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ACIQ vs BlueRidge heat pumps

Measured against models of the same size and duct type, BlueRidge scores higher on 6 of the 6 ratings. ACIQ has 175 outdoor models, BlueRidge has 192 outdoor models. ACIQ has no QMID on file and is not ranked. They share hardware: 98 equipment families appear under both names.

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CompareData as of updated · sources

Against comparable models

Each cell is the share of same-size, same-type models that the manufacturer’s typical model beats (50% is typical); the higher score is in bold. Raw medians are underneath for context: they depend on which sizes each one makes, so they are not compared.
ACIQ and BlueRidge on every ratingPeer scores, 0–100 · grey ticks: every ranked manufacturer · shaded: the middle half of each one’s modelsMeasured against models of the same size and duct type, BlueRidge scores higher on 6 of the 6 ratings.
  • ACIQ
  • BlueRidge
  • Other ranked manufacturers
ACIQBlueRidge

Source: AHRI Directory, NEEP · as of

Average peer percentile, raw median and rank among ranked manufacturers
RatingACIQBlueRidge
Efficiency index50%median —56%median — · 9th ranked
COP at 5°F55%median 2.0057%median 2.00 · 14th ranked
Capacity retention at 5°F43%median 69%55%median 74% · 12th ranked
HSPF252%median 8.560%median 9.5 · 9th ranked
SEER249%median 17.058%median 19.0 · 10th ranked
EER252%median 11.254%median 11.9 · 14th ranked
Heating capacity at 5°F46%median 19,600 Btu/h57%median 19,000 Btu/h · 12th ranked
Outdoor models175192
AHRI certifications18,0531,622

Share of models meeting each standard

Percent of each manufacturer’s models with a qualifying certification
StandardACIQBlueRidge
CEE 2025 Tier 1 (Split ASHP)55.4%97 models75.5%145 models
CEE 2026 Tier 1 (Split ASHP)53.1%93 models73.4%141 models
CEE Advanced Tier (Split ASHP)1.7%3 models3.6%7 models
Xcel Energy Colorado cold-climate ASHP (2025)46.3%81 models68.2%131 models
DOE Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge1.7%3 models3.6%7 models
ENERGY STAR Cold Climate33.7%59 models64.6%124 models

Sizes and duct types offered

Models in each peer group, with the efficiency index of those models against the rest of the group.
Side by side, inside each size and duct typeShape: every model of the group · bars: each manufacturer’s middle half, median dot, 10th–90th line · 10 groups where both have models
  • ACIQ
  • BlueRidge
  • 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 modelsNon-ducted, 5 tons and up2.0585 modelsmedian

Raw ratings are only placed side by side within one size and duct type, where they are comparable.

Source: AHRI Directory · as of

Models per peer group · efficiency index within the group
Size and duct typeACIQBlueRidge
Ducted, up to 1.5 tons16 · index 64%29 · index 70%
Ducted, 2 tons24 · index 47%21 · index 59%
Ducted, 2.5–3 tons36 · index 49%37 · index 56%
Ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons57 · index 48%37 · index 60%
Ducted, 5 tons and up7 · index 65%5 · index 63%
Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons30 · index 49%72 · index 54%
Non-ducted, 2 tons7 · index 50%17 · index 49%
Non-ducted, 2.5–3 tons13 · index 47%26 · index 50%
Non-ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons5 · index 52%20 · index 47%
Non-ducted, 5 tons and up1 · index 59%2 · index 59%

Cold-climate and all-around picks, size class by size class

Each manufacturer’s best model on each board in every size and duct type, side by side; the higher score is in bold. Both scores are 0–100 against every model of that size class (the line on each bar is 50, the typical model there), so the two compare fairly even when they make different sizes.

Cold-climate picks

Best cold-climate pick per size and duct type (keeps at least 70% of its heat at 5°F). 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.
Size and duct typeACIQCold-climate score, best modelBlueRidgeCold-climate score, best model
Ducted, up to 1.5 tons86.6(50 is the typical model of its size class)ACIQ-18-HPDwith ducted air handler ACIQ-18W-WMB11 of 16 models qualify · AHRI 21698078593.5(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)BMS626HHYCwith ducted air handler BMC6LCD24 of 29 models qualify · AHRI 215853938
Ducted, 2 tons85.7(50 is the typical model of its size class)ACIQ-24ZPL-HP230Cwith ducted air handler ACIQ-24CD-HH-MC13 of 24 models qualify · AHRI 21603234785.7(50 is the typical model of its size class)BMS2421HHYCwith ducted air handler BMC24HCDAlso listed as BXS5A24UC017 of 21 models qualify · AHRI 215853945
Ducted, 2.5–3 tons83.2(50 is the typical model of its size class)ACIQ-36ZPL-HP230Cwith ducted air handler ACIQ-36CD-HH-MC16 of 36 models qualify · AHRI 21603234883.2(50 is the typical model of its size class)BMS36HHUYCwith ducted air handler BMS36HCDAlso listed as BXL2A36UC022 of 37 models qualify · AHRI 215853961
Ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons85.1(50 is the typical model of its size class)ACIQ-60-HP32with ducted air handler ACIQ-60-AH3226 of 53 models qualify · AHRI 21538724185.1(50 is the typical model of its size class)BNG3Z60UCMwith ducted air handler BNGFZ60DH0Also listed as BNG3Z60UCN30 of 37 models qualify · AHRI 217992607
Ducted, 5 tons and up82.3(50 is the typical model of its size class)B5H3V60*K*AAA*with ducted air handler FCMA5B60L0D*+WALLCON5 of 11 models qualify · AHRI 218628756None on this board (0 of 5 models qualify)
Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons96.7(50 is the typical model of its size class)ACIQ-06ZPL-HP230Cwith ductless indoor unit ACIQ-06W-HH-MD20 of 30 models qualify · AHRI 21603233396.7(50 is the typical model of its size class)BMS626HHYCwith ductless indoor unit BMC6HHYWAlso listed as BXS5A06UC052 of 72 models qualify · AHRI 215853901
Non-ducted, 2 tons89.4(50 is the typical model of its size class)ACIQ-24ZPL-HP230Cwith ductless indoor unit ACIQ-24CC-HH-MC4 of 7 models qualify · AHRI 21603234189.4(50 is the typical model of its size class)BMS2421HHYCwith ductless indoor unit BMC24CCAlso listed as BXS5A24UC014 of 17 models qualify · AHRI 215853933
Non-ducted, 2.5–3 tons89.4(50 is the typical model of its size class)ACIQ-36ZPL-HP230Cwith ductless indoor unit ACIQ-36FM-HH-MD8 of 13 models qualify · AHRI 21603235589.4(50 is the typical model of its size class)BMS36HHUYCwith ductless indoor unit BMS36FCCAlso listed as BXL2A36UC021 of 26 models qualify · AHRI 215853964
Non-ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons73.4(50 is the typical model of its size class)ACIQ-48Z-HH-M6C5 of 5 models qualify · AHRI 21603237273.4(50 is the typical model of its size class)BMMZ48HHCAlso listed as BXM3A48UC017 of 20 models qualify · AHRI 215853990
Non-ducted, 5 tons and upNone on this board (0 of 1 models qualify)None on this board (0 of 2 models qualify)

All-around best

Best all-around model per size and duct type. 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.
Size and duct typeACIQAll-around score, best modelBlueRidgeAll-around score, best model
Ducted, up to 1.5 tons86.5(50 is the typical model of its size class)ACIQ-09ZPL-HP230Cwith ducted air handler ACIQ-09CD-HH-MC16 of 16 models have all five ratings · AHRI 21603234495.0(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)BMS626HHYCwith ducted air handler BMC6LCD29 of 29 models have all five ratings · AHRI 215853938
Ducted, 2 tons82.9(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)B5H3V24*K*AAA*with ducted air handler FCMA5B36L0C*+WALLCON22 of 22 models have all five ratings · AHRI 21862875178.8(50 is the typical model of its size class)BMS2423YCwith ducted air handler BMC24HCDAlso listed as BXS3A24SC021 of 21 models have all five ratings · AHRI 215853924
Ducted, 2.5–3 tons85.1(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)H5H3V36*K*AAA*with ducted air handler FCMA5B60L0D*+WALLCON37 of 37 models have all five ratings · AHRI 21663547883.6(50 is the typical model of its size class)BMMZ36HHCAlso listed as BXM3A36UC036 of 36 models have all five ratings · AHRI 215853986
Ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons85.1(50 is the typical model of its size class)ES-48Z-M6C53 of 53 models have all five ratings · AHRI 21603238685.1(50 is the typical model of its size class)BMMZ48CAlso listed as BXM1A48SC038 of 38 models have all five ratings · AHRI 215853977
Ducted, 5 tons and up89.1(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)B5H3V60*K*AAA*with ducted air handler FCMA5B60L0D*+WALLCON12 of 12 models have all five ratings · AHRI 21862875666.7(50 is the typical model of its size class)BH714S60P-**Awith ducted air handler BAH7V60PT-5 of 5 models have all five ratings · AHRI 216371909
Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons96.2(50 is the typical model of its size class)ACIQ-06ZPL-HP230Cwith ductless indoor unit ACIQ-06W-HH-MD30 of 30 models have all five ratings · AHRI 21603233396.2(50 is the typical model of its size class)BMS626HHYCwith ductless indoor unit BMC6HHYWAlso listed as BXS5A06UC070 of 72 models have all five ratings · AHRI 215853901
Non-ducted, 2 tons86.8(50 is the typical model of its size class)ACIQ-24ZS-HP230Cwith ductless indoor unit ACIQ-24W-HH-MD7 of 7 models have all five ratings · AHRI 21847156086.8(50 is the typical model of its size class)BMS2423YCwith ductless indoor unit BMC24HHYWAlso listed as BXS3A24SC016 of 17 models have all five ratings · AHRI 215853900
Non-ducted, 2.5–3 tons78.3(50 is the typical model of its size class)ACIQ-36Z-HH-M5C13 of 13 models have all five ratings · AHRI 21603236778.3(50 is the typical model of its size class)BMMZ36HHCAlso listed as BXM3A36UC026 of 26 models have all five ratings · AHRI 215853985
Non-ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons75.6(50 is the typical model of its size class)ACIQ-48Z-HH-M6C5 of 5 models have all five ratings · AHRI 21603237075.6(50 is the typical model of its size class)BMMZ48HHCAlso listed as BXM3A48UC020 of 20 models have all five ratings · AHRI 215853988
Non-ducted, 5 tons and up58.6(50 is the typical model of its size class)ES-55Z-M6C1 of 1 models have all five ratings · AHRI 21603238858.6(50 is the typical model of its size class)BMMZ60CAlso listed as BXM1A60SC02 of 2 models have all five ratings · AHRI 215853994

All-around board, every manufacturer

Standout model on each rating

Each manufacturer’s model that beats the largest share of comparable models on the rating; the higher share is in bold.
Top model per rating by peer percentile, with its AHRI-certified value and peer group
RatingACIQBlueRidge
COP at 5°Fbeats 99% · 2.93ACIQ-18-HPDDucted, up to 1.5 tonsbeats 99% · 2.51BMS1226YCAlso listed as BXS3A12SC0Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons
Capacity retention at 5°Fbeats 98% · 126%ACIQ-09ZPL-HP230CNon-ducted, up to 1.5 tonsbeats 100% · 150%BMS635SHYCAlso listed as BXS6A06UC0Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons
HSPF2beats 99% · 14.8ACIQ-06ZPL-HP230CNon-ducted, up to 1.5 tonsbeats 100% · 15.6BMS635SHYCAlso listed as BXS6A06UC0Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons
SEER2beats 100% · 23.0H5H3V48*K*AAA*Also listed as B5H3V48*K*AAADucted, 3.5–4.5 tonsbeats 100% · 35.0BMS635SHYCAlso listed as BXS6A06UC0Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons
EER2beats 99% · 18.0ACIQ-06ZPL-HP230CNon-ducted, up to 1.5 tonsbeats 99% · 18.0BMS626HHYCAlso listed as BXS5A06UC0Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons
Heating capacity at 5°Fbeats 98% · 19,600 Btu/hACIQ-18-HPDDucted, up to 1.5 tonsbeats 99% · 22,600 Btu/hBMS1826SHYCAlso listed as BXS6A18UC0Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons

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