Skip to content
Rebate.Blue

CADET vs TKS: heat pump ratings compared

Against heat pumps of the same size and type, a typical CADET model beats 71% and a typical TKS model 31%. CADET rates higher overall.

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

CADET

71%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Well above average

8 models listed

TKS

31%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Well below average

8 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°FCADET: Beats 44%TKS: Beats 23%
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°FCADET: Beats 85%TKS: Beats 43%
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF2CADET: Beats 81%TKS: Beats 16%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER2CADET: Beats 68%TKS: Beats 35%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER2CADET: Beats 75%TKS: Beats 36%

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

    CADET
    100%
    TKS
    75%

  • Xcel CC

    CADET
    100%
    TKS
    100%

  • CEE Advanced

    CADET
    0%
    TKS
    0%

  • ENERGY STAR CC

    CADET
    100%
    TKS
    0%

All-around best, ducted 2 tons

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

Showing Ducted, 2 tons (21,000–26,999 Btu/h cooling). What size is my system?

CADET

No ducted, 2 tons model from CADET.

TKS

No ducted, 2 tons model from TKS.

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