heating mode and defrost
In cold, damp weather frost builds up on the outdoor coil. The unit periodically reverses into a defrost cycle for a few minutes — you may see steam rising from the outdoor unit and hear a whoosh when the reversing valve shifts. This is normal.
Because matched systems for this unit meet the ENERGY STAR cold-climate requirements, the heat pump can carry most or all of the heating load in sub-freezing weather (up to 24,400 Btu/h at 5 °F). Set the auxiliary-heat lockout temperature as low as comfort allows to maximize savings.
Cooling and dehumidification
In cooling mode the inverter compressor runs for long periods at low speed, which removes humidity steadily. Long run times are normal and efficient — they are not a sign of a problem.
Care and maintenance
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| Every 1–3 months | Check the air filter and replace it when dirty (1 in. filters usually monthly to quarterly; 4–5 in. media filters every 6–12 months). |
| Monthly in season | Keep 2 ft clear around the outdoor unit: remove leaves, grass clippings, snow and ice. Never cover the unit while it is in use. |
| Each spring | Gently hose the outdoor coil from the inside out with power off; straighten bent fins with a fin comb. |
| Each fall | Confirm the condensate drain is clear and the outdoor unit is level and not sinking into the ground. |
| Every year | Schedule professional maintenance: electrical connections, capacitor test, refrigerant charge check, coil cleaning, blower and drain service, and a defrost test. |
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| No heating or cooling | Thermostat in wrong mode; tripped breaker or blown fuse; outdoor disconnect off. | Check mode and setpoint; reset the breaker once; confirm both indoor and outdoor disconnects are on. If it trips again, call a technician. |
| Steam from the outdoor unit in winter | Normal defrost cycle. | No action needed; defrost typically lasts 2–10 minutes. |
| Outdoor unit covered in ice | Defrost control or sensor fault; low refrigerant; blocked airflow; gutter dripping on unit. | Clear snow and debris; redirect dripping water. If the coil stays encased in ice for hours, switch to emergency heat and call for service. |
| Air from vents feels lukewarm in heating | Heat pumps deliver air around 90–100 °F, cooler than a furnace. | Normal. Check that the house is reaching setpoint rather than judging by air temperature. |
| High electric bills in winter | Auxiliary strip heat running too often; deep setbacks; dirty filter. | Reduce setbacks; ask your contractor to set an aux-heat lockout; replace the filter. |
| Short cycling | Oversized system; thermostat near a supply register; refrigerant or control issue. | Relocate the thermostat if needed; have the contractor verify sizing and charge. |
| Water dripping indoors | Clogged condensate drain or pump; dirty coil; frozen evaporator. | Turn the system off and clear the drain line; if ice is visible on the coil, check the filter and airflow before restarting. |
| Unusual noises (grinding, squealing) | Fan motor bearings; debris in the fan; loose panel. | Turn the system off and call a technician — continued operation can damage the compressor or motor. |
Energy use and running costs
Assuming 1,000 full-load cooling hours per year (typical of a moderate U.S. climate), the most efficient matched system would use roughly 1,650 kWh for cooling — about $281 at $0.17/kWh.
For heating, 1,500 full-load hours at 10.4 HSPF2 works out to about 4,558 kWh, or $775 per year, excluding any auxiliary heat. The same heat from an 80% AFUE gas furnace would cost about $889 at $1.50/therm.
Your actual cost depends on climate, home insulation, thermostat habits and local utility rates. Use these figures to compare models rather than as a bill forecast.
Frequently asked questions
What size is the GE NS21H36MA5-**A?
Its most common rated cooling capacity is 33,000 Btu/h, or about 3 tons. The exact capacity depends on the matched indoor unit.
What is the SEER2 rating of the GE NS21H36MA5-**A?
Certified matches range from 15.2–20.0 SEER2 and 8.5–10.4 HSPF2, depending on the indoor coil or air handler.
Is the GE NS21H36MA5-**A a cold-climate heat pump?
Yes — at least one AHRI-matched system with this outdoor unit meets the ENERGY STAR cold-climate requirements and delivers up to 24,400 Btu/h at 5 °F.
What refrigerant does the GE NS21H36MA5-**A use?
R-454B (GWP:470 | Lower GWP).
Which indoor units are compatible with the GE NS21H36MA5-**A?
133 certified indoor/outdoor combinations are listed. See the matched systems table on this page for each indoor model, AHRI number and rating.
Sources and disclaimer
Specifications on this page come from the ENERGY STAR certified heat pumps dataset published by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (record certified August 20, 2025), retrieved October 7, 2026.
The setup, operating, maintenance and troubleshooting guidance is written by ManualHarbor's editors for this specific product type and configuration. It is an independent guide — not a reproduction of the manufacturer's manual — and ManualHarbor is not affiliated with GE. Always follow the safety instructions, installation requirements and warranty terms supplied with your unit, and contact GE or an authorized service provider for warranty repairs and replacement parts.
Running-cost figures use assumed U.S. average utility prices and are estimates for comparison only. See our editorial methodology for details.
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