PolarWave heat pump efficiency: 58 outdoor models compared

PolarWave has 58 heat pump outdoor models certified with this refrigerant group, in 135 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 PolarWave makes. PolarWave 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 9, 2026updated Oct 10, 2026 · sources

Outdoor models: 58
AHRI certifications: 135
Efficiency index: 54%; Typical model vs same-size, same-type peers (73 models)
Meet CEE 2025: 60.3%; 35 models

How PolarWave 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.

PolarWave against every ranked manufacturerPeer scores, 0–100 · grey ticks: each ranked manufacturer · shaded: the middle half of PolarWave’s own modelsPolarWave is strongest on HSPF2 (its typical model beats 66% of comparable models) and weakest on EER2 (43%).

PolarWave
Middle half of its models
Other ranked manufacturers

Source: AHRI Directory, NEEP · as of Oct 9, 2026

Average peer percentile of PolarWave’s models
Rating	Beats comparable models	Rank	Raw median
Efficiency index73 models scored	54%	Not ranked	—
COP at 5°F73 models scored	44%	Not ranked	1.91
Capacity retention at 5°F73 models scored	57%	Not ranked	71%
HSPF275 models scored	66%	Not ranked	9.4
SEER275 models scored	59%	Not ranked	19.0
EER275 models scored	43%	Not ranked	10.5
Heating capacity at 5°F73 models scored	59%	Not ranked	20,900 Btu/h

Standards met

Share of PolarWave’s models with at least one qualifying certification
Standard	Share	Models
CEE 2025 Tier 1 (Split ASHP)	60.3%	35
CEE 2026 Tier 1 (Split ASHP)	53.4%	31
CEE Advanced Tier (Split ASHP)	1.7%	1
Xcel Energy Colorado cold-climate ASHP (2025)	41.4%	24
DOE Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge	1.7%	1
ENERGY STAR Cold Climate	46.6%	27

Sizes and duct types offered

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

PolarWave’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

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

Source: AHRI Directory · as of Oct 9, 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	8	60%	44%	66%	68%
Ducted, 2 tons	4	69%	55%	90%	75%
Ducted, 2.5–3 tons	12	54%	42%	77%	62%
Ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons	12	54%	38%	82%	62%
Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons	16	52%	53%	60%	56%
Non-ducted, 2 tons	4	44%	53%	51%	43%
Non-ducted, 2.5–3 tons	12	54%	38%	51%	53%
Non-ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons	7	51%	36%	52%	59%

Every PolarWave model in the market

PolarWave’s 75 models with a known size and duct type, over the shape of the whole catalog.

PolarWave models by size and ratingColoured: PolarWave · grey shapes: all 11,475 models · lines: catalog medians by size

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

Dots: 75 polarwave 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, size	Models	10th pct.	25th	Median	75th	90th
Ducted, 0.5 tons	175	1.70	1.85	1.90	2.10	2.26
Ducted, 1 ton	340	1.85	1.90	2.00	2.40	2.65
Ducted, 1.5 tons	789	1.75	1.85	2.00	2.20	2.55
Ducted, 2 tons	782	1.73	1.80	2.00	2.10	2.33
Ducted, 2.5 tons	735	1.71	1.80	1.90	2.09	2.48
Ducted, 3 tons	652	1.68	1.70	1.90	2.06	2.36
Ducted, 3.5 tons	641	1.61	1.80	1.95	2.20	2.50
Ducted, 4 tons	367	1.70	1.80	1.91	2.02	2.52
Ducted, 4.5 tons	544	1.70	1.80	1.91	2.08	2.34
Ducted, 5 tons	25	1.80	1.80	1.90	1.90	2.15
Non-ducted, 0.5 tons	717	1.75	1.81	1.97	2.10	2.19
Non-ducted, 1 ton	1,064	1.75	1.80	1.90	2.07	2.25
Non-ducted, 1.5 tons	886	1.80	1.80	1.87	2.07	2.21
Non-ducted, 2 tons	564	1.80	1.80	1.83	2.04	2.21
Non-ducted, 2.5 tons	275	1.80	1.81	1.84	1.86	2.03
Non-ducted, 3 tons	502	1.80	1.80	1.90	2.00	2.09
Non-ducted, 3.5 tons	70	1.82	1.83	1.90	2.00	2.28
Non-ducted, 4 tons	263	1.80	1.80	1.98	2.00	2.10
Non-ducted, 4.5 tons	103	1.77	1.77	1.80	1.97	2.02
Non-ducted, 5 tons	29	1.98	2.00	2.10	2.30	2.47

Source: AHRI Directory · as of Oct 9, 2026

Top PolarWave 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 PolarWave 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
1ACIQ-06ZPL-HP230BPolarWave · ACIQwith ductless indoor unit ACIQ-06W-HH-MC	0.5 tons6,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted	107%	2.09	13.6	7,500	26.5	CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC	2	212316098	Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons	89.3
2ACIQ-18-HPBPolarWave · ACIQ serieswith ducted air handler ACIQ-18W-WM	1.5 tons18,000 Btu/h · Ducted	99%	2.30	10.8	18,800	19.3	CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC	5	213433286	Ducted, up to 1.5 tons	86.9
3ACIQ-48ZPL-HP230BPolarWave · ACIQwith ducted air handler ACIQ-48CD-HH-MB	4 tons48,000 Btu/h · Ducted	88%	2.02	10.3	46,000	14.3	None	3	212316106	Ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons	86.4
4ACIQ-24ZPL-HP230BPolarWave · ACIQwith ductless indoor unit ACIQ-24FM-HH-MB	2 tons24,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted	100%	2.10	11.0	25,000	20.5	CEE 25CEE 26CEE AdvXcelDOEES CC	4	212316084	Non-ducted, 2 tons	85.4
5ACIQ-60ZPL-HP230BPolarWave · ACIQwith ducted air handler ACIQ-60CD-HH-MB	4.5 tons55,000 Btu/h · Ducted	93%	1.97	9.5	53,000	15.8	ES CC	2	212316107	Ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons	82.0

All-around best

Top 5 PolarWave 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
1ACIQ-06ZPL-HP230BPolarWave · ACIQwith ductless indoor unit ACIQ-06W-HH-MC	0.5 tons6,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted	107%	2.09	13.6	26.5	15.8	CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC	2	212316098	Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons	92.0	89.3	94.7	89.3
2ACIQ-09ZPL-HP230BPolarWave · ACIQwith ductless indoor unit ACIQ-09W-HH-MB	1 ton9,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted	88%	1.97	11.5	28.1	16.2	CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC	5	212316071	Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons	87.0	76.2	97.9	76.2
3ACIQ-09ZPL-HP230BPolarWave · ACIQwith ducted air handler ACIQ-09CD-HH-MB	1 ton9,000 Btu/h · Ducted	108%	1.90	12.0	20.2	13.2	CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC	5	212316078	Ducted, up to 1.5 tons	85.2	74.9	95.5	74.9
4ACIQ-24ZPL-HP230BPolarWave · ACIQwith ductless indoor unit ACIQ-24W-HH-MB	2 tons24,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted	86%	2.21	11.4	21.5	13.0	CEE 25CEE 26CEE AdvXcelDOEES CC	4	212316074	Non-ducted, 2 tons	84.3	84.5	84.1	85.4
5ACIQ-18-HPBPolarWave · ACIQ serieswith ducted air handler ACIQ-18W-WM	1.5 tons18,000 Btu/h · Ducted	99%	2.30	10.8	19.3	12.1	CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC	5	213433286	Ducted, up to 1.5 tons	82.8	86.9	78.7	86.9

Best model on each rating

PolarWave’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	ACIQ-24ZPL-HP230B	2.21	Non-ducted, 2 tons	91%	212316074
Capacity retention at 5°F	ACIQ-06ZPL-HP230B	113%	Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons	95%	212316111
HSPF2	ACIQ-48ZPL-HP230B	10.3	Ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons	99%	212316106
SEER2	ES-27Z-M3B	24.6	Non-ducted, 2.5–3 tons	99%	212316123
EER2	ACIQ-09ZPL-HP230B	16.2	Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons	98%	212316071
Heating capacity at 5°F	ACIQ-60ZPL-HP230B	56,500 Btu/h	Non-ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons	99%	212316110

All 58 PolarWave models in Explore

PolarWave 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.

PolarWave: 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	86.9(50 is the typical model of its size class)ACIQ-18-HPBwith ducted air handler ACIQ-18W-WM7 of 8 models qualify · AHRI 213433286	85.2(50 is the typical model of its size class)ACIQ-09ZPL-HP230Bwith ducted air handler ACIQ-09CD-HH-MB8 of 8 models have all five ratings · AHRI 212316078
Ducted, 2 tons	79.4(50 is the typical model of its size class)ACIQ-24ZPL-HP230Bwith ducted air handler ACIQ-24CD-HH-MB4 of 4 models qualify · AHRI 212316081	80.1(50 is the typical model of its size class)ACIQ-24ZPL-HP230Bwith ducted air handler ACIQ-24CD-HH-MB4 of 4 models have all five ratings · AHRI 212316081
Ducted, 2.5–3 tons	79.9(50 is the typical model of its size class)ACIQ-36ZPL-HP230Bwith ducted air handler ACIQ-36CD-HH-MB7 of 12 models qualify · AHRI 212316105	75.4(50 is the typical model of its size class)ES-27Z-M3B12 of 12 models have all five ratings · AHRI 212316124
Ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons	86.4(50 is the typical model of its size class)ACIQ-48ZPL-HP230Bwith ducted air handler ACIQ-48CD-HH-MB8 of 12 models qualify · AHRI 212316106	82.0(50 is the typical model of its size class)ACIQ-48Z-HH-M5B11 of 11 models have all five ratings · AHRI 212316095
Ducted, 5 tons and up	No models in this size class	41.7(50 is the typical model of its size class)ACIQ-60-EHPBwith ducted air handler ACIQ-60AHB1 of 1 models have all five ratings · AHRI 213433280
Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons	89.3(50 is the typical model of its size class)ACIQ-06ZPL-HP230Bwith ductless indoor unit ACIQ-06W-HH-MC6 of 16 models qualify · AHRI 212316098	92.0(50 is the typical model of its size class)ACIQ-06ZPL-HP230Bwith ductless indoor unit ACIQ-06W-HH-MC16 of 16 models have all five ratings · AHRI 212316098
Non-ducted, 2 tons	85.4(50 is the typical model of its size class)ACIQ-24ZPL-HP230Bwith ductless indoor unit ACIQ-24FM-HH-MB1 of 4 models qualify · AHRI 212316084	84.3(50 is the typical model of its size class)ACIQ-24ZPL-HP230Bwith ductless indoor unit ACIQ-24W-HH-MB4 of 4 models have all five ratings · AHRI 212316074
Non-ducted, 2.5–3 tons	79.3(50 is the typical model of its size class)ACIQ-36Z-HH-M4B4 of 12 models qualify · AHRI 212316091	82.8(50 is the typical model of its size class)ACIQ-36Z-HH-M4B10 of 12 models have all five ratings · AHRI 212316091
Non-ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons	76.8(50 is the typical model of its size class)ACIQ-60ZPL-HP230Bwith ductless indoor unit ACIQ-60FM-HH-MB4 of 7 models qualify · AHRI 212316110	77.9(50 is the typical model of its size class)ACIQ-48Z-HH-M5B7 of 7 models have all five ratings · AHRI 212316094

All-around board, every manufacturer

Newest PolarWave certifications

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

The 5 most recently certified PolarWave outdoor models
Outdoor model	Size · type	COP@5°F	Cap. 5/47	HSPF2	SEER2	Meets	Combos	AHRI ref.
ACIQ-30-HPBPolarWave · ACIQ Serieswith ducted air handler ACIQ-30-AHB	2.5 tons30,000 Btu/h · Ducted	1.80	73%	8.9	16.2	CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC	6	215570367
EZ-36-HPPolarWave · EZ Serieswith ducted air handler EZ-36-AH	3 tons36,000 Btu/h · Ducted	1.86	99%	9.5	16.0	CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC	1	215463875
ACIQ-12Z-HP115BPolarWavewith ductless indoor unit ACIQ-12W-HP115B	1 ton12,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted	1.91	40%	8.7	20.8	None	1	214837140
EZ-27Z-M3PolarWave · EZ Series	2.5 tons27,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted	1.83	74%	9.5	22.0	CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC	1	214810609
EZ-18Z-M2PolarWave · EZ Series	1.5 tons18,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted	1.87	74%	9.6	21.2	CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC	1	214810608

Shares hardware with

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

DIYCOOL67 shared families
1HVAC58 shared families
Midea58 shared families
ACIQ57 shared families
STEALTH57 shared families
Cooper&Hunter48 shared families
COMFORTSTAR46 shared families
Breeze3345 shared families
ECO-AIR44 shared families
MOOVAIR44 shared families

Compare PolarWave

Manufacturers of a similar size, side by side.

Compare with any manufacturer

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