Skip to content

Bestcold vs GENERALLUX STAR: heat pump ratings compared

Against heat pumps of the same size and type, a typical Bestcold model beats 46% and a typical GENERALLUX STAR model 50%. GENERALLUX STAR rates slightly higher overall.

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

Bestcold

46%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

About average

79 models listed

GENERALLUX STAR

50%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

About average

6 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°FBestcold: Beats 45%GENERALLUX STAR: Beats 55%
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°FBestcold: Beats 43%GENERALLUX STAR: Beats 60%
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF2Bestcold: Beats 48%GENERALLUX STAR: Beats 42%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER2Bestcold: Beats 51%GENERALLUX STAR: Beats 48%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER2Bestcold: Beats 39%GENERALLUX STAR: Beats 47%

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

    Bestcold
    68%
    GENERALLUX STAR
    100%
  • Xcel CC

    Bestcold
    66%
    GENERALLUX STAR
    83%
  • CEE Advanced

    Bestcold
    1%
    GENERALLUX STAR
    0%
  • ENERGY STAR CC

    Bestcold
    10%
    GENERALLUX STAR
    0%

Top cold-climate picks, ducted up to 1.5 tons

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.

Bestcold

None of Bestcold’s ducted, up to 1.5 tons models qualifies.

GENERALLUX STAR

No ducted, up to 1.5 tons model from GENERALLUX STAR.

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