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BHI vs Classic America: heat pump ratings compared

Against heat pumps of the same size and type, a typical BHI model beats 17% and a typical Classic America model 32%. Classic America rates higher overall.

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

BHI

17%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Well below average

7 models listed

Classic America

32%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Well below average

9 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 23%Classic America: Beats 33%
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°FBHI: Beats 15%Classic America: Beats 22%
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF2BHI: Beats 36%Classic America: Beats 43%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER2BHI: Beats 9%Classic America: Beats 38%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER2BHI: Beats 10%Classic America: Beats 27%

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
    14%
    Classic America
    44%

  • Xcel CC

    BHI
    14%
    Classic America
    44%

  • CEE Advanced

    BHI
    0%
    Classic America
    0%

  • ENERGY STAR CC

    BHI
    0%
    Classic America
    44%

All-around best, ducted 2.5–3 tons

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

Showing Ducted, 2.5–3 tons (27,000–38,999 Btu/h cooling), the most-listed ducted size. Pick yours above. What size is my system?

BHI

No ducted, 2.5–3 tons model from BHI.

Classic America

No ducted, 2.5–3 tons model from Classic America.

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