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Bestcold vs K&A: heat pump ratings compared

Against heat pumps of the same size and type, a typical Bestcold model beats 46% and a typical K&A model 30%. Bestcold rates 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

K&A

30%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Well below 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°FBestcold: Beats 45%K&A: Beats 31%
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°FBestcold: Beats 43%K&A: Beats 39%
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF2Bestcold: Beats 48%K&A: Beats 33%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER2Bestcold: Beats 51%K&A: Beats 27%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER2Bestcold: Beats 39%K&A: Beats 28%

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%
    K&A
    17%

  • Xcel CC

    Bestcold
    66%
    K&A
    17%

  • CEE Advanced

    Bestcold
    1%
    K&A
    0%

  • ENERGY STAR CC

    Bestcold
    10%
    K&A
    0%

Top cold-climate picks, ductless 3.5–4.5 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.

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

Bestcold

  1. 1MYTW42NA23BCH24-OBestcold3.5 tons · 42,000 Btu/h · DuctlessKeeps 71% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    71% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Below the middle
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.00 (COP at 5°F)
    Below the middle
    Seasonal efficiency
    10.0 (HSPF2)
    Below the middle
    31.2score / 100
  2. 2MYTM45NA2R32BCH18-OBestcold3.5 tons · 42,000 Btu/h · DuctlessKeeps 74% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    74% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Below the middle
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.00 (COP at 5°F)
    Below the middle
    Seasonal efficiency
    9.5 (HSPF2)
    Below the middle
    24.0score / 100

K&A

No ductless, 3.5–4.5 tons model from K&A.

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