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1HVAC vs THERMAL ZONE: heat pump ratings compared

Against heat pumps of the same size and type, a typical 1HVAC model beats 54% and a typical THERMAL ZONE model 43%. 1HVAC rates higher overall.

Covers older R-410A heat pumps, no longer installed new. See models sold today · Updated

1HVAC

54%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

About average

87 models listed

THERMAL ZONE

43%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Below average

88 models listed

Rating by ratingEach bar is the share of same-size, same-type heat pumps that a typical model beats, so the two brands compare fairly even if they make different sizes.
  • Efficiency on a 5°F dayCOP at 5°F1HVAC: Beats 44%THERMAL ZONE: Beats 68%
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°F1HVAC: Beats 62%THERMAL ZONE: Beats 37%
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF21HVAC: Beats 61%THERMAL ZONE: Beats 31%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER21HVAC: Beats 59%THERMAL ZONE: Beats 26%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER21HVAC: Beats 43%THERMAL ZONE: Beats 36%

Average (50%)Dashed outline: the other brand, for comparison

Want ranks, distributions per size class and cold-weather curves? Switch to Advanced

Rebate standards

Share of each brand’s models that meet the level. Programs can have other rules too.
  • CEE 2025

    1HVAC
    63%
    THERMAL ZONE
    13%
  • Xcel CC

    1HVAC
    55%
    THERMAL ZONE
    7%
  • CEE Advanced

    1HVAC
    1%
    THERMAL ZONE
    0%
  • ENERGY STAR CC

    1HVAC
    41%
    THERMAL ZONE
    22%

Top cold-climate picks, ductless 2 tons

Only units that keep at least 70% of their heat at 5°F, ranked on heat kept, efficiency at 5°F and seasonal efficiency (HSPF2), against units their size.

1HVAC

  1. 1ACIQ-24ZPL-HP230Bwith ductless indoor unit ACIQ-24FM-HH-MB1HVAC2 tons · 24,000 Btu/h · DuctlessKeeps 102% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, CEE Advanced, Xcel CC, DOE CCHP, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    102% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Top 10%
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.10 (COP at 5°F)
    Great
    Seasonal efficiency
    11.0 (HSPF2)
    Top 10%
    87.1score / 100
  2. 2SC-27Z-HH-M4B1HVAC2 tons · 23,200 Btu/h · DuctlessKeeps 90% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    90% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Great
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.10 (COP at 5°F)
    Great
    Seasonal efficiency
    10.0 (HSPF2)
    Good
    76.1score / 100
  3. 3SC-27Z-HH-M31HVAC2 tons · 22,000 Btu/h · DuctlessKeeps 115% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    115% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Top 10%
    Efficiency at 5°F
    1.80 (COP at 5°F)
    Below the middle
    Seasonal efficiency
    10.0 (HSPF2)
    Good
    66.1score / 100

THERMAL ZONE

No ductless, 2 tons model from THERMAL ZONE.

These are certified test ratings, not a recommendation for your home. The right size comes from a load calculation by a contractor.

Next steps

The advanced view adds ranks, both brands’ models inside every size class, standout models per rating and cold-weather curves.

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