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Bosch vs DIRECT AIR: heat pump ratings compared

Against heat pumps of the same size and type, a typical Bosch model beats 62% and a typical DIRECT AIR model 67%. DIRECT AIR rates slightly higher overall.

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

Bosch

62%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Well above average

47 models listed

DIRECT AIR

67%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Well above average

47 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°FBosch: Beats 63%DIRECT AIR: Beats 62%
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°FBosch: Beats 62%DIRECT AIR: Beats 64%
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF2Bosch: Beats 68%DIRECT AIR: Beats 76%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER2Bosch: Beats 65%DIRECT AIR: Beats 71%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER2Bosch: Beats 55%DIRECT AIR: Beats 62%

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

    Bosch
    94%
    DIRECT AIR
    94%

  • Xcel CC

    Bosch
    83%
    DIRECT AIR
    85%

  • CEE Advanced

    Bosch
    15%
    DIRECT AIR
    2%

  • ENERGY STAR CC

    Bosch
    85%
    DIRECT AIR
    87%

Top cold-climate picks, ducted 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 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?

Bosch

  1. 1BOVB-36MTB-M19Ewith ducted air handler BIVB-36MCB-M19XBosch3 tons · 36,400 Btu/h · DuctedKeeps 100% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, CEE Advanced, Xcel CC, DOE CCHP, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    100% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Great
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.10 (COP at 5°F)
    Great
    Seasonal efficiency
    10.0 (HSPF2)
    Great
    83.7score / 100
  2. 2BMS500-AAM036-1CSXHDBosch3 tons · 36,000 Btu/h · DuctedKeeps 106% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    106% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Top 10%
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.00 (COP at 5°F)
    Good
    Seasonal efficiency
    10.4 (HSPF2)
    Top 10%
    82.5score / 100
  3. 3BOHA-36MTB-M18Swith ducted air handler D(A,C,E)37D3J+TDRBosch2.5 tons · 31,800 Btu/h · DuctedKeeps 101% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, CEE Advanced, Xcel CC, DOE CCHP, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    101% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Top 10%
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.43 (COP at 5°F)
    Top 10%
    Seasonal efficiency
    8.5 (HSPF2)
    Good
    79.8score / 100

DIRECT AIR

  1. 1DIRM4-36LCHX-1Zwith ducted air handler DIRM4-36HP-DUDIRECT AIR3 tons · 36,000 Btu/h · DuctedKeeps 90% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    90% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Good
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.10 (COP at 5°F)
    Great
    Seasonal efficiency
    11.1 (HSPF2)
    Top 10%
    83.2score / 100
  2. 2DIRM4-36HXPRO28-4ZDIRECT AIRAlso listed as DIRM4-36HXPRO28-5Z3 tons · 36,000 Btu/h · DuctedKeeps 106% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    106% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Top 10%
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.00 (COP at 5°F)
    Good
    Seasonal efficiency
    10.4 (HSPF2)
    Top 10%
    82.5score / 100
  3. 3DIRM4-36MAGICPRO20-OUwith ducted air handler DIRM4-36MAGICPRO20-AHDIRECT AIR3 tons · 36,000 Btu/h · DuctedKeeps 105% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    105% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Top 10%
    Efficiency at 5°F
    1.90 (COP at 5°F)
    Below the middle
    Seasonal efficiency
    10.3 (HSPF2)
    Top 10%
    73.1score / 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.

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