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PolarWave heat pump efficiency: 20 outdoor models compared

PolarWave has 20 heat pump outdoor models certified with this refrigerant group, in 26 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.

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

ManufacturerData as of updated · sources

Outdoor models
20
AHRI certifications
26
Efficiency index
51%
Typical model vs same-size, same-type peers (23 models)
Meet CEE 2025
75%
15 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 58% of comparable models) and weakest on EER2 (42%).
  • PolarWave
  • Middle half of its models
  • Other ranked manufacturers
PolarWave

Source: AHRI Directory, NEEP · as of

Average peer percentile of PolarWave’s models
RatingBeats comparable modelsRankRaw median
Efficiency index23 models scored51%Not ranked—
COP at 5°F23 models scored52%Not ranked2.00
Capacity retention at 5°F23 models scored44%Not ranked71%
HSPF223 models scored58%Not ranked9.5
SEER223 models scored57%Not ranked19.2
EER223 models scored42%Not ranked11.2
Heating capacity at 5°F23 models scored55%Not ranked21,600 Btu/h

Standards met

Share of PolarWave’s models with at least one qualifying certification
StandardShareModels
CEE 2025 Tier 1 (Split ASHP)75%15
CEE 2026 Tier 1 (Split ASHP)75%15
CEE Advanced Tier (Split ASHP)0%0
Xcel Energy Colorado cold-climate ASHP (2025)65%13
DOE Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge0%0
ENERGY STAR Cold Climate70%14

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
Ducted, 2 tons2.001,090 modelsDucted, 2.5–3 tons2.001,909 modelsDucted, 3.5–4.5 tons2.002,224 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, 2 tons360%44%78%71%
Ducted, 2.5–3 tons360%49%78%64%
Ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons553%34%73%60%
Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons648%73%53%51%
Non-ducted, 2 tons344%61%31%51%
Non-ducted, 2.5–3 tons232%41%30%42%
Non-ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons153%37%40%68%

Every PolarWave model in the market

PolarWave’s 23 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 14,508 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: 23 polarwave 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 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 modelSize · typeCap. 5/47COP@5°FHSPF2Btu/h @5°FSEER2MeetsCombosAHRI ref.Compared withScore
1EZ-18ZPL-HP230BPolarWave · EZ Serieswith ductless indoor unit EZ-18W-MB1.5 tons18,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted71%2.4411.512,80022.5CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC1216980906Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons73.1
2EZ-36-HPBPolarWave · EZ Serieswith ducted air handler EZ-36-AHB3 tons36,000 Btu/h · Ducted105%1.9010.339,00017.4CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC1216980862Ducted, 2.5–3 tons73.1
3EZ-48Z-M5BPolarWave · EZ Series3.5 tons43,000 Btu/h · Ducted79%2.0010.537,00020.0CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC3216980937Ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons70.5
4EZ-48-HPBPolarWave · EZ Serieswith ducted air handler EZ-48-AHB4 tons48,000 Btu/h · Ducted92%1.909.546,00016.5CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC1216980863Ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons68.8
5EZ-18Z-M2BPolarWave · EZ Series1.5 tons18,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted74%2.3110.013,30023.9CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC1216980929Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons66.8

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 modelSize · typeCap. 5/47COP@5°FHSPF2SEER2EER2MeetsCombosAHRI ref.Compared withScoreHeating halfCooling halfCold-climate score
1EZ-48Z-M5BPolarWave · EZ Series3.5 tons43,000 Btu/h · Ducted79%2.0010.520.012.0CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC3216980937Ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons80.270.589.970.5
2EZ-18ZPL-HP230BPolarWave · EZ Serieswith ductless indoor unit EZ-18W-MB1.5 tons18,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted71%2.4411.522.513.7CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC1216980906Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons73.373.173.473.1
3EZ-18Z-M2BPolarWave · EZ Series1.5 tons18,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted74%2.3110.023.913.0CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC1216980929Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons70.766.874.666.8
4EZ-27Z-M3BPolarWave · EZ Series2 tons26,000 Btu/h · Ducted71%2.109.520.012.0CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC3216980931Ducted, 2 tons68.359.577.059.5
5EZ-36-HPBPolarWave · EZ Serieswith ducted air handler EZ-36-AHB3 tons36,000 Btu/h · Ducted105%1.9010.317.411.7CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC1216980862Ducted, 2.5–3 tons67.373.161.573.1

Best model on each rating

PolarWave’s model with the highest peer percentile on each rating, ranked by that one rating only
RatingModelValueCompared withBeatsAHRI ref.
COP at 5°FEZ-18ZPL-HP230B2.44Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons98%216980906
Capacity retention at 5°FEZ-36-HPB105%Ducted, 2.5–3 tons91%216980862
HSPF2EZ-36-HPB10.3Ducted, 2.5–3 tons91%216980862
SEER2EZ-48Z-M5B20.0Ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons91%216980937
EER2EZ-48Z-M5B12.0Ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons83%216980937
Heating capacity at 5°FEZ-36-HPB39,000 Btu/hDucted, 2.5–3 tons97%216980862

All 20 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 typeCold-climate pickCold-climate score, best modelAll-around bestAll-around score, best model
Ducted, 2 tons66.3(50 is the typical model of its size class)EZ-24-HPBwith ducted air handler EZ-24-AHB3 of 3 models qualify · AHRI 21698086168.3(50 is the typical model of its size class)EZ-27Z-M3B3 of 3 models have all five ratings · AHRI 216980931
Ducted, 2.5–3 tons73.1(50 is the typical model of its size class)EZ-36-HPBwith ducted air handler EZ-36-AHB3 of 3 models qualify · AHRI 21698086267.3(50 is the typical model of its size class)EZ-36-HPBwith ducted air handler EZ-36-AHB3 of 3 models have all five ratings · AHRI 216980862
Ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons70.5(50 is the typical model of its size class)EZ-48Z-M5B5 of 5 models qualify · AHRI 21698093780.2(50 is the typical model of its size class)EZ-48Z-M5B5 of 5 models have all five ratings · AHRI 216980937
Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons73.1(50 is the typical model of its size class)EZ-18ZPL-HP230Bwith ductless indoor unit EZ-18W-MB3 of 6 models qualify · AHRI 21698090673.3(50 is the typical model of its size class)EZ-18ZPL-HP230Bwith ductless indoor unit EZ-18W-MB6 of 6 models have all five ratings · AHRI 216980906
Non-ducted, 2 tons42.8(50 is the typical model of its size class)EZ-27Z-M3B1 of 3 models qualify · AHRI 21698093256.2(50 is the typical model of its size class)EZ-24ZPL-HP230Bwith ductless indoor unit EZ-24W-MB3 of 3 models have all five ratings · AHRI 216980907
Non-ducted, 2.5–3 tons41.3(50 is the typical model of its size class)EZ-36Z-M4B1 of 2 models qualify · AHRI 21698093353.2(50 is the typical model of its size class)EZ-36Z-M4B2 of 2 models have all five ratings · AHRI 216980933
Non-ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons45.0(50 is the typical model of its size class)EZ-48Z-M5B1 of 1 models qualify · AHRI 21698093852.8(50 is the typical model of its size class)EZ-48Z-M5B1 of 1 models have all five ratings · AHRI 216980936

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 modelSize · typeCOP@5°FCap. 5/47HSPF2SEER2MeetsCombosAHRI ref.
EZ-48Z-M5BPolarWave · EZ Series3.5 tons43,000 Btu/h · Ducted and non-ducted and mixed (multi-zone)2.0078%10.320.9CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC3216980938
EZ-36Z-M4BPolarWave · EZ Series3 tons33,400 Btu/h · Ducted and non-ducted and mixed (multi-zone)2.0070%9.721.0CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC3216980935
EZ-27Z-M3BPolarWave · EZ Series2 tons26,000 Btu/h · Ducted and non-ducted and mixed (multi-zone)2.0571%9.321.5CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC3216980932
EZ-18Z-M2BPolarWave · EZ Series1.5 tons18,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted2.3174%10.023.9CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC1216980929
EZ-36ZPL-HP230BPolarWavewith ductless indoor unit EZ-36W-MB3 tons36,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted1.9761%8.518.0None1216980908

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