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Bestcold vs Samsung: heat pump ratings compared

Against heat pumps of the same size and type, a typical Bestcold model beats 22% and a typical Samsung model 62%. Samsung rates higher overall.

Covers older R-410A heat pumps, no longer installed new. See models sold today · Updated

Bestcold

22%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Well below average

7 models listed

Samsung

62%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Well above average

55 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 19%Samsung: Beats 48%
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°FBestcold: Beats 30%Samsung: Beats 84%
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF2Bestcold: Beats 19%Samsung: Beats 55%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER2Bestcold: Beats 27%Samsung: Beats 64%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER2Bestcold: Beats 16%Samsung: Beats 58%

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
    71%
    Samsung
    86%

  • Xcel CC

    Bestcold
    57%
    Samsung
    89%

  • CEE Advanced

    Bestcold
    0%
    Samsung
    9%

  • ENERGY STAR CC

    Bestcold
    0%
    Samsung
    9%

Top cold-climate picks, ductless 2.5–3 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, 2.5–3 tons (27,000–38,999 Btu/h cooling). What size is my system?

Bestcold

None of Bestcold’s ductless, 2.5–3 tons models qualifies.

Samsung

  1. 1AJ036CXS4CHSamsung3 tons · 34,000 Btu/h · DuctlessKeeps 108% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    108% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Top 10%
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.04 (COP at 5°F)
    Top 10%
    Seasonal efficiency
    9.5 (HSPF2)
    Good
    84.1score / 100
  2. 2AM036NXMDCRSamsungAlso listed as AM036TXMDCH3 tons · 38,000 Btu/h · DuctlessKeeps 82% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    82% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Good
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.09 (COP at 5°F)
    Top 10%
    Seasonal efficiency
    10.0 (HSPF2)
    Great
    81.8score / 100
  3. 3AC036BXSCCHwith ductless indoor unit AC036BN4DCHSamsung3 tons · 36,000 Btu/h · DuctlessKeeps 107% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, CEE Advanced, Xcel CC, DOE CCHP
    Heat kept at 5°F
    107% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Top 10%
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.12 (COP at 5°F)
    Top 10%
    Seasonal efficiency
    9.1 (HSPF2)
    Good
    80.9score / 100

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