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AIR MAX vs Bravo: heat pump ratings compared

One of these brands has too few models with every rating for an overall score; see each rating below.

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

Bravo

—

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Not enough rated models

3 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%Bravo: Not rated
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°FAIR MAX: Beats 60%Bravo: Not rated
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF2AIR MAX: Beats 17%Bravo: Beats 11%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER2AIR MAX: Beats 46%Bravo: Beats 7%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER2AIR MAX: Beats 49%Bravo: Beats 1%

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%
    Bravo
    0%
  • Xcel CC

    AIR MAX
    43%
    Bravo
    0%
  • CEE Advanced

    AIR MAX
    0%
    Bravo
    0%
  • ENERGY STAR CC

    AIR MAX
    0%
    Bravo
    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.

Bravo

No ductless, 3.5–4.5 tons model from Bravo.

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