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Clima Smart vs POLAR ELITE: heat pump ratings compared

Against heat pumps of the same size and type, a typical Clima Smart model beats 73% and a typical POLAR ELITE model 17%. Clima Smart rates higher overall.

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

Clima Smart

73%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Well above average

8 models listed

POLAR ELITE

17%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Well below average

8 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°FClima Smart: Beats 35%POLAR ELITE: Beats 18%
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°FClima Smart: Beats 79%POLAR ELITE: Beats 27%
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF2Clima Smart: Beats 68%POLAR ELITE: Beats 27%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER2Clima Smart: Beats 89%POLAR ELITE: Beats 14%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER2Clima Smart: Beats 80%POLAR ELITE: Beats 7%

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

    Clima Smart
    100%
    POLAR ELITE
    0%

  • Xcel CC

    Clima Smart
    100%
    POLAR ELITE
    0%

  • CEE Advanced

    Clima Smart
    0%
    POLAR ELITE
    0%

  • ENERGY STAR CC

    Clima Smart
    100%
    POLAR ELITE
    0%

Top cold-climate picks, ducted up to 1.5 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.

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

Clima Smart

No ducted, up to 1.5 tons model from Clima Smart.

POLAR ELITE

No ducted, up to 1.5 tons model from POLAR ELITE.

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