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CIAC vs ROYALTON: heat pump ratings compared

Against heat pumps of the same size and type, a typical CIAC model beats 50% and a typical ROYALTON model 50%. They are level.

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

CIAC

50%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

About average

21 models listed

ROYALTON

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°FCIAC: Beats 64%ROYALTON: Beats 58%
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°FCIAC: Beats 37%ROYALTON: Beats 20%
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF2CIAC: Beats 54%ROYALTON: Beats 22%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER2CIAC: Beats 45%ROYALTON: Beats 29%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER2CIAC: Beats 39%ROYALTON: Beats 67%

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
    48%
    ROYALTON
    19%
  • Xcel CC

    CIAC
    24%
    ROYALTON
    0%
  • CEE Advanced

    CIAC
    0%
    ROYALTON
    0%
  • ENERGY STAR CC

    CIAC
    0%
    ROYALTON
    0%

Top cold-climate picks, ducted 3.5–4.5 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.

CIAC

None of CIAC’s ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons models qualifies.

ROYALTON

None of ROYALTON’s ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons models qualifies.

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