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AireForce vs Star Air Kontrol: heat pump ratings compared

Against heat pumps of the same size and type, a typical AireForce model beats 45% and a typical Star Air Kontrol model 51%. Star Air Kontrol 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

Star Air Kontrol

51%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

About average

55 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%Star Air Kontrol: Beats 56%
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°FAireForce: Beats 65%Star Air Kontrol: Beats 35%
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF2AireForce: Beats 37%Star Air Kontrol: Beats 61%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER2AireForce: Beats 40%Star Air Kontrol: Beats 57%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER2AireForce: Beats 43%Star Air Kontrol: Beats 41%

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%
    Star Air Kontrol
    51%
  • Xcel CC

    AireForce
    57%
    Star Air Kontrol
    24%
  • CEE Advanced

    AireForce
    0%
    Star Air Kontrol
    0%
  • ENERGY STAR CC

    AireForce
    35%
    Star Air Kontrol
    20%

Top cold-climate picks, ductless 5 tons and up

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.

AireForce

No ductless, 5 tons and up model from AireForce.

Star Air Kontrol

No ductless, 5 tons and up model from Star Air Kontrol.

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