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CIAC vs Perfect Aire: heat pump ratings compared

Against heat pumps of the same size and type, a typical CIAC model beats 38% and a typical Perfect Aire model 53%. Perfect Aire rates higher overall.

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

CIAC

38%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Well below average

3 models listed

Perfect Aire

53%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

About average

7 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°FCIAC: Beats 83%Perfect Aire: Beats 38%
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°FCIAC: Beats 16%Perfect Aire: Beats 63%
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF2CIAC: Beats 11%Perfect Aire: Beats 47%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER2CIAC: Beats 22%Perfect Aire: Beats 57%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER2CIAC: Beats 14%Perfect Aire: Beats 58%

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

    CIAC
    33%
    Perfect Aire
    86%

  • Xcel CC

    CIAC
    0%
    Perfect Aire
    86%

  • CEE Advanced

    CIAC
    0%
    Perfect Aire
    0%

  • ENERGY STAR CC

    CIAC
    0%
    Perfect Aire
    86%

All-around best, ducted 2.5–3 tons

Balances heating (5°F output and efficiency, HSPF2) and cooling (SEER2, EER2), each rating 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?

CIAC

No ducted, 2.5–3 tons model from CIAC.

Perfect Aire

No ducted, 2.5–3 tons model from Perfect Aire.

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