The 3 Ton Elite® Series Cold Climate Heat Pump System includes the EL21KLV heat pump, CBK48MVT air handler, and ECB48-15CB-P electric heat kit. Fully 2025-compliant with R-454B refrigerant, this system provides efficient, quiet, and reliable heating and cooling, designed for cold climate performance and home comfort.
Key Benefits: ✅ 3 Ton variable-capacity cold climate heat pump ✅ SEER2 20 / HSPF2 10 for high efficiency ✅ Quiet operation – as low as 60 dBA ✅ Complete bundle: heat pump, air handler, and electric heat kit
Bring year-round comfort and energy efficiency to your home with the 3 Ton Elite® Series Cold Climate Heat Pump System. This complete bundle includes the EL21KLV heat pump, CBK48MVT variable-speed air handler, and ECB48-15CB-P electric heat kit, providing reliable, efficient heating and cooling, even in cold climates.
SEER2: 20
SEER2 & HSPF2 Ratings
SEER2: 20 HSPF2: 10
With SEER2 20 and HSPF2 10, this system delivers high-efficiency heating and cooling while meeting 2025 refrigerant standards. The system uses eco-friendly R-454B refrigerant for optimal efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
The EL21KLV heat pump is a variable-capacity, cold climate heat pump designed for energy-efficient operation in colder regions. ENERGY STAR® 6.1 Cold Climate Certified, it meets or exceeds federal efficiency guidelines and is eligible for the Federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit.
Features:
Variable-capacity compressor for precise temperature and humidity control
Digital-ready for integration with Lennox S40 Smart Thermostats
Quiet operation as low as 60 dBA
Durable Quantum™ Coil and heavy-gauge steel cabinet
Braze-free installation flexibility for modern HVAC setups
Refrigerant Detection System (RDS) ensures safe operation in case of leaks
Supplemental Heating – Heat Kit: ECB48-15CB-P
The ECB48-15CB-P Electric Heat Kit delivers fast, reliable supplemental heat for cold weather. Featuring helix-wound nichrome heating elements, this kit ensures rapid heat transfer, lower element temperatures, and extended service life. Safety is enhanced with built-in limit controls, thermal cutoff protection, and integrated circuit breakers. Pre-wired and plug-in ready, the heat kit simplifies installation and provides reliable performance.
Reliable Airflow – Air Handler: CBK48MVT-036-71
The CBK48MVT variable-speed air handler ensures consistent airflow and indoor comfort. Constructed with all-aluminum Quantum™ Coil technology, it resists corrosion and delivers long-lasting performance. Its variable-speed blower motor maintains steady airflow, minimizing hot or cold spots. Optional electric backup heat provides supplemental warmth when needed. Fully insulated, the cabinet reduces operational noise and prevents condensation. The built-in Refrigerant Detection System (RDS) provides safety and peace of mind.
Why Choose the Elite® Series Cold Climate Heat Pump System?
Perfect for homeowners in cold climates, this system offers:
Quiet, reliable, and efficient year-round heating and cooling
R-454B refrigerant for reduced environmental impact
Full 2025-compliant technology with digital-ready control
Supplemental electric heat for immediate warmth
Built-in safety features including RDS and circuit protection
Key Benefits at a Glance
✅ 3 Ton variable-capacity cold climate heat pump ✅ SEER2 20 / HSPF2 10 for high efficiency ✅ Quiet operation – as low as 60 dBA ✅ Complete bundle: heat pump, air handler, and electric heat kit ✅ Braze-free installation flexibility ✅ Built-in Refrigerant Detection System (RDS) ✅ 2025-compliant system with R-454B refrigerant
Heat Pump Overview
Model #: EL21KLV-036
Product Overview
Elite® Series | EL21KLV Heat Pump High-efficiency, digital-ready, variable-capacity heat pump engineered for cold climates and designed to meet 2025 refrigerant compliance standards.
Energy Efficiency
Delivers up to 20.5 SEER2 and 10.0 HSPF2 for exceptional year-round performance.
Variable-capacity compressor provides precise temperature and humidity control.
ENERGY STAR® 6.1 Cold Climate Certified – exceeds federal energy-efficiency standards for optimal cold weather operation.
Eligible for federal tax credits under the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (IRC Section 25C).
Digital-ready when matched with a digitally enabled furnace or air handler and a Lennox S40 Smart Thermostat.
Quiet Operation
Operates at sound levels as low as 60 dBA, ensuring quiet outdoor performance.
Precision-balanced direct-drive fan enhances durability and reduces operating noise.
Craftsmanship & Quality
Quantum™ Coil – Built with Lennox’s proprietary aluminum alloy, tested under extreme conditions for long-lasting corrosion resistance.
Heavy-duty cabinet – Constructed from heavy-gauge galvanized steel with a louvered coil guard, baked-on powder coat finish, and durable composite base and top panel to protect against rust and wear.
Braze-free installation – Compatible with braze-free fittings for added flexibility and convenience during setup.
Integrated drainage holes help prevent moisture buildup in the base pan, enhancing durability.
Safety & Reliability
Features a built-in Refrigerant Detection System (RDS) to comply with new safety standards for A2L (mildly flammable) refrigerants.
Sensor detects refrigerant leaks
Control board automatically stops unit operation and activates the indoor blower to disperse leaked refrigerant
Uses R-454B refrigerant, which meets 2025 EPA requirements for reduced global warming potential (GWP).
Product Specifications:
Brand
Lennox
Catalog Number
25J87
Model/Part Number
EL21KLV-036-230
Base Unit of Measure
Unit(S)
Family
EL21KLV
Series
Elite
Product Voltage
208-230 VAC 1 Ph 60 Hz
Cooling Capacity
3 Ton
Product Depth
39.64 Inch
Product Width
35.64 Inch
Product Height
45.33 Inch
Compressor Stages
Variable Capacity
Type
Low Ambient Heat Pump
SEER2
Upto 20.5 SEER2
HSPF2
Upto 10.0 HSPF2
Gross Weight
250 Lbs.
Refrigerant Type
R-454B
Heat Kit Overview
Model #: ECB48-15CB-P
Product Overview
Lennox ECB48 Electric Heat Kits
The Lennox ECB48 Electric Heat Kits are ETL listed and designed for field installation within the unit cabinet. These kits are available in a range of voltage and kilowatt (kW) options—refer to specific Air Handler Tables for proper sizing and compatibility.
Each kit features helix-wound nichrome heating elements positioned directly in the airstream for fast heat transfer, lower operating temperatures, and extended service life. Every element includes a precisely located limit control with a fixed shut-off temperature and automatic reset, ensuring reliable thermal protection. A supplemental thermal cutoff provides an added layer of safety in case of high-temperature conditions.
Heater control relays are included as standard and manage the staging of heating elements based on control board input. Elements are brought online sequentially and in equal stages, with built-in time delays to ensure efficient operation.
The control box and access panel are constructed from heavy-gauge galvanized steel for durability. All components are factory assembled, pre-installed, and wired for quick and easy setup. Low-voltage electric heat controls connect directly to the air handler via a plug-in interface.
Circuit Breaker Models (CB)
“CB” model heaters include integrated circuit breakers that offer both overload and short circuit protection. These breakers are:
Factory-mounted and wired within the electric heat unit
Current-sensitive and temperature-actuated
Manually resettable for added user control
In many jurisdictions, these circuit breakers are recognized as an acceptable disconnecting means, eliminating the need for a separate field-supplied disconnect. Always verify local electrical codes to ensure compliance with installation requirements.
Product Specifications:
Brand
Lennox
Catalog Number
27A56
Model/Part Number
ECB48-15CB-P
Base Unit of Measure
Unit(S)
EAN / UPC
66255161447
Product Voltage
208/230v 1ph 60 hz
Gross Weight
7.95 LB
Family
ECB48
Series
ECB48
For Use With
CBK48 Series Air Handlers
Air Handler Overview
Model #: CBK48MVT-036-71
Product Overview
CBK48MVT Air Handler
This standard-performance, high-efficiency variable-speed air handler is designed for use with 2025-compliant refrigerants.
The CBK48MVT incorporates all-aluminum Quantum™ Coil technology, well-known for its exceptional resistance to corrosion caused by indoor environmental contaminants. Paired with a variable-speed blower motor, it delivers steady airflow that helps maintain consistent temperatures and minimizes fluctuations.
These -71 models are factory-prepared for R-454B refrigerant and come equipped with a Refrigerant Detection System (RDS). The built-in sensor monitors for refrigerant leaks and will trigger the mitigation control to start a flush sequence if a leak is detected, ensuring safe and reliable operation.
Energy Efficiency
Features a high-efficiency indoor coil that ensures excellent heat transfer while minimizing air resistance for optimal performance.
The variable-speed blower motor maintains consistent airflow, preventing temperature swings.
Quiet Operation
The fully insulated cabinet reduces operational noise and helps prevent condensation and cabinet sweating in warm, humid conditions.
Home Comfort
Offers optional electric backup heating for an immediate boost of warm air when needed.
Reliable Performance
Includes an antimicrobial drain pan that inhibits mold and mildew growth, enhancing indoor air quality and reducing the likelihood of drain line blockages.
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It measures the cooling efficiency of an air conditioner or heat pump over an entire cooling season. Essentially, it tells you how much cooling output (BTUs) you get for every unit of energy (watt-hour) used.
Higher SEER = more efficient
SEER ratings have traditionally been used in the U.S. to compare energy efficiency across systems.
Example: A 14 SEER unit uses less electricity than a 10 SEER unit to produce the same cooling.
What is SEER2?
SEER2 is the updated efficiency rating standard that reflects new federal testing procedures implemented by the Department of Energy (DOE) in 2023. It measures efficiency more accurately by accounting for real-world conditions, including:
Energy usage in modern airflow and installation configurations
More realistic climate and seasonal variations
Changes in the refrigerants and equipment designs
Key difference: SEER2 ratings tend to be slightly lower than SEER ratings for the same unit, but they provide a truer representation of actual efficiency in your home.
Why SEER2 is the new standard
The DOE updated testing to better match how systems perform in real homes, rather than ideal lab conditions.
It encourages manufacturers to improve real-world efficiency, not just test-case efficiency.
For consumers, SEER2 ensures:
Better long-term energy savings
Improved comfort through more accurate performance expectations
Compliance with modern federal efficiency regulations
In short:
SEER = old efficiency measurement (ideal lab conditions)
SEER2 = modern, realistic efficiency standard (real-world performance)
Better quality = SEER2 units are designed and tested to give actual efficiency and savings, not just theoretical numbers.
Understanding EER vs EER2
What is EER?
EER stands for Energy Efficiency Ratio. It measures an air conditioner or heat pump’s efficiency at a single, specific outdoor temperature, usually 95°F.
Higher EER = more efficient at peak conditions.
Unlike SEER, which averages efficiency over a season, EER tells you how the unit performs under hot, steady-state conditions.
Example: A unit with an EER of 12 produces 12 BTUs of cooling for every watt of electricity consumed.
What is EER2?
EER2 is the updated testing standard introduced by the Department of Energy (DOE) to match the same real-world adjustments as SEER2.
Accounts for modern system designs, refrigerants, and installation configurations.
Measures efficiency more realistically under peak operating conditions, rather than just ideal lab setups.
Like SEER2, EER2 numbers are usually slightly lower than traditional EER, but they are a more accurate reflection of actual performance.
Why EER2 is the new standard
Ensures consistency with SEER2 testing methodology.
Reflects true cooling efficiency under extreme heat, where peak performance matters most.
Helps consumers understand real-world energy use and savings potential during the hottest days.
Meets modern federal efficiency regulations and encourages manufacturers to improve performance under actual conditions.
In short:
EER = old standard, measured under lab conditions at 95°F
EER2 = modern standard, measured under realistic, real-world peak conditions
Better quality = EER2 gives you true peak efficiency, not just theoretical performance.
