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COMFORTSTAR vs RUSSELL: heat pump ratings compared

Against heat pumps of the same size and type, a typical COMFORTSTAR model beats 50% and a typical RUSSELL model 33%. COMFORTSTAR rates higher overall.

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

COMFORTSTAR

50%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

About average

133 models listed

RUSSELL

33%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Well below average

111 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°FCOMFORTSTAR: Beats 51%RUSSELL: Beats 37%
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°FCOMFORTSTAR: Beats 48%RUSSELL: Beats 21%
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF2COMFORTSTAR: Beats 54%RUSSELL: Beats 24%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER2COMFORTSTAR: Beats 49%RUSSELL: Beats 28%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER2COMFORTSTAR: Beats 44%RUSSELL: Beats 36%

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

    COMFORTSTAR
    53%
    RUSSELL
    11%

  • Xcel CC

    COMFORTSTAR
    47%
    RUSSELL
    7%

  • CEE Advanced

    COMFORTSTAR
    2%
    RUSSELL
    0%

  • ENERGY STAR CC

    COMFORTSTAR
    30%
    RUSSELL
    12%

Top cold-climate picks, ducted 5 tons and up

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, 5 tons and up (57,000 Btu/h and up cooling). What size is my system?

COMFORTSTAR

None of COMFORTSTAR’s ducted, 5 tons and up models qualifies.

RUSSELL

None of RUSSELL’s ducted, 5 tons and up 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