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AIR MAX vs BRAVO: heat pump ratings compared

Against heat pumps of the same size and type, a typical AIR MAX model beats 54% and a typical BRAVO model 47%. 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

BRAVO

47%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

About average

14 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%BRAVO: Beats 48%
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°FAIR MAX: Beats 55%BRAVO: Beats 41%
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF2AIR MAX: Beats 38%BRAVO: Beats 53%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER2AIR MAX: Beats 56%BRAVO: Beats 51%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER2AIR MAX: Beats 63%BRAVO: Beats 44%

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%
    BRAVO
    57%

  • Xcel CC

    AIR MAX
    85%
    BRAVO
    57%

  • CEE Advanced

    AIR MAX
    8%
    BRAVO
    0%

  • ENERGY STAR CC

    AIR MAX
    46%
    BRAVO
    21%

Top cold-climate picks, ductless 2.5–3 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.

Showing Ductless, 2.5–3 tons (27,000–38,999 Btu/h cooling). What size is my system?

AIR MAX

  1. 1AFMKH36-H2AIR MAX3 tons · 36,000 Btu/h · DuctlessKeeps 100% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, CEE Advanced, Xcel CC, DOE CCHP, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    100% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Great
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.10 (COP at 5°F)
    Great
    Seasonal efficiency
    10.0 (HSPF2)
    Good
    77.2score / 100
  2. 2AFMKH30-H2AIR MAX2.5 tons · 28,400 Btu/h · DuctlessKeeps 90% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    90% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Good
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.07 (COP at 5°F)
    Great
    Seasonal efficiency
    10.0 (HSPF2)
    Good
    69.8score / 100
  3. 3AWGRC36-H2with ductless indoor unit AWGRE36-H2AIR MAX3 tons · 33,600 Btu/h · DuctlessKeeps 72% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    72% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Below the middle
    Efficiency at 5°F
    1.80 (COP at 5°F)
    Below the middle
    Seasonal efficiency
    8.5 (HSPF2)
    Below the middle
    22.3score / 100

BRAVO

  1. 1BRV-M30-230VOBRAVO2.5 tons · 30,000 Btu/h · DuctlessKeeps 79% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    79% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Good
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.05 (COP at 5°F)
    Great
    Seasonal efficiency
    9.8 (HSPF2)
    Below the middle
    62.1score / 100
  2. 2BRV-M36-230VOBRAVO3 tons · 36,000 Btu/h · DuctlessKeeps 71% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    71% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Below the middle
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.05 (COP at 5°F)
    Great
    Seasonal efficiency
    10.0 (HSPF2)
    Good
    59.2score / 100

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