AIR MAX heat pump efficiency: 13 outdoor models compared

AIR MAX has 13 heat pump outdoor models certified with this refrigerant group, in 27 AHRI-certified combinations. Each model is compared with models of the same size and duct type, so the scores below do not depend on which sizes AIR MAX makes. AIR MAX has no QMID (IRS Qualified Manufacturer ID) on file, so it is not ranked against other manufacturers.

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ManufacturerData as of Oct 11, 2026updated Oct 11, 2026 · sources

Outdoor models: 13
AHRI certifications: 27
Efficiency index: 54%; Typical model vs same-size, same-type peers (20 models)
Meet CEE 2025: 100%; 13 models

How AIR MAX compares with comparable models

For each rating: the share of same-size, same-type models that a typical model of this manufacturer beats (50% is typical), its rank, and the raw median for context. Raw medians are not comparable across manufacturers that make different sizes.

AIR MAX against every ranked manufacturerPeer scores, 0–100 · grey ticks: each ranked manufacturer · shaded: the middle half of AIR MAX’s own modelsAIR MAX is strongest on EER2 (its typical model beats 63% of comparable models) and weakest on HSPF2 (38%).

AIR MAX
Middle half of its models
Other ranked manufacturers

Source: AHRI Directory, NEEP · as of Oct 11, 2026

Average peer percentile of AIR MAX’s models
Rating	Beats comparable models	Rank	Raw median
Efficiency index20 models scored	54%	Not ranked	—
COP at 5°F20 models scored	53%	Not ranked	2.00
Capacity retention at 5°F20 models scored	55%	Not ranked	78%
HSPF220 models scored	38%	Not ranked	9.5
SEER220 models scored	56%	Not ranked	21.0
EER220 models scored	63%	Not ranked	12.0
Heating capacity at 5°F20 models scored	54%	Not ranked	21,600 Btu/h

Standards met

Share of AIR MAX’s models with at least one qualifying certification
Standard	Share	Models
CEE 2025 Tier 1 (Split ASHP)	100%	13
CEE 2026 Tier 1 (Split ASHP)	100%	13
CEE Advanced Tier (Split ASHP)	7.7%	1
Xcel Energy Colorado cold-climate ASHP (2025)	84.6%	11
DOE Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge	7.7%	1
ENERGY STAR Cold Climate	46.2%	6

Sizes and duct types offered

Models per peer group, and how they score against the other models of that group.

AIR MAX’s models inside each size and duct typeShape: every model of the group · blue: the middle half of this manufacturer’s models there, median dot, 10th–90th percentile line

AIR MAX (median, middle 50%, 10th–90th)
All models of the group

Source: AHRI Directory · as of Oct 11, 2026

Share of comparable models beaten, per peer group
Size and duct type	Models	Index	COP@5°F	HSPF2	SEER2
Ducted, up to 1.5 tons	1	49%	43%	23%	60%
Ducted, 2 tons	1	55%	30%	36%	55%
Ducted, 2.5–3 tons	2	60%	31%	46%	69%
Ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons	3	67%	56%	49%	80%
Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons	5	42%	47%	27%	52%
Non-ducted, 2 tons	2	61%	43%	57%	56%
Non-ducted, 2.5–3 tons	3	55%	60%	43%	49%
Non-ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons	3	53%	87%	28%	39%

Every AIR MAX model in the market

AIR MAX’s 20 models with a known size and duct type, over the shape of the whole catalog.

AIR MAX models by size and ratingColoured: AIR MAX · grey shapes: all 14,508 models · lines: catalog medians by size

AIR MAX models
Ducted median by size
Non-ducted median by size
Every model at each size (width = count)
Standard threshold

Dots: 20 air max models, each through its representative certification, in the colour of the rating shown. The grey shapes count all 14,508 models, half a ton at a time.

Show the data as a table

COP at 5°F by size and duct type (every model, by rated cooling capacity)
Duct type, size	Models	10th pct.	25th	Median	75th	90th
Ducted, 0.5 tons	826	1.64	1.71	1.75	1.85	2.24
Ducted, 1 ton	407	1.80	1.90	2.05	2.41	2.45
Ducted, 1.5 tons	992	1.75	1.86	2.00	2.17	2.40
Ducted, 2 tons	999	1.75	1.86	2.00	2.18	2.30
Ducted, 2.5 tons	1,040	1.70	1.80	2.00	2.10	2.36
Ducted, 3 tons	696	1.80	1.90	2.00	2.10	2.42
Ducted, 3.5 tons	865	1.70	1.80	2.00	2.10	2.46
Ducted, 4 tons	726	1.80	1.86	2.00	2.12	2.41
Ducted, 4.5 tons	690	1.70	1.80	1.90	2.10	2.20
Ducted, 5 tons	86	1.89	2.00	2.10	2.10	2.10
Non-ducted, 0.5 tons	1,186	1.75	1.80	1.90	2.00	2.22
Non-ducted, 1 ton	1,343	1.80	1.80	1.99	2.10	2.21
Non-ducted, 1.5 tons	1,261	1.80	1.80	2.00	2.10	2.31
Non-ducted, 2 tons	761	1.80	1.98	2.00	2.10	2.30
Non-ducted, 2.5 tons	403	1.80	1.85	2.00	2.00	2.10
Non-ducted, 3 tons	473	1.90	1.98	2.00	2.03	2.20
Non-ducted, 3.5 tons	280	2.00	2.00	2.00	2.05	2.10
Non-ducted, 4 tons	204	1.96	2.00	2.05	2.10	2.11
Non-ducted, 4.5 tons	78	1.90	1.91	1.95	2.01	2.01
Non-ducted, 5 tons	84	1.99	2.00	2.05	2.20	2.20

Source: AHRI Directory · as of Oct 11, 2026

Top AIR MAX models

Its top five cold-climate picks and its top five all-around models across sizes (both scores compare each model with models of its own size and duct type, so sizes compare), then, on each single rating, the model that beats the largest share of comparable models.

Cold-climate picks

Top 5 AIR MAX cold-climate picks across sizes. Qualifies when its capacity retention at 5°F (capacity at 5°F as a share of capacity at 47°F) is at least 70% and Capacity retention at 5°F, COP at 5°F, HSPF2 are all rated. Score = the equal-weight mean of its peer percentiles on Capacity retention at 5°F, COP at 5°F, HSPF2 (share of the other models in its peer group it beats, 0–100), all from one certified pairing: in each duct type a model is sold in, its qualifying pairing of that type with the best score; equal scores (one decimal) go to the higher heating capacity at 5°F.
# · Outdoor model	Size · type	Cap. 5/47	COP@5°F	HSPF2	Btu/h @5°F	SEER2	Meets	Combos	AHRI ref.	Compared with	Score
1AFMKH36-H2AIR MAX · AIRMAX Free Match	3 tons36,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted	100%	2.10	10.0	36,000	21.0	CEE 25CEE 26CEE AdvXcelDOEES CC	3	218396984	Non-ducted, 2.5–3 tons	77.2
2AFMKH30-H2AIR MAX · AIRMAX Free Match	2.5 tons28,400 Btu/h · Non-ducted	90%	2.07	10.0	27,000	21.0	CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC	3	218396981	Non-ducted, 2.5–3 tons	69.8
3AFMKH24-H2AIR MAX · AIRMAX Free Match	2 tons24,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted	90%	2.00	10.0	21,600	21.0	CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC	3	218396978	Non-ducted, 2 tons	67.5
4AFMKH42-H2AIR MAX · AIRMAX Free Match	3.5 tons42,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted	90%	2.10	10.0	37,800	21.0	CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC	3	218396966	Non-ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons	66.5
5AFMKH18-H2AIR MAX · AIRMAX Free Match	1.5 tons18,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted	77%	2.00	10.0	13,800	21.0	CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC	3	218396975	Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons	61.4

All-around best

Top 5 AIR MAX models on the all-around score across sizes. Score = 50% heating, the mean of its peer percentiles on COP at 5°F, Capacity retention at 5°F, HSPF2, plus 50% cooling, the mean of its peer percentiles on SEER2 and EER2 (share of the other models in its peer group it beats, 0–100). All five ratings are required; there is no minimum heat kept at 5°F. In each duct type a model is sold in, it is scored on its pairing of that type with the best score; equal scores (one decimal) go to the higher cold-climate score, then the higher heating capacity at 5°F.
# · Outdoor model	Size · type	Cap. 5/47	COP@5°F	HSPF2	SEER2	EER2	Meets	Combos	AHRI ref.	Compared with	Score	Heating half	Cooling half	Cold-climate score
1AFMKH30-H2AIR MAX · AIRMAX Free Match	2.5 tons28,400 Btu/h · Non-ducted	90%	2.07	10.0	21.0	13.6	CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC	3	218396981	Non-ducted, 2.5–3 tons	70.5	69.8	71.2	69.8
2AFMKH42-H2AIR MAX · AIRMAX Free Match	3.5 tons42,000 Btu/h · Ducted	86%	1.90	8.1	18.0	12.0	CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC	3	218396967	Ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons	69.1	55.7	82.5	55.7
3AFMKH42-H2AIR MAX · AIRMAX Free Match	3.5 tons42,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted	90%	2.10	10.0	21.0	13.0	CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC	3	218396966	Non-ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons	67.7	66.5	68.8	66.5
4AFMKH24-H2AIR MAX · AIRMAX Free Match	2 tons24,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted	90%	2.00	10.0	21.0	13.3	CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC	3	218396978	Non-ducted, 2 tons	67.6	67.5	67.8	67.5
5AFMKH60-H2AIR MAX · AIRMAX Free Match	4.5 tons55,000 Btu/h · Ducted	56%	2.30	8.0	19.0	11.7	CEE 25CEE 26	3	218396973	Ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons	67.6	55.1	80.2	Not a pick

Best model on each rating

AIR MAX’s model with the highest peer percentile on each rating, ranked by that one rating only
Rating	Model	Value	Compared with	Beats	AHRI ref.
COP at 5°F	AFMKH60-H2	2.20	Non-ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons	96%	218396974
Capacity retention at 5°F	AFMKH36-H2	100%	Non-ducted, 2.5–3 tons	81%	218396984
HSPF2	AFMKH24-H2	10.0	Non-ducted, 2 tons	69%	218396978
SEER2	AFMKH60-H2	19.0	Ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons	85%	218396973
EER2	AFMKH42-H2	13.0	Non-ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons	94%	218396966
Heating capacity at 5°F	AFMKH36-H2	36,000 Btu/h	Non-ducted, 2.5–3 tons	86%	218396984

All 13 AIR MAX models in Explore

AIR MAX size class by size class: cold-climate and all-around

Its best model on each board in every size and duct type it makes. Both scores are 0–100 against every model of that size class (the line on each bar is 50, the typical model there). Cold-climate picks must keep at least 70% of their heat at 5°F; the all-around score needs all five ratings and has no such bar.

AIR MAX: best cold-climate pick and best all-around model per size and duct type, with how many of its models are on each board (top 5 and 5 per class are in the snapshot)
Size and duct type	Cold-climate pickCold-climate score, best model	All-around bestAll-around score, best model
Ducted, up to 1.5 tons	39.3(50 is the typical model of its size class)AFMKH18-H21 of 1 models qualify · AHRI 218396976	48.6(50 is the typical model of its size class)AFMKH18-H21 of 1 models have all five ratings · AHRI 218396976
Ducted, 2 tons	49.0(50 is the typical model of its size class)AFMKH24-H21 of 1 models qualify · AHRI 218396979	54.7(50 is the typical model of its size class)AFMKH24-H21 of 1 models have all five ratings · AHRI 218396979
Ducted, 2.5–3 tons	52.2(50 is the typical model of its size class)AFMKH36-H22 of 2 models qualify · AHRI 218396985	61.6(50 is the typical model of its size class)AFMKH30-H22 of 2 models have all five ratings · AHRI 218396982
Ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons	55.7(50 is the typical model of its size class)AFMKH42-H22 of 3 models qualify · AHRI 218396967	69.1(50 is the typical model of its size class)AFMKH42-H23 of 3 models have all five ratings · AHRI 218396967
Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons	61.4(50 is the typical model of its size class)AFMKH18-H25 of 5 models qualify · AHRI 218396975	52.7(50 is the typical model of its size class)AFMKH18-H25 of 5 models have all five ratings · AHRI 218396975
Non-ducted, 2 tons	67.5(50 is the typical model of its size class)AFMKH24-H21 of 2 models qualify · AHRI 218396978	67.6(50 is the typical model of its size class)AFMKH24-H22 of 2 models have all five ratings · AHRI 218396978
Non-ducted, 2.5–3 tons	77.2(50 is the typical model of its size class)AFMKH36-H23 of 3 models qualify · AHRI 218396984	70.5(50 is the typical model of its size class)AFMKH30-H23 of 3 models have all five ratings · AHRI 218396981
Non-ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons	66.5(50 is the typical model of its size class)AFMKH42-H22 of 3 models qualify · AHRI 218396966	67.7(50 is the typical model of its size class)AFMKH42-H23 of 3 models have all five ratings · AHRI 218396966

All-around board, every manufacturer

Newest AIR MAX certifications

By AHRI reference number; AHRI issues references in increasing order.

The 5 most recently certified AIR MAX outdoor models
Outdoor model	Size · type	COP@5°F	Cap. 5/47	HSPF2	SEER2	Meets	Combos	AHRI ref.
AFMKH36-H2AIR MAX · AIRMAX Free Match	3 tons36,000 Btu/h · Ducted and non-ducted and mixed (multi-zone)	1.84	94%	9.0	19.0	CEE 25CEE 26CEE AdvXcelDOEES CC	3	218396986
AFMKH30-H2AIR MAX · AIRMAX Free Match	2.5 tons28,400 Btu/h · Ducted and non-ducted and mixed (multi-zone)	1.81	88%	9.0	19.0	CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC	3	218396983
AFMKH24-H2AIR MAX · AIRMAX Free Match	2 tons24,000 Btu/h · Ducted and non-ducted and mixed (multi-zone)	1.80	90%	9.0	19.0	CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC	3	218396980
AFMKH18-H2AIR MAX · AIRMAX Free Match	1.5 tons18,000 Btu/h · Ducted and non-ducted and mixed (multi-zone)	1.80	76%	9.0	19.0	CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC	3	218396977
AFMKH60-H2AIR MAX · AIRMAX Free Match	4.5 tons55,000 Btu/h · Ducted and non-ducted and mixed (multi-zone)	2.20	58%	9.0	20.0	CEE 25CEE 26	3	218396974

Shares hardware with

Manufacturers whose models are the same equipment under another badge. About OEM families

No shared hardware found for AIR MAX in this group.

Compare AIR MAX

Manufacturers of a similar size, side by side.

Compare with any manufacturer

AIR MAX includes these brand names as listed in AHRI: AIR MAX. Standards are checked against published thresholds; program rules beyond ratings are not checked.