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BHI vs Buck Cool: heat pump ratings compared

Against heat pumps of the same size and type, a typical BHI model beats 36% and a typical Buck Cool model 55%. Buck Cool rates higher overall.

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

BHI

36%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Well below average

5 models listed

Buck Cool

55%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Above average

5 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°FBHI: Beats 19%Buck Cool: Beats 60%
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°FBHI: Beats 33%Buck Cool: Beats 70%
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF2BHI: Beats 17%Buck Cool: Beats 33%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER2BHI: Beats 27%Buck Cool: Beats 43%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER2BHI: Beats 18%Buck Cool: Beats 48%

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

    BHI
    20%
    Buck Cool
    80%
  • Xcel CC

    BHI
    20%
    Buck Cool
    80%
  • CEE Advanced

    BHI
    0%
    Buck Cool
    0%
  • ENERGY STAR CC

    BHI
    20%
    Buck Cool
    60%

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.

BHI

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

Buck Cool

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

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