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CONTINENTAL heat pump efficiency: 12 outdoor models compared

CONTINENTAL has 12 heat pump outdoor models certified with this refrigerant group, in 59 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 CONTINENTAL makes. CONTINENTAL has no QMID (IRS Qualified Manufacturer ID) on file, so it is not ranked against other manufacturers.

New to heat pump ratings? The Simple view explains them in plain words →

ManufacturerData as of updated · sources

Outdoor models
12
AHRI certifications
59
Efficiency index
67%
Typical model vs same-size, same-type peers (13 models)
Meet CEE 2025
100%
12 models

How CONTINENTAL 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.
CONTINENTAL against every ranked manufacturerPeer scores, 0–100 · grey ticks: each ranked manufacturer · shaded: the middle half of CONTINENTAL’s own modelsCONTINENTAL is strongest on capacity retention at 5°F (its typical model beats 74% of comparable models) and weakest on COP at 5°F (47%).
  • CONTINENTAL
  • Middle half of its models
  • Other ranked manufacturers
CONTINEN…

Source: AHRI Directory, NEEP · as of

Average peer percentile of CONTINENTAL’s models
RatingBeats comparable modelsRankRaw median
Efficiency index13 models scored67%Not ranked—
COP at 5°F13 models scored47%Not ranked1.83
Capacity retention at 5°F13 models scored74%Not ranked88%
HSPF213 models scored73%Not ranked9.8
SEER213 models scored72%Not ranked21.3
EER213 models scored68%Not ranked12.5
Heating capacity at 5°F13 models scored72%Not ranked22,000 Btu/h

Standards met

Share of CONTINENTAL’s models with at least one qualifying certification
StandardShareModels
CEE 2025 Tier 1 (Split ASHP)100%12
CEE 2026 Tier 1 (Split ASHP)100%12
CEE Advanced Tier (Split ASHP)0%0
Xcel Energy Colorado cold-climate ASHP (2025)100%12
DOE Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge0%0
ENERGY STAR Cold Climate83.3%10

Sizes and duct types offered

Models per peer group, and how they score against the other models of that group.
CONTINENTAL’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
  • CONTINENTAL (median, middle 50%, 10th–90th)
  • All models of the group
Ducted, 2 tons2.00821 modelsDucted, 2.5–3 tons1.901,614 modelsDucted, 3.5–4.5 tons1.911,492 modelsNon-ducted, up to 1.5 tons1.902,417 modelsNon-ducted, 2 tons1.87611 modelsNon-ducted, 2.5–3 tons1.85975 modelsmedian

Source: AHRI Directory · as of

Share of comparable models beaten, per peer group
Size and duct typeModelsIndexCOP@5°FHSPF2SEER2
Ducted, 2 tons250%22%61%48%
Ducted, 2.5–3 tons174%21%84%92%
Ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons263%25%74%79%
Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons473%57%84%77%
Non-ducted, 2 tons276%94%59%75%
Non-ducted, 2.5–3 tons267%40%73%66%

Every CONTINENTAL model in the market

CONTINENTAL’s 13 models with a known size and duct type, over the shape of the whole catalog.
CONTINENTAL models by size and ratingColoured: CONTINENTAL · grey shapes: all 11,475 models · lines: catalog medians by size
  • CONTINENTAL models
  • Ducted median by size
  • Non-ducted median by size
  • Every model at each size (width = count)
  • Standard threshold

Dots: 13 continental models, each through its representative certification, in the colour of the rating shown. The grey shapes count all 11,475 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, sizeModels10th pct.25thMedian75th90th
Ducted, 0.5 tons1751.701.851.902.102.26
Ducted, 1 ton3401.851.902.002.402.65
Ducted, 1.5 tons7891.751.852.002.202.55
Ducted, 2 tons7821.731.802.002.102.33
Ducted, 2.5 tons7351.711.801.902.092.48
Ducted, 3 tons6521.681.701.902.062.36
Ducted, 3.5 tons6411.611.801.952.202.50
Ducted, 4 tons3671.701.801.912.022.52
Ducted, 4.5 tons5441.701.801.912.082.34
Ducted, 5 tons251.801.801.901.902.15
Non-ducted, 0.5 tons7171.751.811.972.102.19
Non-ducted, 1 ton1,0641.751.801.902.072.25
Non-ducted, 1.5 tons8861.801.801.872.072.21
Non-ducted, 2 tons5641.801.801.832.042.21
Non-ducted, 2.5 tons2751.801.811.841.862.03
Non-ducted, 3 tons5021.801.801.902.002.09
Non-ducted, 3.5 tons701.821.831.902.002.28
Non-ducted, 4 tons2631.801.801.982.002.10
Non-ducted, 4.5 tons1031.771.771.801.972.02
Non-ducted, 5 tons291.982.002.102.302.47

Source: AHRI Directory · as of

Top CONTINENTAL 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 CONTINENTAL 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 modelSize · typeCap. 5/47COP@5°FHSPF2Btu/h @5°FSEER2MeetsCombosAHRI ref.Compared withScore
1CDHAS26-24-OCONTINENTAL · CDHA serieswith ductless indoor unit CDHAS26-24-I2 tons24,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted86%2.2111.425,00021.5CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC1213386537Non-ducted, 2 tons84.5
2CDHAS22-12-OCONTINENTAL · CDHA serieswith ductless indoor unit CDHAS22-12-I1 ton12,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted74%2.2510.88,82023.1CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC1213386538Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons77.8
3CDHAS22-18-OCONTINENTAL · CDHA serieswith ductless indoor unit CDHAS22-18-I1.5 tons18,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted71%2.3510.512,82924.0CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC1213386540Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons75.3
4CDHAM-36-OCONTINENTAL · CDHA series3 tons36,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted97%1.909.736,00020.0CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC2213386544Non-ducted, 2.5–3 tons73.4
5CDHAS26-18-OCONTINENTAL · CDHA serieswith ductless indoor unit CDHAS26-18-I1.5 tons18,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted100%1.8011.318,00021.5CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC1213386536Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons67.2

All-around best

Top 5 CONTINENTAL 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 modelSize · typeCap. 5/47COP@5°FHSPF2SEER2EER2MeetsCombosAHRI ref.Compared withScoreHeating halfCooling halfCold-climate score
1CDHAS26-24-OCONTINENTAL · CDHA serieswith ductless indoor unit CDHAS26-24-I2 tons24,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted86%2.2111.421.513.0CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC1213386537Non-ducted, 2 tons84.384.584.184.5
2CDHAS22-18-OCONTINENTAL · CDHA serieswith ductless indoor unit CDHAS22-18-I1.5 tons18,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted71%2.3510.524.013.5CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC1213386540Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons78.775.382.175.3
3CDHAS22-12-OCONTINENTAL · CDHA serieswith ductless indoor unit CDHAS22-12-I1 ton12,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted74%2.2510.823.113.0CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC1213386538Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons75.977.874.177.8
4CDHAS26-12-OCONTINENTAL · CDHA serieswith ductless indoor unit CDHAS26-12-I1 ton12,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted100%1.8010.425.514.0CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC1213386539Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons75.562.488.662.4
5CDHAM-28-OCONTINENTAL2.5 tons28,000 Btu/h · Ducted90%1.769.520.011.7CEE 25CEE 26Xcel3213386542Ducted, 2.5–3 tons73.865.082.665.0

Best model on each rating

CONTINENTAL’s model with the highest peer percentile on each rating, ranked by that one rating only
RatingModelValueCompared withBeatsAHRI ref.
COP at 5°FCDHAS22-24-O2.22Non-ducted, 2 tons96%213386535
Capacity retention at 5°FCDHAM-36-O99%Non-ducted, 2.5–3 tons89%213386546
HSPF2CDHAS26-24-O11.4Non-ducted, 2 tons93%213386537
SEER2CDHAM-28-O20.0Ducted, 2.5–3 tons92%213386542
EER2CDHAS26-12-O14.0Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons85%213386539
Heating capacity at 5°FCDHAM-36-O36,600 Btu/hNon-ducted, 2.5–3 tons94%213386546

All 12 CONTINENTAL models in Explore

CONTINENTAL 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.
CONTINENTAL: 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 typeCold-climate pickCold-climate score, best modelAll-around bestAll-around score, best model
Ducted, 2 tonsNo models in this size class60.8(50 is the typical model of its size class)CS18HV24A36with ducted air handler CPFX24AAlso listed as WSEHV2436RA1-C2 of 2 models have all five ratings · AHRI 207335556
Ducted, 2.5–3 tons65.0(50 is the typical model of its size class)CDHAM-28-O3 of 3 models qualify · AHRI 21338654273.8(50 is the typical model of its size class)CDHAM-28-O1 of 1 models have all five ratings · AHRI 213386542
Ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons58.1(50 is the typical model of its size class)CS18HV48A60with ducted air handler CPFX48AAlso listed as WSEHV4860RA1-C2 of 2 models qualify · AHRI 20733555863.3(50 is the typical model of its size class)CS18HV48A60with ducted air handler CPFX48AAlso listed as WSEHV4860RA1-C2 of 2 models have all five ratings · AHRI 207335558
Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons77.8(50 is the typical model of its size class)CDHAS22-12-Owith ductless indoor unit CDHAS22-12-I4 of 4 models qualify · AHRI 21338653878.7(50 is the typical model of its size class)CDHAS22-18-Owith ductless indoor unit CDHAS22-18-I4 of 4 models have all five ratings · AHRI 213386540
Non-ducted, 2 tons84.5(50 is the typical model of its size class)CDHAS26-24-Owith ductless indoor unit CDHAS26-24-I2 of 2 models qualify · AHRI 21338653784.3(50 is the typical model of its size class)CDHAS26-24-Owith ductless indoor unit CDHAS26-24-I2 of 2 models have all five ratings · AHRI 213386537
Non-ducted, 2.5–3 tons73.4(50 is the typical model of its size class)CDHAM-36-O2 of 2 models qualify · AHRI 21338654470.8(50 is the typical model of its size class)CDHAM-36-O2 of 2 models have all five ratings · AHRI 213386544

All-around board, every manufacturer

Newest CONTINENTAL certifications

By AHRI reference number; AHRI issues references in increasing order.
The 5 most recently certified CONTINENTAL outdoor models
Outdoor modelSize · typeCOP@5°FCap. 5/47HSPF2SEER2MeetsCombosAHRI ref.
WSEHV4860RA1-CCONTINENTALwith ducted air handler A48VHC+TXV+TD4 tons46,500 Btu/h · Ducted1.8069%8.515.2CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC19216953683
WSEHV2436RA1-CCONTINENTALwith ducted air handler A36VDC+TXV+TD2 tons23,000 Btu/h · Ducted1.8088%8.515.2CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC25216953682
CDHAM-36-OCONTINENTAL3 tons36,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted and mixed (multi-zone)1.8099%9.919.5CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC2213386546
CDHAM-28-OCONTINENTAL2.5 tons28,000 Btu/h · Ducted and non-ducted and mixed (multi-zone)1.7690%9.721.3CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC3213386543
CDHAS22-18-OCONTINENTAL · CDHA serieswith ductless indoor unit CDHAS22-18-I1.5 tons18,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted2.3571%10.524.0CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC1213386540

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