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AIR-CON vs CLASSIC: heat pump ratings compared

Against heat pumps of the same size and type, a typical AIR-CON model beats 45% and a typical CLASSIC model 41%. AIR-CON rates slightly higher overall.

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

AIR-CON

45%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

About average

41 models listed

CLASSIC

41%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Below average

40 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°FAIR-CON: Beats 57%CLASSIC: Beats 37%
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°FAIR-CON: Beats 33%CLASSIC: Beats 43%
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF2AIR-CON: Beats 45%CLASSIC: Beats 37%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER2AIR-CON: Beats 43%CLASSIC: Beats 45%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER2AIR-CON: Beats 39%CLASSIC: Beats 40%

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

    AIR-CON
    44%
    CLASSIC
    65%

  • Xcel CC

    AIR-CON
    34%
    CLASSIC
    65%

  • CEE Advanced

    AIR-CON
    0%
    CLASSIC
    3%

  • ENERGY STAR CC

    AIR-CON
    0%
    CLASSIC
    20%

Top cold-climate picks, ducted 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 Ducted, 5 tons and up (57,000 Btu/h and up cooling). What size is my system?

AIR-CON

None of AIR-CON’s ducted, 5 tons and up models qualifies.

CLASSIC

No ducted, 5 tons and up model from CLASSIC.

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