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APLUS vs PRIME: heat pump ratings compared

Against heat pumps of the same size and type, a typical APLUS model beats 17% and a typical PRIME model 20%. PRIME rates slightly 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

PRIME

20%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Well below average

18 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%PRIME: Beats 44%
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°FAPLUS: Beats 6%PRIME: Beats 15%
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF2APLUS: Beats 23%PRIME: Beats 21%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER2APLUS: Beats 22%PRIME: Beats 18%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER2APLUS: Beats 50%PRIME: Beats 32%

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%
    PRIME
    11%

  • Xcel CC

    APLUS
    0%
    PRIME
    11%

  • CEE Advanced

    APLUS
    0%
    PRIME
    0%

  • ENERGY STAR CC

    APLUS
    0%
    PRIME
    0%

All-around best, ductless 3.5–4.5 tons

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

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

APLUS

No ductless, 3.5–4.5 tons model from APLUS.

PRIME

No ductless, 3.5–4.5 tons model from PRIME.

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