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Pioneer heat pump efficiency: 46 outdoor models compared

Pioneer has 46 heat pump outdoor models certified with this refrigerant group, in 69 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 Pioneer makes. Ranks are among manufacturers with a QMID on file and at least 10 scored models.

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

ManufacturerData as of updated · sources

Outdoor models
46
AHRI certifications
69
Efficiency index
47%
Typical model vs same-size, same-type peers (57 models)
Meet CEE 2025
73.9%
34 models

How Pioneer 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.
Pioneer against every ranked manufacturerPeer scores, 0–100 · grey ticks: each ranked manufacturer · shaded: the middle half of Pioneer’s own modelsPioneer is strongest on HSPF2 (its typical model beats 56% of comparable models) and weakest on EER2 (40%).
  • Pioneer
  • Middle half of its models
  • Other ranked manufacturers
Pioneer

Source: AHRI Directory, NEEP · as of

Average peer percentile of Pioneer’s models
RatingBeats comparable modelsRankRaw median
Efficiency index57 models scored47%25th of 29—
COP at 5°F57 models scored41%27th of 291.88
Capacity retention at 5°F57 models scored43%23rd of 2973%
HSPF257 models scored56%12th of 299.5
SEER257 models scored56%13th of 2920.0
EER257 models scored40%24th of 2911.2
Heating capacity at 5°F57 models scored45%23rd of 2912,800 Btu/h

Standards met

Share of Pioneer’s models with at least one qualifying certification
StandardShareModels
CEE 2025 Tier 1 (Split ASHP)73.9%34
CEE 2026 Tier 1 (Split ASHP)73.9%34
CEE Advanced Tier (Split ASHP)0%0
Xcel Energy Colorado cold-climate ASHP (2025)69.6%32
DOE Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge0%0
ENERGY STAR Cold Climate54.3%25

Sizes and duct types offered

Models per peer group, and how they score against the other models of that group.
Pioneer’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
  • Pioneer (median, middle 50%, 10th–90th)
  • All models of the group
Ducted, up to 1.5 tons1.901,783 modelsDucted, 2 tons2.001,090 modelsDucted, 2.5–3 tons2.001,909 modelsDucted, 3.5–4.5 tons2.002,224 modelsDucted, 5 tons and up2.00321 modelsNon-ducted, up to 1.5 tons1.953,455 modelsNon-ducted, 2 tons2.00863 modelsNon-ducted, 2.5–3 tons2.001,106 modelsNon-ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons2.00564 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 tons458%40%61%81%
Ducted, 2 tons268%58%76%82%
Ducted, 2.5–3 tons459%39%65%86%
Ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons459%44%73%79%
Ducted, 5 tons and up171%31%74%97%
Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons2648%39%58%50%
Non-ducted, 2 tons536%34%49%39%
Non-ducted, 2.5–3 tons832%48%43%35%
Non-ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons338%50%26%58%

Every Pioneer model in the market

Pioneer’s 57 models with a known size and duct type, over the shape of the whole catalog.
Pioneer models by size and ratingColoured: Pioneer · grey shapes: all 14,508 models · lines: catalog medians by size
  • Pioneer models
  • Ducted median by size
  • Non-ducted median by size
  • Every model at each size (width = count)
  • Standard threshold

Dots: 57 pioneer 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, sizeModels10th pct.25thMedian75th90th
Ducted, 0.5 tons8261.641.711.751.852.24
Ducted, 1 ton4071.801.902.052.412.45
Ducted, 1.5 tons9921.751.862.002.172.40
Ducted, 2 tons9991.751.862.002.182.30
Ducted, 2.5 tons1,0401.701.802.002.102.36
Ducted, 3 tons6961.801.902.002.102.42
Ducted, 3.5 tons8641.701.802.002.102.46
Ducted, 4 tons7271.801.862.002.122.40
Ducted, 4.5 tons6901.701.801.902.102.20
Ducted, 5 tons861.892.002.102.102.10
Non-ducted, 0.5 tons1,1861.751.801.902.002.22
Non-ducted, 1 ton1,3431.801.801.992.102.21
Non-ducted, 1.5 tons1,2611.801.802.002.102.31
Non-ducted, 2 tons7611.801.982.002.102.30
Non-ducted, 2.5 tons4031.801.852.002.002.10
Non-ducted, 3 tons4731.901.982.002.032.20
Non-ducted, 3.5 tons2802.002.002.002.052.10
Non-ducted, 4 tons2041.962.002.052.102.11
Non-ducted, 4.5 tons781.901.911.952.012.01
Non-ducted, 5 tons841.992.002.052.202.20

Source: AHRI Directory · as of

Top Pioneer 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 Pioneer 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
1YN018GMSI24RPGPIONEER · YN Serieswith ductless indoor unit FB018GMSILDFHG1.5 tons16,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted77%2.1613.513,10023.8CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC2218010990Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons78.7
2YN012GMSI24RPGPIONEER · YN Serieswith ductless indoor unit FB012GMSILDFHG1 ton12,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted74%2.5111.08,90024.6CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC2218010989Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons76.6
3YN009GMSI24RPGPIONEER · YN Serieswith ductless indoor unit CK009GMSILDFHG1 ton9,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted73%2.1711.88,00022.1CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC1218010986Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons71.1
4YN020GLSI24M2GPioneer · Diamante Ultra Multi1.5 tons18,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted80%2.0010.516,00024.0CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC2217048768Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons68.6
5YN048GMSI20RUGPIONEER · YN Serieswith ducted air handler RB048GMSILDFHG4 tons48,000 Btu/h · Ducted76%2.009.838,00017.1CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC3218010994Ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons67.6

All-around best

Top 5 Pioneer 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
1YD2436GCSI18RDPIONEER · Vertexwith ducted air handler DC024GCSICDHRT2 tons24,000 Btu/h · Ducted83%2.109.420.013.3CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC2217048497Ducted, 2 tons79.667.292.167.2
2YN009GLSI25RPHPioneer · Diamante Hyperformancewith ductless indoor unit WT009GLSI25HLH1 ton9,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted106%1.8010.525.014.5CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC1217048754Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons76.263.688.763.6
3YN012GMSI24RPGPIONEER · YN Serieswith ductless indoor unit FB012GMSILDFHG1 ton12,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted74%2.5111.024.612.7CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC2218010989Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons75.876.675.076.6
4YN012GLSI25RPHPioneer · Diamante Hyperformancewith ductless indoor unit WT012GLSI25HLH1 ton12,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted100%1.8010.525.014.0CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC1217048755Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons74.462.186.762.1
5YN009GMSI24RPGPIONEER · YN Serieswith ductless indoor unit CK009GMSILDFHG1 ton9,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted73%2.1711.822.114.4CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC1218010986Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons72.971.174.771.1

Best model on each rating

Pioneer’s model with the highest peer percentile on each rating, ranked by that one rating only
RatingModelValueCompared withBeatsAHRI ref.
COP at 5°FYN012GMSI24RPG2.51Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons99%218010989
Capacity retention at 5°FYN009GLSI25RPH106%Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons92%217048754
HSPF2YN018GMSI24RPG13.5Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons97%218010990
SEER2YN030GLSI24M3G22.0Ducted, 2.5–3 tons99%217048773
EER2YD2436GCSI18RD13.3Ducted, 2 tons93%217048497
Heating capacity at 5°FYN018GLSI25RPH17,800 Btu/hNon-ducted, up to 1.5 tons90%217048756

All 46 Pioneer models in Explore

Pioneer 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.
Pioneer: 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 tons58.6(50 is the typical model of its size class)YN009GLSI24RPG4 of 4 models qualify · AHRI 21704876269.0(50 is the typical model of its size class)YN020GLSI24M2G4 of 4 models have all five ratings · AHRI 217048772
Ducted, 2 tons67.2(50 is the typical model of its size class)YD2436GCSI18RDwith ducted air handler DC024GCSICDHRT2 of 2 models qualify · AHRI 21704849779.6(50 is the typical model of its size class)YD2436GCSI18RDwith ducted air handler DC024GCSICDHRT2 of 2 models have all five ratings · AHRI 217048497
Ducted, 2.5–3 tons49.8(50 is the typical model of its size class)YN030GLSI24M3G2 of 4 models qualify · AHRI 21704877369.9(50 is the typical model of its size class)YN030GLSI24M3G4 of 4 models have all five ratings · AHRI 217048773
Ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons67.6(50 is the typical model of its size class)YN048GMSI20RUGwith ducted air handler RB048GMSILDFHG4 of 4 models qualify · AHRI 21801099467.5(50 is the typical model of its size class)YN050GLSI24M5G4 of 4 models have all five ratings · AHRI 217048775
Ducted, 5 tons and up64.1(50 is the typical model of its size class)PRD-60HWD1N10-M18G1 of 1 models qualify · AHRI 21668400370.5(50 is the typical model of its size class)PRD-60HWD1N10-M18G1 of 1 models have all five ratings · AHRI 216684003
Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons78.7(50 is the typical model of its size class)YN018GMSI24RPGwith ductless indoor unit FB018GMSILDFHG21 of 26 models qualify · AHRI 21801099076.2(50 is the typical model of its size class)YN009GLSI25RPHwith ductless indoor unit WT009GLSI25HLH26 of 26 models have all five ratings · AHRI 217048754
Non-ducted, 2 tons58.8(50 is the typical model of its size class)YN024GLSI24RPGwith ductless indoor unit CT024GLSILCFHG2 of 5 models qualify · AHRI 21704876156.5(50 is the typical model of its size class)YN024GLSI24RPGwith ductless indoor unit CT024GLSILCFHG5 of 5 models have all five ratings · AHRI 217048761
Non-ducted, 2.5–3 tons62.8(50 is the typical model of its size class)YN036GMSI20RUGwith ductless indoor unit CB036GMSILDFHG3 of 8 models qualify · AHRI 21801099165.1(50 is the typical model of its size class)YN030GLSI24M3G8 of 8 models have all five ratings · AHRI 217048769
Non-ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons55.4(50 is the typical model of its size class)YN048GMSI20RUGwith ductless indoor unit CB048GMSILDFHG3 of 3 models qualify · AHRI 21801099242.4(50 is the typical model of its size class)YN050GLSI24M5G3 of 3 models have all five ratings · AHRI 217048771

All-around board, every manufacturer

Newest Pioneer certifications

By AHRI reference number; AHRI issues references in increasing order.
The 5 most recently certified Pioneer outdoor models
Outdoor modelSize · typeCOP@5°FCap. 5/47HSPF2SEER2MeetsCombosAHRI ref.
YN060GLSI24M6GPioneer · Quantum Ultra Multi4.5 tons55,000 Btu/h · Ducted and non-ducted1.7575%9.018.5CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC2218696835
YN012GLUI20RPEPioneerwith ductless indoor unit WT012GLUI20HLE1 ton12,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted1.8073%10.020.0Xcel1218451049
YN012ALUI20RPEPioneerwith ductless indoor unit WT012ALUI20HLE1 ton12,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted1.8073%10.020.0Xcel1218451048
YN036GLUI20RPEPioneerwith ductless indoor unit WT036GLUI20HLE3 tons36,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted1.8064%9.520.0None1218451047
YN030GLUI20RPEPioneerwith ductless indoor unit WT030GLUI20HLE3 tons36,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted1.8064%9.520.0None1218451046

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