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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, ducted 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 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?

CLASSIC

None of CLASSIC’s ducted, 2.5–3 tons models qualifies.

NOVAIR

  1. 1LEA36-EVOX-30-Owith ducted air handler LEA-30/36-ACOIL-410ANOVAIR3 tons · 35,000 Btu/h · DuctedKeeps 82% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    82% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Good
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.00 (COP at 5°F)
    Good
    Seasonal efficiency
    10.0 (HSPF2)
    Top 10%
    78.6score / 100
  2. 2LEA30-EVOX-30-Owith ducted air handler LEA-30/36-ACOIL-410ANOVAIR2.5 tons · 30,000 Btu/h · DuctedKeeps 82% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    82% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Good
    Efficiency at 5°F
    1.85 (COP at 5°F)
    Below the middle
    Seasonal efficiency
    9.7 (HSPF2)
    Great
    67.8score / 100
  3. 3LEA28MZ-3P-35SK-ONOVAIR2.5 tons · 28,000 Btu/h · DuctedKeeps 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)
    Great
    Efficiency at 5°F
    1.80 (COP at 5°F)
    Below the middle
    Seasonal efficiency
    9.5 (HSPF2)
    Great
    66.7score / 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