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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 73% and a typical CIAC model 50%. Bluefin rates higher overall.

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

Bluefin

73%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Well above average

9 models listed

CIAC

50%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

About average

21 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 67%CIAC: Beats 64%
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°FBluefin: Beats 65%CIAC: Beats 37%
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF2Bluefin: Beats 76%CIAC: Beats 54%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER2Bluefin: Beats 78%CIAC: Beats 45%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER2Bluefin: Beats 77%CIAC: Beats 39%

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
    48%

  • Xcel CC

    Bluefin
    100%
    CIAC
    24%

  • CEE Advanced

    Bluefin
    0%
    CIAC
    0%

  • ENERGY STAR CC

    Bluefin
    89%
    CIAC
    0%

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.

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

Bluefin

No ductless, 2.5–3 tons model from Bluefin.

CIAC

  1. 1CG43MX036PH3H1Cwith ductless indoor unit CH43MX036-H3H1CCIAC3 tons · 33,600 Btu/h · DuctlessKeeps 71% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    71% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Good
    Efficiency at 5°F
    1.85 (COP at 5°F)
    Good
    Seasonal efficiency
    8.5 (HSPF2)
    Below the middle
    44.1score / 100

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