Skip to content
Rebate.Blue

ZEPHYR heat pump efficiency: 23 outdoor models compared

ZEPHYR has 23 heat pump outdoor models certified with this refrigerant group, in 49 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 ZEPHYR makes. ZEPHYR 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
23
AHRI certifications
49
Efficiency index
63%
Typical model vs same-size, same-type peers (27 models)
Meet CEE 2025
100%
23 models

How ZEPHYR 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.
ZEPHYR against every ranked manufacturerPeer scores, 0–100 · grey ticks: each ranked manufacturer · shaded: the middle half of ZEPHYR’s own modelsZEPHYR is strongest on SEER2 (its typical model beats 67% of comparable models) and weakest on COP at 5°F (57%).
  • ZEPHYR
  • Middle half of its models
  • Other ranked manufacturers
ZEPHYR

Source: AHRI Directory, NEEP · as of

Average peer percentile of ZEPHYR’s models
RatingBeats comparable modelsRankRaw median
Efficiency index27 models scored63%Not ranked—
COP at 5°F27 models scored57%Not ranked2.00
Capacity retention at 5°F27 models scored64%Not ranked80%
HSPF227 models scored59%Not ranked10.0
SEER227 models scored67%Not ranked22.0
EER227 models scored65%Not ranked12.3
Heating capacity at 5°F27 models scored57%Not ranked13,400 Btu/h

Standards met

Share of ZEPHYR’s models with at least one qualifying certification
StandardShareModels
CEE 2025 Tier 1 (Split ASHP)100%23
CEE 2026 Tier 1 (Split ASHP)95.7%22
CEE Advanced Tier (Split ASHP)8.7%2
Xcel Energy Colorado cold-climate ASHP (2025)82.6%19
DOE Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge8.7%2
ENERGY STAR Cold Climate73.9%17

Sizes and duct types offered

Models per peer group, and how they score against the other models of that group.
ZEPHYR’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
  • ZEPHYR (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 tons165%57%59%57%
Ducted, 2 tons180%85%85%88%
Ducted, 2.5–3 tons371%41%76%81%
Ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons271%58%70%82%
Ducted, 5 tons and up181%98%74%97%
Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons1462%67%57%62%
Non-ducted, 2 tons248%44%34%51%
Non-ducted, 2.5–3 tons263%12%59%67%
Non-ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons144%7%14%73%

Every ZEPHYR model in the market

ZEPHYR’s 27 models with a known size and duct type, over the shape of the whole catalog.
ZEPHYR models by size and ratingColoured: ZEPHYR · grey shapes: all 14,508 models · lines: catalog medians by size
  • ZEPHYR models
  • Ducted median by size
  • Non-ducted median by size
  • Every model at each size (width = count)
  • Standard threshold

Dots: 27 zephyr 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 ZEPHYR 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 ZEPHYR 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
1ZE-09UB32OZEPHYR · HiULTRAwith ductless indoor unit ZE-09UB32I1 ton9,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted100%2.2511.812,20032.0CEE 25CEE 26CEE AdvXcelDOEES CC1217596868Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons89.7
2ZE-12UB32OZEPHYR · HiULTRAwith ductless indoor unit ZE-12UB32I1 ton12,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted100%2.2511.812,20030.0CEE 25CEE 26CEE AdvXcelDOEES CC1217596869Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons89.7
3ZE-660HPAZEPHYR · Ultrawith ducted air handler AH-660A5 tons57,000 Btu/h · Ducted75%2.429.042,50019.0CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC3215381148Ducted, 5 tons and up88.7
4ZE-636HPAZEPHYR · Ultrawith ducted air handler AH-636A2.5 tons32,000 Btu/h · Ducted97%2.1510.531,00019.5CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC3215381146Ducted, 2.5–3 tons87.9
5ZE-09CB25OZEPHYR · HiULTRAwith ductless indoor unit ZE-09CB25I1 ton9,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted100%2.0911.09,00025.0CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC2215414829Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons82.4

All-around best

Top 5 ZEPHYR 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
1ZE-09UB32OZEPHYR · HiULTRAwith ductless indoor unit ZE-09UB32I1 ton9,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted100%2.2511.832.018.4CEE 25CEE 26CEE AdvXcelDOEES CC1217596868Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons94.589.799.389.7
2ZE-12UB32OZEPHYR · HiULTRAwith ductless indoor unit ZE-12UB32I1 ton12,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted100%2.2511.830.015.4CEE 25CEE 26CEE AdvXcelDOEES CC1217596869Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons93.489.797.189.7
3ZE-15UB32OZEPHYR · HiULTRAwith ductless indoor unit ZE-15UB32I1.5 tons15,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted80%2.2511.125.613.7CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC1217596870Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons84.280.787.780.7
4ZE-09CB25OZEPHYR · HiULTRAwith ductless indoor unit ZE-09CB25I1 ton9,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted100%2.0911.025.013.7CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC2215414829Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons83.982.485.482.4
5ZE-636HPAZEPHYR · Ultrawith ducted air handler AH-636A2.5 tons32,000 Btu/h · Ducted97%2.1510.519.511.7CEE 25CEE 26XcelES CC3215381146Ducted, 2.5–3 tons82.387.976.787.9

Best model on each rating

ZEPHYR’s model with the highest peer percentile on each rating, ranked by that one rating only
RatingModelValueCompared withBeatsAHRI ref.
COP at 5°FZE-18CB22O2.53Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons100%218325271
Capacity retention at 5°FZE-660HPA75%Ducted, 5 tons and up94%215381148
HSPF2ZE-636HPA10.5Ducted, 2.5–3 tons96%215381146
SEER2ZE-09UB32O32.0Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons99%217596868
EER2ZE-09UB32O18.4Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons100%217596868
Heating capacity at 5°FZE-18CB25O18,000 Btu/hNon-ducted, up to 1.5 tons93%215414831

All 23 ZEPHYR models in Explore

ZEPHYR 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.
ZEPHYR: 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 tons66.2(50 is the typical model of its size class)ZE-518M2251 of 1 models qualify · AHRI 21668416264.6(50 is the typical model of its size class)ZE-518M2251 of 1 models have all five ratings · AHRI 216684162
Ducted, 2 tons82.1(50 is the typical model of its size class)ZE-624HPAwith ducted air handler AH-624A1 of 1 models qualify · AHRI 21538114579.5(50 is the typical model of its size class)ZE-624HPAwith ducted air handler AH-624A1 of 1 models have all five ratings · AHRI 215381145
Ducted, 2.5–3 tons87.9(50 is the typical model of its size class)ZE-636HPAwith ducted air handler AH-636A3 of 3 models qualify · AHRI 21538114682.3(50 is the typical model of its size class)ZE-636HPAwith ducted air handler AH-636A3 of 3 models have all five ratings · AHRI 215381146
Ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons77.3(50 is the typical model of its size class)ZE-648HPAwith ducted air handler AH-648A2 of 2 models qualify · AHRI 21538114782.3(50 is the typical model of its size class)ZE-648HPAwith ducted air handler AH-648A2 of 2 models have all five ratings · AHRI 215381147
Ducted, 5 tons and up88.7(50 is the typical model of its size class)ZE-660HPAwith ducted air handler AH-660A1 of 1 models qualify · AHRI 21538114881.1(50 is the typical model of its size class)ZE-660HPAwith ducted air handler AH-660A1 of 1 models have all five ratings · AHRI 215381148
Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons89.7(50 is the typical model of its size class)ZE-09UB32Owith ductless indoor unit ZE-09UB32I10 of 14 models qualify · AHRI 21759686894.5(50 is the typical model of its size class)ZE-09UB32Owith ductless indoor unit ZE-09UB32I14 of 14 models have all five ratings · AHRI 217596868
Non-ducted, 2 tons54.1(50 is the typical model of its size class)ZE-24CB25Owith ductless indoor unit ZE-24CB25AI2 of 2 models qualify · AHRI 21804658261.3(50 is the typical model of its size class)ZE-24CB25Owith ductless indoor unit ZE-24CB25AI2 of 2 models have all five ratings · AHRI 218046582
Non-ducted, 2.5–3 tons53.7(50 is the typical model of its size class)ZE-536M4252 of 2 models qualify · AHRI 21668417164.2(50 is the typical model of its size class)ZE-527M3252 of 2 models have all five ratings · AHRI 216684164
Non-ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons16.4(50 is the typical model of its size class)ZE-542M5251 of 1 models qualify · AHRI 21668416843.7(50 is the typical model of its size class)ZE-542M5251 of 1 models have all five ratings · AHRI 216684168

All-around board, every manufacturer

Newest ZEPHYR certifications

By AHRI reference number; AHRI issues references in increasing order.
The 5 most recently certified ZEPHYR outdoor models
Outdoor modelSize · typeCOP@5°FCap. 5/47HSPF2SEER2MeetsCombosAHRI ref.
ZE-24CB22OZEPHYRwith ductless indoor unit ZE-24CB22AI2 tons24,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted1.9876%9.019.5CEE 25CEE 26Xcel2218325272
ZE-18CB22OZEPHYR · HiULTRAwith ductless indoor unit ZE-18CB22AI1.5 tons18,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted2.5374%9.820.0CEE 25CEE 26Xcel2218325271
ZE-12CB22OZEPHYRwith ductless indoor unit ZE-12CB22AI1 ton12,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted1.8363%9.020.0CEE 25CEE 262218325270
ZE-09CB22OZEPHYR · HiULTRAwith ductless indoor unit ZE-09CB22AI1 ton9,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted2.1160%9.022.5CEE 25CEE 262218325269
ZE-12DB22OZEPHYRwith ductless indoor unit ZE-12DB22AI1 ton12,000 Btu/h · Non-ducted1.9051%8.020.0CEE 252218325268

Shares hardware with

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

Compare ZEPHYR

Manufacturers of a similar size, side by side.

Compare with any manufacturer

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