Skip to content
Rebate.Blue

AIRSTAR vs CIAC: heat pump ratings compared

Against heat pumps of the same size and type, a typical AIRSTAR model beats 60% and a typical CIAC model 38%. AIRSTAR rates higher overall.

Covers heat pumps sold new today (R-454B and R-32 refrigerant). See older R-410A models · Updated

AIRSTAR

60%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Well above average

3 models listed

CIAC

38%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Well below average

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°FAIRSTAR: Beats 34%CIAC: Beats 83%
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°FAIRSTAR: Beats 53%CIAC: Beats 16%
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF2AIRSTAR: Beats 58%CIAC: Beats 11%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER2AIRSTAR: Beats 73%CIAC: Beats 22%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER2AIRSTAR: Beats 73%CIAC: Beats 14%

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

    AIRSTAR
    100%
    CIAC
    33%

  • Xcel CC

    AIRSTAR
    100%
    CIAC
    0%

  • CEE Advanced

    AIRSTAR
    0%
    CIAC
    0%

  • ENERGY STAR CC

    AIRSTAR
    0%
    CIAC
    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.

Showing Ductless, 3.5–4.5 tons (39,000–56,999 Btu/h cooling). What size is my system?

AIRSTAR

No ductless, 3.5–4.5 tons model from AIRSTAR.

CIAC

No ductless, 3.5–4.5 tons model from CIAC.

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