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AIR MAX vs ARMSCO: heat pump ratings compared

Against heat pumps of the same size and type, a typical AIR MAX model beats 45% and a typical ARMSCO model 22%. AIR MAX rates higher overall.

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

AIR MAX

45%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Below average

7 models listed

ARMSCO

22%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Well below average

7 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 MAX: Beats 28%ARMSCO: Beats 19%
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°FAIR MAX: Beats 60%ARMSCO: Beats 30%
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF2AIR MAX: Beats 17%ARMSCO: Beats 19%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER2AIR MAX: Beats 46%ARMSCO: Beats 27%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER2AIR MAX: Beats 49%ARMSCO: Beats 16%

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 MAX
    57%
    ARMSCO
    71%
  • Xcel CC

    AIR MAX
    43%
    ARMSCO
    57%
  • CEE Advanced

    AIR MAX
    0%
    ARMSCO
    0%
  • ENERGY STAR CC

    AIR MAX
    0%
    ARMSCO
    0%

Top cold-climate picks, ductless 3.5–4.5 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.

AIR MAX

No ductless, 3.5–4.5 tons model from AIR MAX.

ARMSCO

No ductless, 3.5–4.5 tons model from ARMSCO.

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