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BHI vs PRIME: heat pump ratings compared

Against heat pumps of the same size and type, a typical BHI model beats 17% and a typical PRIME model 20%. PRIME rates slightly 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

PRIME

20%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Well below average

18 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%PRIME: Beats 44%
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°FBHI: Beats 15%PRIME: Beats 15%
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF2BHI: Beats 36%PRIME: Beats 21%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER2BHI: Beats 9%PRIME: Beats 18%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER2BHI: Beats 10%PRIME: Beats 32%

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%
    PRIME
    11%

  • Xcel CC

    BHI
    14%
    PRIME
    11%

  • CEE Advanced

    BHI
    0%
    PRIME
    0%

  • ENERGY STAR CC

    BHI
    0%
    PRIME
    0%

All-around best, ducted up to 1.5 tons

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

Showing Ducted, Up to 1.5 tons (under 21,000 Btu/h cooling). What size is my system?

BHI

No ducted, up to 1.5 tons model from BHI.

PRIME

None of PRIME’s ducted, up to 1.5 tons models has all five ratings.

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