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KARDA heat pump efficiency: 11 outdoor models compared

KARDA has 11 heat pump outdoor models certified with this refrigerant group, in 33 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 KARDA makes. KARDA has no QMID (IRS Qualified Manufacturer ID) on file, so it is not ranked against other manufacturers.

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ManufacturerData as of updated · sources

Outdoor models
11
AHRI certifications
33
Efficiency index
66%
Typical model vs same-size, same-type peers (19 models)
Meet CEE 2025
100%
11 models

How KARDA 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.
KARDA against every ranked manufacturerPeer scores, 0–100 · grey ticks: each ranked manufacturer · shaded: the middle half of KARDA’s own modelsKARDA is strongest on HSPF2 (its typical model beats 78% of comparable models) and weakest on COP at 5°F (38%).
  • KARDA
  • Middle half of its models
  • Other ranked manufacturers
KARDA

Source: AHRI Directory, NEEP · as of

Average peer percentile of KARDA’s models
RatingBeats comparable modelsRankRaw median
Efficiency index19 models scored66%Not ranked—
COP at 5°F19 models scored38%Not ranked1.89
Capacity retention at 5°F19 models scored67%Not ranked94%
HSPF219 models scored78%Not ranked10.5
SEER219 models scored78%Not ranked21.1
EER219 models scored63%Not ranked12.0
Heating capacity at 5°F19 models scored64%Not ranked17,700 Btu/h

Standards met

Share of KARDA’s models with at least one qualifying certification
StandardShareModels
CEE 2025 Tier 1 (Split ASHP)100%11
CEE 2026 Tier 1 (Split ASHP)90.9%10
CEE Advanced Tier (Split ASHP)0%0
Xcel Energy Colorado cold-climate ASHP (2025)81.8%9
DOE Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge0%0
ENERGY STAR Cold Climate72.7%8

Sizes and duct types offered

Models per peer group, and how they score against the other models of that group.
KARDA’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
  • KARDA (median, middle 50%, 10th–90th)
  • All models of the group
Ducted, up to 1.5 tons2.00884 modelsDucted, 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 modelsNon-ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons1.97438 modelsmedian

Source: AHRI Directory · as of

Share of comparable models beaten, per peer group
Size and duct typeModelsIndexCOP@5°FHSPF2SEER2
Ducted, up to 1.5 tons561%32%72%71%
Ducted, 2 tons280%50%93%90%
Ducted, 2.5–3 tons264%24%75%95%
Ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons164%10%96%95%
Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons571%53%84%71%
Non-ducted, 2 tons166%63%100%58%
Non-ducted, 2.5–3 tons260%27%61%91%
Non-ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons148%22%47%61%

Every KARDA model in the market

KARDA’s 19 models with a known size and duct type, over the shape of the whole catalog.
KARDA models by size and ratingColoured: KARDA · grey shapes: all 11,475 models · lines: catalog medians by size
  • KARDA models
  • Ducted median by size
  • Non-ducted median by size
  • Every model at each size (width = count)
  • Standard threshold

Dots: 19 karda 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 KARDA 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 KARDA 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
13KARDA24SZOKARDA · 3KAR serieswith ductless indoor unit 3KARDA24UVC2 tons24,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted103%2.0011.525,80020.5CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC3207796643Non-ducted, 2 tons86.1
21KARDA24SZO20.5KARDA · KARDAwith ducted air handler 2PAMSDH24Also listed as 3KARDA24SZO2 tons24,000 Btu/h · Ducted108%2.0010.527,00019.2CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC1206348123Ducted, 2 tons79.4
33KARDA12SZOKARDA · KARDAwith ductless indoor unit 3KARDA12CON-21 ton12,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted99%1.9910.711,90024.2CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC8210410112Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons77.0
43KARDA09SZOKARDA · KARDAwith ducted air handler 3KARDA09UVD1 ton9,000 Btu/h · Ducted108%1.9012.010,80020.2CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC3207796637Ducted, up to 1.5 tons74.9
53KARDA09SZOKARDA · KARDAwith ductless indoor unit 3KARDA09UVW1 ton9,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted94%1.9011.611,30026.4CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC3207430429Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons74.8

All-around best

Top 5 KARDA 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
13KARDA09SZOKARDA · KARDAwith ducted air handler 3KARDA09UVD1 ton9,000 Btu/h · Ducted108%1.9012.020.213.2CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC3207796637Ducted, up to 1.5 tons85.274.995.574.9
23KARDA09SZOKARDA · KARDAwith ductless indoor unit 3KARDA09UVW1 ton9,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted94%1.9011.626.415.8CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC3207430429Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons84.474.894.174.8
31KARDA24SZO20.5KARDA · KARDAwith ducted air handler 2PAMSDH24Also listed as 3KARDA24SZO2 tons24,000 Btu/h · Ducted108%2.0010.519.212.0CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC1206348123Ducted, 2 tons80.179.480.879.4
43KARDA12SZOKARDA · KARDAwith ductless indoor unit 3KARDA12CON-21 ton12,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted99%1.9910.724.213.3CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC8210410112Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons79.577.082.177.0
53KARDA27MZ3KARDA · KARDA2.5 tons28,000 Btu/h · Ducted71%1.839.221.011.7CEE 25CEE 26Xcel3207657362Ducted, 2.5–3 tons71.557.485.657.4

Best model on each rating

KARDA’s model with the highest peer percentile on each rating, ranked by that one rating only
RatingModelValueCompared withBeatsAHRI ref.
COP at 5°F3KARDA18MZ22.00Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons65%207657359
Capacity retention at 5°F3KARDA09SZO108%Ducted, up to 1.5 tons93%207796637
HSPF23KARDA09SZO12.0Ducted, up to 1.5 tons98%207796637
SEER23KARDA27MZ321.0Ducted, 2.5–3 tons98%207657362
EER23KARDA09SZO15.8Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons95%207430429
Heating capacity at 5°F1KARDA24SZO20.5Also listed as 3KARDA24SZO27,000 Btu/hDucted, 2 tons93%206348123

All 11 KARDA models in Explore

KARDA 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.
KARDA: 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, up to 1.5 tons74.9(50 is the typical model of its size class)3KARDA09SZOwith ducted air handler 3KARDA09UVD5 of 5 models qualify · AHRI 20779663785.2(50 is the typical model of its size class)3KARDA09SZOwith ducted air handler 3KARDA09UVD5 of 5 models have all five ratings · AHRI 207796637
Ducted, 2 tons79.4(50 is the typical model of its size class)1KARDA24SZO20.5with ducted air handler 2PAMSDH24Also listed as 3KARDA24SZO2 of 2 models qualify · AHRI 20634812380.1(50 is the typical model of its size class)1KARDA24SZO20.5with ducted air handler 2PAMSDH24Also listed as 3KARDA24SZO2 of 2 models have all five ratings · AHRI 206348123
Ducted, 2.5–3 tons57.4(50 is the typical model of its size class)3KARDA27MZ31 of 2 models qualify · AHRI 20765736271.5(50 is the typical model of its size class)3KARDA27MZ32 of 2 models have all five ratings · AHRI 207657362
Ducted, 3.5–4.5 tonsNone on this board (0 of 1 models qualify)63.5(50 is the typical model of its size class)3KARDA48MZ51 of 1 models have all five ratings · AHRI 207657369
Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons77.0(50 is the typical model of its size class)3KARDA12SZOwith ductless indoor unit 3KARDA12CON-24 of 5 models qualify · AHRI 21041011284.4(50 is the typical model of its size class)3KARDA09SZOwith ductless indoor unit 3KARDA09UVW5 of 5 models have all five ratings · AHRI 207430429
Non-ducted, 2 tons86.1(50 is the typical model of its size class)3KARDA24SZOwith ductless indoor unit 3KARDA24UVC1 of 1 models qualify · AHRI 20779664370.7(50 is the typical model of its size class)3KARDA24SZOwith ductless indoor unit 3KARDA24UVW1 of 1 models have all five ratings · AHRI 207430431
Non-ducted, 2.5–3 tons49.3(50 is the typical model of its size class)3KARDA27MZ31 of 2 models qualify · AHRI 20765736366.7(50 is the typical model of its size class)3KARDA27MZ32 of 2 models have all five ratings · AHRI 207657363
Non-ducted, 3.5–4.5 tonsNone on this board (0 of 1 models qualify)48.3(50 is the typical model of its size class)3KARDA48MZ51 of 1 models have all five ratings · AHRI 207657368

All-around board, every manufacturer

Newest KARDA certifications

By AHRI reference number; AHRI issues references in increasing order.
The 5 most recently certified KARDA outdoor models
Outdoor modelSize · typeCOP@5°FCap. 5/47HSPF2SEER2MeetsCombosAHRI ref.
3PAMSHH18-SZOKARDA · 3PA Serieswith ductless indoor unit 3KARDA18UVW1.5 tons18,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted1.8996%10.622.0CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC1217893989
3KARDA09SZOKARDA · 3KA Serieswith ductless indoor unit 3PAMSHH09-UVW1 ton9,000 Btu/h · Ducted and non-ducted1.9094%11.626.4CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC3217732877
3KARDA18SZOKARDA · 3KAR serieswith ductless indoor unit 2KARDA18UVC1.5 tons16,000 Btu/h · Ducted and non-ducted1.7594%9.520.0CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC4213785828
3KARDA12SZOKARDA · 3KAR serieswith ductless indoor unit 2KARDA12UVC1 ton12,000 Btu/h · Ducted and non-ducted1.8994%10.222.3CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC8213785827
3KARDA24SZOKARDA · KARDAwith ducted air handler 3KARDA24UVD2 tons24,000 Btu/h · Ducted and non-ducted2.00108%10.519.2CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC3207796644

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