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AIR MAX vs Bestcold: heat pump ratings compared

Against heat pumps of the same size and type, a typical AIR MAX model beats 54% and a typical Bestcold model 46%. AIR MAX rates higher overall.

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

AIR MAX

54%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

About average

13 models listed

Bestcold

46%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

About average

79 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 53%Bestcold: Beats 45%
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°FAIR MAX: Beats 55%Bestcold: Beats 43%
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF2AIR MAX: Beats 38%Bestcold: Beats 48%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER2AIR MAX: Beats 56%Bestcold: Beats 51%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER2AIR MAX: Beats 63%Bestcold: 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

    AIR MAX
    100%
    Bestcold
    68%

  • Xcel CC

    AIR MAX
    85%
    Bestcold
    66%

  • CEE Advanced

    AIR MAX
    8%
    Bestcold
    1%

  • ENERGY STAR CC

    AIR MAX
    46%
    Bestcold
    10%

All-around best, ductless 5 tons and up

Balances heating (5°F output and efficiency, HSPF2) and cooling (SEER2, EER2), each rating against units their size.

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

AIR MAX

No ductless, 5 tons and up model from AIR MAX.

Bestcold

No ductless, 5 tons and up model from Bestcold.

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