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CLASSIC vs NOVAIR: heat pump ratings compared

Against heat pumps of the same size and type, a typical CLASSIC model beats 52% and a typical NOVAIR model 63%. NOVAIR rates higher overall.

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

CLASSIC

52%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

About average

32 models listed

NOVAIR

63%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Well above average

25 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: Beats 41%NOVAIR: Beats 48%
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°FCLASSIC: Beats 42%NOVAIR: Beats 64%
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF2CLASSIC: Beats 51%NOVAIR: Beats 73%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER2CLASSIC: Beats 52%NOVAIR: Beats 69%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER2CLASSIC: Beats 49%NOVAIR: Beats 60%

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
    56%
    NOVAIR
    88%

  • Xcel CC

    CLASSIC
    41%
    NOVAIR
    80%

  • CEE Advanced

    CLASSIC
    0%
    NOVAIR
    0%

  • ENERGY STAR CC

    CLASSIC
    13%
    NOVAIR
    80%

Top cold-climate picks, ductless 2.5–3 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.

Showing Ductless, 2.5–3 tons (27,000–38,999 Btu/h cooling). What size is my system?

CLASSIC

  1. 1MMRSHC27AS3CLASSIC2.5 tons · 27,000 Btu/h · DuctlessKeeps 71% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    71% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Good
    Efficiency at 5°F
    1.83 (COP at 5°F)
    Below the middle
    Seasonal efficiency
    9.2 (HSPF2)
    Good
    49.3score / 100
  2. 2GRHARC36AS3with ductless indoor unit GWHARC36S3CLASSIC3 tons · 33,600 Btu/h · DuctlessKeeps 71% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    71% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Good
    Efficiency at 5°F
    1.85 (COP at 5°F)
    Good
    Seasonal efficiency
    8.5 (HSPF2)
    Below the middle
    44.1score / 100

NOVAIR

  1. 1LEA36MZ-4P-35SK-O*NOVAIR3 tons · 36,000 Btu/h · DuctlessKeeps 97% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    97% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Great
    Efficiency at 5°F
    1.90 (COP at 5°F)
    Good
    Seasonal efficiency
    10.3 (HSPF2)
    Great
    79.3score / 100
  2. 2LEA36MZ-4P-35SK-ONOVAIR3 tons · 36,000 Btu/h · DuctlessKeeps 97% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    97% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Great
    Efficiency at 5°F
    1.90 (COP at 5°F)
    Good
    Seasonal efficiency
    9.7 (HSPF2)
    Good
    73.4score / 100
  3. 3LEA28MZ-3P-35SK-ONOVAIR2.5 tons · 28,000 Btu/h · DuctlessKeeps 89% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    89% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Good
    Efficiency at 5°F
    1.80 (COP at 5°F)
    Below the middle
    Seasonal efficiency
    9.8 (HSPF2)
    Good
    54.8score / 100

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