SHARP heat pump efficiency: 17 outdoor models compared

SHARP has 17 heat pump outdoor models certified with this refrigerant group, in 25 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 SHARP makes. SHARP 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: 17
AHRI certifications: 25
Efficiency index: 77%; Typical model vs same-size, same-type peers (17 models)
Meet CEE 2025: 100%; 17 models

How SHARP 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.

SHARP against every ranked manufacturerPeer scores, 0–100 · grey ticks: each ranked manufacturer · shaded: the middle half of SHARP’s own modelsSHARP is strongest on HSPF2 (its typical model beats 88% of comparable models) and weakest on EER2 (70%).

SHARP
Middle half of its models
Other ranked manufacturers

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

Average peer percentile of SHARP’s models
Rating	Beats comparable models	Rank	Raw median
Efficiency index17 models scored	77%	Not ranked	—
COP at 5°F17 models scored	80%	Not ranked	2.20
Capacity retention at 5°F17 models scored	73%	Not ranked	88%
HSPF217 models scored	88%	Not ranked	11.0
SEER217 models scored	77%	Not ranked	24.0
EER217 models scored	70%	Not ranked	13.0
Heating capacity at 5°F17 models scored	82%	Not ranked	18,000 Btu/h

Standards met

Share of SHARP’s models with at least one qualifying certification
Standard	Share	Models
CEE 2025 Tier 1 (Split ASHP)	100%	17
CEE 2026 Tier 1 (Split ASHP)	100%	17
CEE Advanced Tier (Split ASHP)	11.8%	2
Xcel Energy Colorado cold-climate ASHP (2025)	100%	17
DOE Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge	11.8%	2
ENERGY STAR Cold Climate	94.1%	16

Sizes and duct types offered

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

SHARP’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

SHARP (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
Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons	13	78%	78%	87%	77%
Non-ducted, 2 tons	4	74%	87%	90%	78%

Every SHARP model in the market

SHARP’s 17 models with a known size and duct type, over the shape of the whole catalog.

SHARP models by size and ratingColoured: SHARP · grey shapes: all 14,508 models · lines: catalog medians by size

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

Dots: 17 sharp 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, size	Models	10th pct.	25th	Median	75th	90th
Ducted, 0.5 tons	826	1.64	1.71	1.75	1.85	2.24
Ducted, 1 ton	407	1.80	1.90	2.05	2.41	2.45
Ducted, 1.5 tons	992	1.75	1.86	2.00	2.17	2.40
Ducted, 2 tons	999	1.75	1.86	2.00	2.18	2.30
Ducted, 2.5 tons	1,040	1.70	1.80	2.00	2.10	2.36
Ducted, 3 tons	696	1.80	1.90	2.00	2.10	2.42
Ducted, 3.5 tons	864	1.70	1.80	2.00	2.10	2.46
Ducted, 4 tons	727	1.80	1.86	2.00	2.12	2.40
Ducted, 4.5 tons	690	1.70	1.80	1.90	2.10	2.20
Ducted, 5 tons	86	1.89	2.00	2.10	2.10	2.10
Non-ducted, 0.5 tons	1,186	1.75	1.80	1.90	2.00	2.22
Non-ducted, 1 ton	1,343	1.80	1.80	1.99	2.10	2.21
Non-ducted, 1.5 tons	1,261	1.80	1.80	2.00	2.10	2.31
Non-ducted, 2 tons	761	1.80	1.98	2.00	2.10	2.30
Non-ducted, 2.5 tons	403	1.80	1.85	2.00	2.00	2.10
Non-ducted, 3 tons	473	1.90	1.98	2.00	2.03	2.20
Non-ducted, 3.5 tons	280	2.00	2.00	2.00	2.05	2.10
Non-ducted, 4 tons	204	1.96	2.00	2.05	2.10	2.11
Non-ducted, 4.5 tons	78	1.90	1.91	1.95	2.01	2.01
Non-ducted, 5 tons	84	1.99	2.00	2.05	2.20	2.20

Source: AHRI Directory · as of Oct 9, 2026

Top SHARP 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 SHARP 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
1AE-X12ZHU1SHARP · Single Zone serieswith ductless indoor unit AY-XP12ZHU1Also listed as AE-X12CHU	1 ton12,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted	100%	2.10	11.0	16,000	25.0	CEE 25CEE 26CEE AdvXcelDOEES CC	1	213238803	Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons	83.5
2AE-X3M24BUSHARP · Multi Zone serieswith ductless indoor unit AY-XPC9/12/18BUAlso listed as AE-X3M24CU	2 tons24,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted	82%	2.30	11.5	21,200	24.0	CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC	1	213927543	Non-ducted, 2 tons	83.2
3AE-X18ZHUSHARP · Single Zone serieswith ductless indoor unit AY-XP18ZHUAlso listed as AE-X18CHU	1.5 tons18,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted	90%	2.20	11.5	19,500	25.0	CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC	1	209424784	Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons	82.9
4AE-X18ZHU1SHARP · Single Zone serieswith ductless indoor unit AY-XP18ZHU1	1.5 tons18,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted	90%	2.20	11.5	19,500	25.0	CEE 25CEE 26Xcel	1	213246052	Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons	82.9
5AE-X18CUSHARP · Single Zone serieswith ductless indoor unit AY-XPC18CU-B	1.5 tons18,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted	88%	2.20	11.0	19,000	24.0	CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC	2	217508914	Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons	80.6

All-around best

Top 5 SHARP 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
1AE-X3M24BUSHARP · Multi Zone serieswith ductless indoor unit AY-XPC9/12/18BUAlso listed as AE-X3M24CU	2 tons24,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted	82%	2.30	11.5	24.0	14.0	CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC	1	213927543	Non-ducted, 2 tons	88.8	83.2	94.3	83.2
2AE-X12ZHU1SHARP · Single Zone serieswith ductless indoor unit AY-XP12ZHU1Also listed as AE-X12CHU	1 ton12,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted	100%	2.10	11.0	25.0	16.0	CEE 25CEE 26CEE AdvXcelDOEES CC	1	213238803	Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons	88.0	83.5	92.5	83.5
3AE-X18ZHUSHARP · Single Zone serieswith ductless indoor unit AY-XP18ZHUAlso listed as AE-X18CHU	1.5 tons18,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted	90%	2.20	11.5	25.0	13.0	CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC	1	209424784	Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons	81.7	82.9	80.5	82.9
4AE-X18ZHU1SHARP · Single Zone serieswith ductless indoor unit AY-XP18ZHU1	1.5 tons18,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted	90%	2.20	11.5	25.0	13.0	CEE 25CEE 26Xcel	1	213246052	Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons	81.7	82.9	80.5	82.9
5AE-X15ZU1SHARP · Single Zone serieswith ductless indoor unit AY-XP15ZU1Also listed as AE-X15CU	1.5 tons15,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted	85%	2.10	11.0	24.0	13.4	CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC	2	213239134	Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons	78.7	77.6	79.7	77.6

Best model on each rating

SHARP’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	AE-X3M24BUAlso listed as AE-X3M24CU	2.30	Non-ducted, 2 tons	90%	213927543
Capacity retention at 5°F	AE-X12ZHU1Also listed as AE-X12CHU	100%	Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons	87%	213238803
HSPF2	AE-X3M24BUAlso listed as AE-X3M24CU	11.5	Non-ducted, 2 tons	91%	213927543
SEER2	AE-X3M24BUAlso listed as AE-X3M24CU	24.0	Non-ducted, 2 tons	92%	213927543
EER2	AE-X12ZHU1Also listed as AE-X12CHU	16.0	Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons	96%	213238803
Heating capacity at 5°F	AE-X18ZHUAlso listed as AE-X18CHU	19,500 Btu/h	Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons	98%	209424784

All 17 SHARP models in Explore

SHARP 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.

SHARP: 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
Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons	83.5(50 is the typical model of its size class)AE-X12ZHU1with ductless indoor unit AY-XP12ZHU1Also listed as AE-X12CHU13 of 13 models qualify · AHRI 213238803	88.0(50 is the typical model of its size class)AE-X12ZHU1with ductless indoor unit AY-XP12ZHU1Also listed as AE-X12CHU13 of 13 models have all five ratings · AHRI 213238803
Non-ducted, 2 tons	83.2(50 is the typical model of its size class)AE-X3M24BUwith ductless indoor unit AY-XPC9/12/18BUAlso listed as AE-X3M24CU4 of 4 models qualify · AHRI 213927543	88.8(50 is the typical model of its size class)AE-X3M24BUwith ductless indoor unit AY-XPC9/12/18BUAlso listed as AE-X3M24CU4 of 4 models have all five ratings · AHRI 213927543

All-around board, every manufacturer

Newest SHARP certifications

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

The 5 most recently certified SHARP outdoor models
Outdoor model	Size · type	COP@5°F	Cap. 5/47	HSPF2	SEER2	Meets	Combos	AHRI ref.
AE-X12DWUSHARP · Single Zone serieswith ductless indoor unit AY-XP12DWU	1 ton12,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted	1.90	97%	11.0	24.0	CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC	1	218327264
AE-X3M24CUSHARP · Multi Zone series	2 tons24,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted	2.30	82%	11.5	24.0	CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC	1	217512785
AE-X12CUSHARP · Single Zone serieswith ductless indoor unit AY-XPC12CU	1 ton12,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted	2.10	91%	11.0	22.0	CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC	2	217512740
AE-X12CHUSHARP · Single Zone serieswith ductless indoor unit AY-XP12CHU	1 ton12,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted	2.10	100%	11.0	25.0	CEE 25CEE 26CEE AdvXcelDOEES CC	2	217512736
AE-X15CUSHARP · Single Zone serieswith ductless indoor unit AY-XP15CU	1.5 tons15,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted	2.10	85%	11.0	24.0	CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC	2	217512734

Shares hardware with

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

No shared hardware found for SHARP in this group.

Compare SHARP

Manufacturers of a similar size, side by side.

Compare with any manufacturer

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