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AireForce vs KADEN: heat pump ratings compared

Against heat pumps of the same size and type, a typical AireForce model beats 45% and a typical KADEN model 58%. KADEN rates higher overall.

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

AireForce

45%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

About average

23 models listed

KADEN

58%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Above average

24 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°FAireForce: Beats 32%KADEN: Beats 52%
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°FAireForce: Beats 65%KADEN: Beats 41%
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF2AireForce: Beats 37%KADEN: Beats 69%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER2AireForce: Beats 40%KADEN: Beats 74%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER2AireForce: Beats 43%KADEN: Beats 49%

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

    AireForce
    52%
    KADEN
    67%

  • Xcel CC

    AireForce
    57%
    KADEN
    25%

  • CEE Advanced

    AireForce
    0%
    KADEN
    0%

  • ENERGY STAR CC

    AireForce
    35%
    KADEN
    25%

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?

AireForce

  1. 1GXH42(12.3)FMK4DH-1AireForce3 tons · 36,000 Btu/h · DuctlessKeeps 81% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    81% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Good
    Efficiency at 5°F
    1.92 (COP at 5°F)
    Good
    Seasonal efficiency
    10.0 (HSPF2)
    Great
    73.7score / 100
  2. 2GXH36(10.6)FMK4DH-1AireForce3 tons · 34,000 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)
    Great
    Efficiency at 5°F
    1.82 (COP at 5°F)
    Below the middle
    Seasonal efficiency
    10.0 (HSPF2)
    Great
    63.8score / 100
  3. 3GXH30(8.8)FMK4DH-1AireForce2.5 tons · 28,400 Btu/h · DuctlessKeeps 76% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    76% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Good
    Efficiency at 5°F
    1.84 (COP at 5°F)
    Below the middle
    Seasonal efficiency
    10.0 (HSPF2)
    Great
    63.4score / 100

KADEN

None of KADEN’s ductless, 2.5–3 tons models qualifies.

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