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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, ductless 2.5–3 tons

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

Showing Ductless, 2.5–3 tons (27,000–38,999 Btu/h cooling). What size is my system?

Bluefin

  1. 1BFMS30BA-02Owith ductless indoor unit BFMS30BA-02IBluefin2.5 tons · 30,000 Btu/h · DuctlessNot a cold-climate pick: keeps 66% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026
    Heat kept at 5°F
    67% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Below the middle
    Efficiency at 5°F
    1.94 (COP at 5°F)
    Below the middle
    Winter efficiency
    9.0 (HSPF2)
    Below the middle
    Cooling efficiency
    22.3 (SEER2)
    Good
    Hot-day cooling
    12.0 (EER2)
    Good
    39.4score / 100Heating 20 · Cooling 59

CIAC

None of CIAC’s ductless, 2.5–3 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