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Classic America vs MBO: heat pump ratings compared

One of these brands has too few models with every rating for an overall score; see each rating below.

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

Classic America

32%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Well below average

9 models listed

MBO

—

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Not enough rated models

9 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°FClassic America: Beats 33%MBO: Not rated
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°FClassic America: Beats 22%MBO: Not rated
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF2Classic America: Beats 43%MBO: Beats 6%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER2Classic America: Beats 38%MBO: Beats 25%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER2Classic America: Beats 27%MBO: Beats 33%

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

    Classic America
    44%
    MBO
    0%

  • Xcel CC

    Classic America
    44%
    MBO
    0%

  • CEE Advanced

    Classic America
    0%
    MBO
    0%

  • ENERGY STAR CC

    Classic America
    44%
    MBO
    0%

All-around best, ducted up to 1.5 tons

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

Showing Ducted, Up to 1.5 tons (under 21,000 Btu/h cooling). What size is my system?

Classic America

No ducted, up to 1.5 tons model from Classic America.

MBO

No ducted, up to 1.5 tons model from MBO.

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