Against comparable models

Each cell is the share of same-size, same-type models that the manufacturer’s typical model beats (50% is typical); the higher score is in bold. Raw medians are underneath for context: they depend on which sizes each one makes, so they are not compared.

Carrier and Rheem on every ratingPeer scores, 0–100 · grey ticks: every ranked manufacturer · shaded: the middle half of each one’s modelsMeasured against models of the same size and duct type, Rheem scores higher on 4 of the 6 ratings.

Carrier
Rheem
Other ranked manufacturers

Source: AHRI Directory, NEEP · as of Oct 9, 2026

Average peer percentile, raw median and rank among ranked manufacturers
Rating	Carrier	Rheem
Efficiency index	47%median — · 23rd ranked	54%median — · 16th ranked
COP at 5°F	58%median 2.00 · 8th ranked	69%median 2.10 · 4th ranked
Capacity retention at 5°F	32%median 53% · 27th ranked	59%median 73% · 10th ranked
HSPF2	38%median 7.7 · 21st ranked	49%median 8.1 · 18th ranked
SEER2	45% (higher)median 15.5 · 20th ranked	44% (higher)median 16.0 · 21st ranked
EER2	59% (higher)median 11.5 · 6th ranked	46% (higher)median 10.6 · 20th ranked
Heating capacity at 5°F	35%median 18,300 Btu/h · 27th ranked	58%median 22,000 Btu/h · 8th ranked
Outdoor models	701	291
AHRI certifications	367,101	15,614

Share of models meeting each standard

Percent of each manufacturer’s models with a qualifying certification
Standard	Carrier	Rheem
CEE 2025 Tier 1 (Split ASHP)	28.5%200 models	40.2%117 models
CEE 2026 Tier 1 (Split ASHP)	25.5%179 models	39.2%114 models
CEE Advanced Tier (Split ASHP)	2%14 models	5.5%16 models
Xcel Energy Colorado cold-climate ASHP (2025)	17.1%120 models	35.1%102 models
DOE Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge	2%14 models	5.5%16 models
ENERGY STAR Cold Climate	8.8%62 models	15.5%45 models

Sizes and duct types offered

Models in each peer group, with the efficiency index of those models against the rest of the group.

Side by side, inside each size and duct typeShape: every model of the group · bars: each manufacturer’s middle half, median dot, 10th–90th line · 9 groups where both have models

Carrier
Rheem
All models of the group

Raw ratings are only placed side by side within one size and duct type, where they are comparable.

Source: AHRI Directory · as of Oct 9, 2026

Models per peer group · efficiency index within the group
Size and duct type	Carrier	Rheem
Ducted, up to 1.5 tons	34 · index 48%	25 · index 40%
Ducted, 2 tons	100 · index 47%	32 · index 49%
Ducted, 2.5–3 tons	195 · index 47%	64 · index 51%
Ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons	256 · index 43%	85 · index 52%
Ducted, 5 tons and up	67 · index 60%	17 · index 69%
Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons	42 · index 55%	59 · index 64%
Non-ducted, 2 tons	9 · index 53%	12 · index 64%
Non-ducted, 2.5–3 tons	31 · index 52%	20 · index 57%
Non-ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons	17 · index 48%	8 · index 50%
Non-ducted, 5 tons and up	1 · index 86%	None

Cold-climate and all-around picks, size class by size class

Each manufacturer’s best model on each board in every size and duct type, side by side; the higher score is in bold. Both scores are 0–100 against every model of that size class (the line on each bar is 50, the typical model there), so the two compare fairly even when they make different sizes.

Cold-climate picks

Best cold-climate pick per size and duct type (keeps at least 70% of its heat at 5°F). Qualifies when its capacity retention at 5°F (capacity at 5°F as a share of capacity at 47°F) is at least 70% and Capacity retention at 5°F, COP at 5°F, HSPF2 are all rated. Score = the equal-weight mean of its peer percentiles on Capacity retention at 5°F, COP at 5°F, HSPF2 (share of the other models in its peer group it beats, 0–100), all from one certified pairing: in each duct type a model is sold in, its qualifying pairing of that type with the best score; equal scores (one decimal) go to the higher heating capacity at 5°F.
Size and duct type	CarrierCold-climate score, best model	RheemCold-climate score, best model
Ducted, up to 1.5 tons	81.3(50 is the typical model of its size class)38MARBQ18AA3with ducted air handler 40MBDAQ18XH3Also sold as Arcoaire DLCSRBH18AAK21 of 33 models qualify · AHRI 211132918	83.5(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)RO1HHZ12AJ8Swith ducted air handler RIMHHZ12AJ8S13 of 26 models qualify · AHRI 210824724
Ducted, 2 tons	95.9(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)38MURAQ24AB3*with indoor coil H,PG7J936 and furnace 927TA48060V1735 of 99 models qualify · AHRI 216761973	75.4(50 is the typical model of its size class)UOMH24FXZHJAlso listed as ROMH24FXZHJ, RO3HFZ24AJ1H14 of 31 models qualify · AHRI 10595427
Ducted, 2.5–3 tons	96.4(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)38MURAQ36AB3*with indoor coil H,PG48936 and furnace 927TA60080V2143 of 197 models qualify · AHRI 216761988	86.6(50 is the typical model of its size class)RO1HHZ30AJ8Swith ducted air handler RIMHHZ30AJ8S24 of 64 models qualify · AHRI 211781741
Ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons	87.7(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)MCY-MAP0487HS-UL*26 of 256 models qualify · AHRI 213350254	87.0(50 is the typical model of its size class)ROSH42VGSNwith ducted air handler RIDH42AXCJAlso sold as RUUD RO1HGZ42AJ8S23 of 85 models qualify · AHRI 207590035
Ducted, 5 tons and up	91.5(50 is the typical model of its size class)MCY-MAP0607HS-UL*1 of 67 models qualify · AHRI 213350251	None on this board (0 of 17 models qualify)
Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons	95.0(50 is the typical model of its size class)DLCPRBH18AAKwith ductless indoor unit DLFPHBH18XAKAlso sold as Payne 38MPRBQ18AA324 of 42 models qualify · AHRI 207826644	95.0(50 is the typical model of its size class)RO1HGZ15AJ1Swith ductless indoor unit UIWHGZ15AJ1S45 of 59 models qualify · AHRI 210368107
Non-ducted, 2 tons	86.1(50 is the typical model of its size class)38MARBQ24AA3with ductless indoor unit 40MBCAQ24XA3Also sold as Arcoaire DLCSRBH24AAK5 of 9 models qualify · AHRI 207683292	87.3(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)RO1HHZ24AJ2Swith ductless indoor unit UIWHHZ24AJ2S10 of 12 models qualify · AHRI 210368117
Non-ducted, 2.5–3 tons	85.9(50 is the typical model of its size class)MCY-MAP0367HS-UL*7 of 31 models qualify · AHRI 213350255	89.6(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)RO1HHZ30AJ8Swith ductless indoor unit RIGHHZ30AJ8S15 of 20 models qualify · AHRI 211781745
Non-ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons	82.0(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)MCY-MAP0487HS-UL*11 of 17 models qualify · AHRI 213350250	75.3(50 is the typical model of its size class)ROSH42VGSNwith ductless indoor unit RICH42AXCJAlso sold as RUUD UOSH42VGSN; also listed as RO1HGZ42AJ8S5 of 8 models qualify · AHRI 202245810
Non-ducted, 5 tons and up	89.2(50 is the typical model of its size class)MCY-MAP0607HS-UL*1 of 1 models qualify · AHRI 213350252	No models in this size class

All-around best

Best all-around model per size and duct type. Score = 50% heating, the mean of its peer percentiles on COP at 5°F, Capacity retention at 5°F, HSPF2, plus 50% cooling, the mean of its peer percentiles on SEER2 and EER2 (share of the other models in its peer group it beats, 0–100). All five ratings are required; there is no minimum heat kept at 5°F. In each duct type a model is sold in, it is scored on its pairing of that type with the best score; equal scores (one decimal) go to the higher cold-climate score, then the higher heating capacity at 5°F.
Size and duct type	CarrierAll-around score, best model	RheemAll-around score, best model
Ducted, up to 1.5 tons	85.2(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)38MARBQ09AA3with ducted air handler 40MBDQ09---3Also sold as Arcoaire DLCSRBH09AAK32 of 33 models have all five ratings · AHRI 206350328	82.7(50 is the typical model of its size class)RO1HHZ12AJ8Swith ducted air handler RIMHHZ12AJ8S24 of 25 models have all five ratings · AHRI 210824724
Ducted, 2 tons	88.8(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)25VNA424A031with indoor coil CAP*3721AL+UI and furnace 58TNA090C1716Also sold as Bryant Heating and Cooling Systems 284ANV0240**B90 of 92 models have all five ratings · AHRI 210533008	83.6(50 is the typical model of its size class)RP18AZ24AJVCwith indoor coil RCFZ2421HEAAM and furnace R98VB085M521U28 of 31 models have all five ratings · AHRI 213163975
Ducted, 2.5–3 tons	91.0(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)MCY-MAP0367HS-UL162 of 203 models have all five ratings · AHRI 10049878	87.2(50 is the typical model of its size class)UP18AZ36AJVCwith indoor coil RCFZ6021SEAAM and furnace U802VA075317M44 of 65 models have all five ratings · AHRI 210589396
Ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons	92.1(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)25VNA448A031with ducted air handler FE4BNBD60L+UIAlso sold as Bryant Heating and Cooling Systems 284ANV0480**B201 of 253 models have all five ratings · AHRI 213361591	81.5(50 is the typical model of its size class)RP18AZ48AJVCwith ducted air handler RHMVZ6021SEACA46 of 84 models have all five ratings · AHRI 208552859
Ducted, 5 tons and up	91.6(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)25VNA460A031with ducted air handler FE4BNBD60L*+UI40 of 71 models have all five ratings · AHRI 213361593	70.9(50 is the typical model of its size class)RP15AZ60AJ2Nwith ducted air handler V,R60H210P309+AEFE5Also listed as WP15AZ60AJ2N5 of 18 models have all five ratings · AHRI 213088753
Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons	93.6(50 is the typical model of its size class)DLCPRBH18AAKwith ductless indoor unit DLFPHBH18XAKAlso sold as Payne 38MPRBQ18AA342 of 42 models have all five ratings · AHRI 207826644	96.4(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)RO1HGZ09AJ1Swith ductless indoor unit UIWHGZ09AJ1S49 of 59 models have all five ratings · AHRI 210368099
Non-ducted, 2 tons	84.3(50 is the typical model of its size class)38MARBQ24AA3with ductless indoor unit 40MAHBQ24XA3Also sold as Arcoaire DLCSRBH24AAK9 of 9 models have all five ratings · AHRI 206348138	86.5(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)RO1HHZ24AJ8Swith ductless indoor unit RIGHHZ24AJ8S12 of 12 models have all five ratings · AHRI 211781744
Non-ducted, 2.5–3 tons	90.0(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)RAV-SP302AT2P-ULwith ductless indoor unit RAV-SM302UTP-UL27 of 31 models have all five ratings · AHRI 208447324	79.2(50 is the typical model of its size class)UOMH36FXZHJAlso listed as ROMH36FXZHJ, RO4HFZ36AJ1H19 of 20 models have all five ratings · AHRI 10595431
Non-ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons	87.5(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)MCY-MAP0487HS-UL*17 of 17 models have all five ratings · AHRI 213350250	65.1(50 is the typical model of its size class)ROSH42VGSNwith ductless indoor unit RICH42AXCJAlso sold as RUUD UOSH42VGSN; also listed as RO1HGZ42AJ8S8 of 8 models have all five ratings · AHRI 202245810
Non-ducted, 5 tons and up	85.8(50 is the typical model of its size class)MCY-MAP0607HS-UL*1 of 1 models have all five ratings · AHRI 213350252	No models in this size class

All-around board, every manufacturer

Standout model on each rating

Each manufacturer’s model that beats the largest share of comparable models on the rating; the higher share is in bold.

Top model per rating by peer percentile, with its AHRI-certified value and peer group
Rating	Carrier	Rheem
COP at 5°F	beats 100% · 2.70MCY-MAP0367HS-UL*Non-ducted, 2.5–3 tons	beats 100% · 3.15RP15AZ24AJ2NDucted, 2 tons
Capacity retention at 5°F	beats 100% · 160%WDLCURAH18ABKDucted, up to 1.5 tons	beats 100% · 149%ROSH09AFFHJNon-ducted, up to 1.5 tons
HSPF2	beats 100% · 15.038MPRBQ09AA3Also sold as Arcoaire DLCPRBH09AAKNon-ducted, up to 1.5 tons	beats 98% · 13.4RO1HGZ09AJ1SNon-ducted, up to 1.5 tons
SEER2	beats 100% · 23.1MCY-MAP0607HS-UL*Non-ducted, 5 tons and up	beats 100% · 33.1RO1HGZ09AJ1SNon-ducted, up to 1.5 tons
EER2	beats 100% · 13.5T4H5S42KAAA*Ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons	beats 100% · 18.0RO1HGZ09AJ1SNon-ducted, up to 1.5 tons
Heating capacity at 5°F	beats 100% · 96,220 Btu/h38MURAQ60AB3*Also sold as Grandaire WDLCURAH60ABKDucted, 3.5–4.5 tons	beats 100% · 43,500 Btu/hRP18AZ36AJVCAlso sold as RUUD UP18AZ36AJVCDucted, 2.5–3 tons

More comparisons

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Carrier vs Rheem heat pumps