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Antarctic Star vs Classic America: heat pump ratings compared

Against heat pumps of the same size and type, a typical Antarctic Star model beats 34% and a typical Classic America model 32%. Antarctic Star rates slightly higher overall.

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

Antarctic Star

34%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Well below average

9 models listed

Classic America

32%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Well below average

9 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°FAntarctic Star: Beats 62%Classic America: Beats 33%
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°FAntarctic Star: Beats 26%Classic America: Beats 22%
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF2Antarctic Star: Beats 25%Classic America: Beats 43%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER2Antarctic Star: Beats 38%Classic America: Beats 38%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER2Antarctic Star: Beats 22%Classic America: Beats 27%

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

    Antarctic Star
    78%
    Classic America
    44%

  • Xcel CC

    Antarctic Star
    44%
    Classic America
    44%

  • CEE Advanced

    Antarctic Star
    0%
    Classic America
    0%

  • ENERGY STAR CC

    Antarctic Star
    0%
    Classic America
    44%

Top cold-climate picks, ducted 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 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?

Antarctic Star

No ducted, 2.5–3 tons model from Antarctic Star.

Classic America

No ducted, 2.5–3 tons model from Classic America.

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