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ACIQ vs AUX: heat pump ratings compared

Against heat pumps of the same size and type, a typical ACIQ model beats 53% and a typical AUX model 49%. ACIQ rates slightly higher overall.

Covers heat pumps sold new today (R-454B and R-32 refrigerant). See older R-410A models · Updated

ACIQ

53%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

About average

184 models listed

AUX

49%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

About average

189 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°FACIQ: Beats 56%AUX: Beats 60%
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°FACIQ: Beats 46%AUX: Beats 51%
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF2ACIQ: Beats 55%AUX: Beats 40%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER2ACIQ: Beats 52%AUX: Beats 48%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER2ACIQ: Beats 55%AUX: Beats 39%

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

    ACIQ
    58%
    AUX
    68%

  • Xcel CC

    ACIQ
    49%
    AUX
    66%

  • CEE Advanced

    ACIQ
    2%
    AUX
    1%

  • ENERGY STAR CC

    ACIQ
    37%
    AUX
    35%

Top cold-climate picks, ductless 5 tons and up

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.

Showing Ductless, 5 tons and up (57,000 Btu/h and up cooling). What size is my system?

ACIQ

None of ACIQ’s ductless, 5 tons and up models qualifies.

AUX

No ductless, 5 tons and up model from AUX.

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.

Open the advanced view