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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, 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?

Antarctic Star

No ductless, 3.5–4.5 tons model from Antarctic Star.

Classic America

  1. 1MZR454-42CHA2-OClassic America3.5 tons · 42,000 Btu/h · DuctlessKeeps 71% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    71% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Below the middle
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.00 (COP at 5°F)
    Below the middle
    Seasonal efficiency
    10.0 (HSPF2)
    Below the middle
    31.2score / 100

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