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APLUS vs Classic America: heat pump ratings compared

Against heat pumps of the same size and type, a typical APLUS model beats 17% and a typical Classic America model 32%. Classic America rates higher overall.

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

APLUS

17%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Well below average

31 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°FAPLUS: Beats 14%Classic America: Beats 33%
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°FAPLUS: Beats 6%Classic America: Beats 22%
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF2APLUS: Beats 23%Classic America: Beats 43%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER2APLUS: Beats 22%Classic America: Beats 38%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER2APLUS: Beats 50%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

    APLUS
    0%
    Classic America
    44%
  • Xcel CC

    APLUS
    0%
    Classic America
    44%
  • CEE Advanced

    APLUS
    0%
    Classic America
    0%
  • ENERGY STAR CC

    APLUS
    0%
    Classic America
    44%

All-around best, ductless 2 tons

Balances heating (5°F output and efficiency, HSPF2) and cooling (SEER2, EER2), each rating against units their size.

APLUS

No ductless, 2 tons model from APLUS.

Classic America

  1. 1MSCR32-23CHSA2-Owith ductless indoor unit MSCR32-23CHSA2-IClassic America2 tons · 23,000 Btu/h · DuctlessNot a cold-climate pick: keeps 53% of its heat at 5°FMeets none of the standards tracked here
    Heat kept at 5°F
    54% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Below the middle
    Efficiency at 5°F
    1.80 (COP at 5°F)
    Below the middle
    Winter efficiency
    9.5 (HSPF2)
    Below the middle
    Cooling efficiency
    17.0 (SEER2)
    Below the middle
    Hot-day cooling
    9.5 (EER2)
    Below the middle
    13.4score / 100Heating 21 · Cooling 5

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