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Antarctic Star vs MBO: heat pump ratings compared

One of these brands has too few models with every rating for an overall score; see each rating below.

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

MBO

—

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Not enough rated models

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%MBO: Not rated
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°FAntarctic Star: Beats 26%MBO: Not rated
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF2Antarctic Star: Beats 25%MBO: Beats 6%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER2Antarctic Star: Beats 38%MBO: Beats 25%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER2Antarctic Star: Beats 22%MBO: Beats 33%

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%
    MBO
    0%
  • Xcel CC

    Antarctic Star
    44%
    MBO
    0%
  • CEE Advanced

    Antarctic Star
    0%
    MBO
    0%
  • ENERGY STAR CC

    Antarctic Star
    0%
    MBO
    0%

Top cold-climate picks, ducted 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.

Antarctic Star

No ducted, 5 tons and up model from Antarctic Star.

MBO

No ducted, 5 tons and up model from MBO.

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