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AUX vs Carrier: heat pump ratings compared

Against heat pumps of the same size and type, a typical AUX model beats 52% and a typical Carrier model 48%. AUX rates slightly higher overall.

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

AUX

52%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

About average

149 models listed

Carrier

48%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

About average

816 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°FAUX: Beats 62%Carrier: Beats 56%
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°FAUX: Beats 51%Carrier: Beats 34%
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF2AUX: Beats 43%Carrier: Beats 40%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER2AUX: Beats 51%Carrier: Beats 42%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER2AUX: Beats 40%Carrier: Beats 59%

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

    AUX
    68%
    Carrier
    40%

  • Xcel CC

    AUX
    63%
    Carrier
    27%

  • CEE Advanced

    AUX
    1%
    Carrier
    1%

  • ENERGY STAR CC

    AUX
    44%
    Carrier
    27%

All-around best, ducted 5 tons and up

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

Showing Ducted, 5 tons and up (57,000 Btu/h and up cooling). What size is my system?

AUX

No ducted, 5 tons and up model from AUX.

Carrier

  1. 127VNA360A*030*with ducted air handler FE5BNBD60L*+UICarrierAlso sold as Bryant Heating and Cooling Systems 293VAN060**AA, HEIL B5H3V60*K*AAA5 tons · 58,000 Btu/h · DuctedCold-climate pick, score 82.3Meets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    74% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Top 10%
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.18 (COP at 5°F)
    Great
    Winter efficiency
    9.0 (HSPF2)
    Good
    Cooling efficiency
    20.0 (SEER2)
    Top 10%
    Hot-day cooling
    12.5 (EER2)
    Top 10%
    89.1score / 100Heating 82 · Cooling 96
  2. 2H5H3V60*K*AAA*with ducted air handler FCMA5B60L0D*+WALLCONCarrier (sold as HEIL)Also sold as Comfortmaker C5H3V60*K*AAA, Kenmore (C,H,T)5H3V60*K*AAA, Tempstar T5H3V60*K*AAA5 tons · 58,000 Btu/h · DuctedCold-climate pick, score 72.9Meets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    74% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Top 10%
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.06 (COP at 5°F)
    Good
    Winter efficiency
    8.5 (HSPF2)
    Good
    Cooling efficiency
    20.0 (SEER2)
    Top 10%
    Hot-day cooling
    12.5 (EER2)
    Top 10%
    83.9score / 100Heating 72 · Cooling 96
  3. 327VPA960A*030*with ducted air handler FT5ANBD60LCarrierAlso sold as Bryant Heating and Cooling Systems 249VAN060**AA, Arcoaire N5H9V60*K*AAA, Arcoaire Q5H9V60*K*AAA5 tons · 57,500 Btu/h · DuctedCold-climate pick, score 80.1Meets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    71% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Great
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.12 (COP at 5°F)
    Great
    Winter efficiency
    9.0 (HSPF2)
    Good
    Cooling efficiency
    17.0 (SEER2)
    Great
    Hot-day cooling
    12.0 (EER2)
    Great
    80.6score / 100Heating 80 · Cooling 81

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.

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