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Armbridge vs IWAE: heat pump ratings compared

Against heat pumps of the same size and type, a typical Armbridge model beats 55% and a typical IWAE model 52%. Armbridge rates slightly higher overall.

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

Armbridge

55%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

About average

23 models listed

IWAE

52%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

About average

23 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°FArmbridge: Beats 46%IWAE: Beats 26%
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°FArmbridge: Beats 50%IWAE: Beats 61%
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF2Armbridge: Beats 62%IWAE: Beats 35%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER2Armbridge: Beats 64%IWAE: Beats 40%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER2Armbridge: Beats 49%IWAE: Beats 36%

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

    Armbridge
    57%
    IWAE
    35%

  • Xcel CC

    Armbridge
    61%
    IWAE
    35%

  • CEE Advanced

    Armbridge
    4%
    IWAE
    0%

  • ENERGY STAR CC

    Armbridge
    39%
    IWAE
    26%

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?

Armbridge

  1. 1AB-GTMR42-230VOArmbridgeAlso listed as AB-GTMH42-230VO3.5 tons · 42,000 Btu/h · DuctlessCold-climate pick, score 59.9Meets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    82% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Good
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.05 (COP at 5°F)
    Good
    Winter efficiency
    10.3 (HSPF2)
    Good
    Cooling efficiency
    23.0 (SEER2)
    Great
    Hot-day cooling
    12.4 (EER2)
    Great
    74.4score / 100Heating 60 · Cooling 89

IWAE

No ductless, 3.5–4.5 tons model from IWAE.

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