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AIR MAX vs Global Commander: heat pump ratings compared

Against heat pumps of the same size and type, a typical AIR MAX model beats 45% and a typical Global Commander model 14%. 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

Global Commander

14%

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%Global Commander: Beats 22%
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°FAIR MAX: Beats 60%Global Commander: Beats 16%
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF2AIR MAX: Beats 17%Global Commander: Beats 5%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER2AIR MAX: Beats 46%Global Commander: Beats 25%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER2AIR MAX: Beats 49%Global Commander: Beats 13%

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%
    Global Commander
    0%

  • Xcel CC

    AIR MAX
    43%
    Global Commander
    0%

  • CEE Advanced

    AIR MAX
    0%
    Global Commander
    0%

  • ENERGY STAR CC

    AIR MAX
    0%
    Global Commander
    0%

All-around best, ducted 2.5–3 tons

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

Showing Ducted, 2.5–3 tons (27,000–38,999 Btu/h cooling), the most-listed ducted size. Pick yours above. What size is my system?

AIR MAX

No ducted, 2.5–3 tons model from AIR MAX.

Global Commander

No ducted, 2.5–3 tons model from Global Commander.

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