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Bluefin vs CIAC: heat pump ratings compared

Against heat pumps of the same size and type, a typical Bluefin model beats 53% and a typical CIAC model 38%. Bluefin rates higher overall.

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

Bluefin

53%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

About average

3 models listed

CIAC

38%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Well below average

3 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°FBluefin: Beats 45%CIAC: Beats 83%
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°FBluefin: Beats 26%CIAC: Beats 16%
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF2Bluefin: Beats 41%CIAC: Beats 11%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER2Bluefin: Beats 73%CIAC: Beats 22%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER2Bluefin: Beats 62%CIAC: Beats 14%

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

    Bluefin
    100%
    CIAC
    33%

  • Xcel CC

    Bluefin
    67%
    CIAC
    0%

  • CEE Advanced

    Bluefin
    0%
    CIAC
    0%

  • ENERGY STAR CC

    Bluefin
    67%
    CIAC
    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?

Bluefin

No ducted, up to 1.5 tons model from Bluefin.

CIAC

No ducted, up to 1.5 tons model from CIAC.

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