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Daikin vs Lennox heat pumps

Measured against models of the same size and duct type, Daikin and Lennox split the 6 ratings 2–2. Daikin has 394 outdoor models, Lennox has 331 outdoor models.

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CompareData as of updated · sources

Against comparable models

Each cell is the share of same-size, same-type models that the manufacturer’s typical model beats (50% is typical); the higher score is in bold. Raw medians are underneath for context: they depend on which sizes each one makes, so they are not compared.
Daikin and Lennox on every ratingPeer scores, 0–100 · grey ticks: every ranked manufacturer · shaded: the middle half of each one’s modelsMeasured against models of the same size and duct type, Daikin and Lennox split the 6 ratings 2–2.
  • Daikin
  • Lennox
  • Other ranked manufacturers
DaikinLennox

Source: AHRI Directory, NEEP · as of

Average peer percentile, raw median and rank among ranked manufacturers
RatingDaikinLennox
Efficiency index50% (higher)median — · 19th ranked48% (higher)median — · 22nd ranked
COP at 5°F46%median 1.94 · 20th ranked46%median 1.95 · 21st ranked
Capacity retention at 5°F48% (higher)median 68% · 20th ranked43% (higher)median 62% · 22nd ranked
HSPF238%median 7.8 · 26th ranked44%median 8.1 · 21st ranked
SEER245%median 16.6 · 20th ranked45%median 16.0 · 21st ranked
EER254%median 11.7 · 13th ranked57%median 11.7 · 11th ranked
Heating capacity at 5°F47% (higher)median 23,200 Btu/h · 20th ranked45% (higher)median 19,000 Btu/h · 22nd ranked
Outdoor models394331
AHRI certifications21,28265,305

Share of models meeting each standard

Percent of each manufacturer’s models with a qualifying certification
StandardDaikinLennox
CEE 2025 Tier 1 (Split ASHP)38.1%150 models43.8%145 models
CEE 2026 Tier 1 (Split ASHP)34.8%137 models41.4%137 models
CEE Advanced Tier (Split ASHP)1.8%7 models2.7%9 models
Xcel Energy Colorado cold-climate ASHP (2025)29.7%117 models35.6%118 models
DOE Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge1.8%7 models2.7%9 models
ENERGY STAR Cold Climate17.3%68 models29.9%99 models

Sizes and duct types offered

Models in each peer group, with the efficiency index of those models against the rest of the group.
Side by side, inside each size and duct typeShape: every model of the group · bars: each manufacturer’s middle half, median dot, 10th–90th line · 10 groups where both have models
  • Daikin
  • Lennox
  • All models of the group
Ducted, up to 1.5 tons1.901,783 modelsDucted, 2 tons2.001,090 modelsDucted, 2.5–3 tons2.001,909 modelsDucted, 3.5–4.5 tons2.002,224 modelsDucted, 5 tons and up2.00321 modelsNon-ducted, up to 1.5 tons1.953,455 modelsNon-ducted, 2 tons2.00863 modelsNon-ducted, 2.5–3 tons2.001,106 modelsNon-ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons2.00564 modelsNon-ducted, 5 tons and up2.0585 modelsmedian

Raw ratings are only placed side by side within one size and duct type, where they are comparable.

Source: AHRI Directory · as of

Models per peer group · efficiency index within the group
Size and duct typeDaikinLennox
Ducted, up to 1.5 tons30 · index 36%23 · index 59%
Ducted, 2 tons47 · index 44%48 · index 46%
Ducted, 2.5–3 tons105 · index 52%86 · index 45%
Ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons152 · index 57%100 · index 44%
Ducted, 5 tons and up16 · index 50%30 · index 46%
Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons43 · index 46%44 · index 55%
Non-ducted, 2 tons13 · index 49%16 · index 57%
Non-ducted, 2.5–3 tons8 · index 51%16 · index 60%
Non-ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons7 · index 33%6 · index 51%
Non-ducted, 5 tons and up1 · index 48%4 · index 57%

Cold-climate and all-around picks, size class by size class

Each manufacturer’s best model on each board in every size and duct type, side by side; the higher score is in bold. Both scores are 0–100 against every model of that size class (the line on each bar is 50, the typical model there), so the two compare fairly even when they make different sizes.

Cold-climate picks

Best cold-climate pick per size and duct type (keeps at least 70% of its heat at 5°F). Qualifies when its capacity retention at 5°F (capacity at 5°F as a share of capacity at 47°F) is at least 70% and Capacity retention at 5°F, COP at 5°F, HSPF2 are all rated. Score = the equal-weight mean of its peer percentiles on Capacity retention at 5°F, COP at 5°F, HSPF2 (share of the other models in its peer group it beats, 0–100), all from one certified pairing: in each duct type a model is sold in, its qualifying pairing of that type with the best score; equal scores (one decimal) go to the higher heating capacity at 5°F.
Size and duct typeDaikinCold-climate score, best modelLennoxCold-climate score, best model
Ducted, up to 1.5 tons62.5(50 is the typical model of its size class)RZA18AAVJU*with ducted air handler FTA18A*VJU11 of 30 models qualify · AHRI 21717521486.6(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)A-VXP18SA-1with ducted air handler WXP18SA16 of 23 models qualify · AHRI 217482406
Ducted, 2 tons89.2(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)DH9VSA241CA*with ducted air handler CAHEA3630C3A*+MBVK16CH*X00AAlso sold as Amana AZV9SA241CA, Goodman GZV9SA241CA12 of 47 models qualify · AHRI 21669979188.5(50 is the typical model of its size class)SL22KLV-024-230A**with ducted air handler CBK48MVT-042-230-27 of 51 models qualify · AHRI 216379010
Ducted, 2.5–3 tons88.5(50 is the typical model of its size class)DH9VSA361CA*with ducted air handler CAHEA3630C3A*+MBVK16CH*X00AAlso sold as Amana AZV9SA361CA, Goodman GZV9SA361CA36 of 105 models qualify · AHRI 21669979293.4(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)SL22KLV-036-230A**with ducted air handler CBK48MVT-060-230-29 of 83 models qualify · AHRI 216776011
Ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons72.1(50 is the typical model of its size class)RZA42AAVJU*with ducted air handler FBA42A*VJU49 of 152 models qualify · AHRI 21717522390.8(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)SL22KLV-060-230A**with indoor coil D(A,C,E)60D3J+TDR and furnace SLP99UH110XV60C27 of 99 models qualify · AHRI 217443918
Ducted, 5 tons and up77.3(50 is the typical model of its size class)RXTA60AAVJU*1 of 16 models qualify · AHRI 21717841783.7(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)VPD060H6M-5P5 of 31 models qualify · AHRI 216054512
Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons80.0(50 is the typical model of its size class)RXM09WVJU*with ductless indoor unit FTXM09WVJU34 of 43 models qualify · AHRI 21249425796.7(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)A-VHP06SA-1with ductless indoor unit B-VHP06SA-131 of 44 models qualify · AHRI 216097104
Non-ducted, 2 tons76.2(50 is the typical model of its size class)RXTA24AAVJU*10 of 13 models qualify · AHRI 21717840889.4(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)A-VHP24SA-1with ductless indoor unit B-VHP24CA-112 of 16 models qualify · AHRI 217482451
Non-ducted, 2.5–3 tons66.9(50 is the typical model of its size class)RXLA36AAVJU*8 of 8 models qualify · AHRI 21717841282.5(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)VPD036S6M-5P14 of 16 models qualify · AHRI 216054505
Non-ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons46.9(50 is the typical model of its size class)RXLA48AAVJU*7 of 7 models qualify · AHRI 21717841373.4(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)A-VHP486A-15 of 6 models qualify · AHRI 216097135
Non-ducted, 5 tons and up70.2(50 is the typical model of its size class)RXTA60AAVJU*1 of 1 models qualify · AHRI 21717841184.1(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)VPD060H6M-5P4 of 4 models qualify · AHRI 216054508

All-around best

Best all-around model per size and duct type. Score = 50% heating, the mean of its peer percentiles on COP at 5°F, Capacity retention at 5°F, HSPF2, plus 50% cooling, the mean of its peer percentiles on SEER2 and EER2 (share of the other models in its peer group it beats, 0–100). All five ratings are required; there is no minimum heat kept at 5°F. In each duct type a model is sold in, it is scored on its pairing of that type with the best score; equal scores (one decimal) go to the higher cold-climate score, then the higher heating capacity at 5°F.
Size and duct typeDaikinAll-around score, best modelLennoxAll-around score, best model
Ducted, up to 1.5 tons65.5(50 is the typical model of its size class)RZA18AAVJU*with ducted air handler FBA18A*VJU27 of 27 models have all five ratings · AHRI 21717521986.5(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)A-VHP09SA-1with ducted air handler B-VHP09DA-123 of 23 models have all five ratings · AHRI 217482441
Ducted, 2 tons87.6(50 is the typical model of its size class)DH9VSA241CA*with ducted air handler CAHEA3630C3A*+MBVK16CH*X00AAlso sold as Amana AZV9SA241CA, Goodman GZV9SA241CA30 of 42 models have all five ratings · AHRI 21669979189.9(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)A-ZHP24SA-1with ducted air handler B-ZHP24SA-147 of 47 models have all five ratings · AHRI 218027842
Ducted, 2.5–3 tons89.0(50 is the typical model of its size class)DH9VSA361CA*with ducted air handler CAHEA3630C3A*+MBVK16CH*X00AAlso sold as Amana AZV9SA361CA, Goodman GZV9SA361CA76 of 107 models have all five ratings · AHRI 21669979295.0(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)SL22KLV-036-230A**with ducted air handler CBK48MVT-060-230-84 of 84 models have all five ratings · AHRI 216776011
Ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons79.2(50 is the typical model of its size class)DPSH04BAPB2****E35**0*Also listed as DPSH04BAPB3****E35**0, DPSH04BAPB4****E35**0, DPSH04BAPB5****E35**0118 of 153 models have all five ratings · AHRI 21603029686.7(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)SL22KLV-048-230A**with indoor coil CK40[C,U]T-60C-**+TDR and furnace SL280UH080NV60C97 of 97 models have all five ratings · AHRI 216776088
Ducted, 5 tons and up62.7(50 is the typical model of its size class)DH7TCA6010A*with ducted air handler DMVT60DP1300AAlso sold as Goodman GLZT7CA6010A, Amana ALZT7CA6010A18 of 21 models have all five ratings · AHRI 21565738284.6(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)VPD060H6M-5P36 of 36 models have all five ratings · AHRI 216054512
Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons88.2(50 is the typical model of its size class)RXM09WVJU*with ductless indoor unit FTXM09WVJU43 of 43 models have all five ratings · AHRI 21249425796.2(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)A-VHP06SA-1with ductless indoor unit B-VHP06SA-140 of 44 models have all five ratings · AHRI 216097104
Non-ducted, 2 tons85.2(50 is the typical model of its size class)RXTA24AAVJU*13 of 13 models have all five ratings · AHRI 21717840888.4(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)A-KZP24SA-1with ductless indoor unit B-KZP24SA-114 of 16 models have all five ratings · AHRI 218027843
Non-ducted, 2.5–3 tons76.6(50 is the typical model of its size class)RXLA36AAVJU*8 of 8 models have all five ratings · AHRI 21717841278.8(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)VPD036S6M-5P15 of 16 models have all five ratings · AHRI 216054505
Non-ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons48.2(50 is the typical model of its size class)RXLA48AAVJU*7 of 7 models have all five ratings · AHRI 21717841375.6(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)A-VHP486A-16 of 6 models have all five ratings · AHRI 216097133
Non-ducted, 5 tons and up48.2(50 is the typical model of its size class)RXTA60AAVJU*1 of 1 models have all five ratings · AHRI 21717841191.6(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)VPD060H6M-5P4 of 4 models have all five ratings · AHRI 216054508

All-around board, every manufacturer

Standout model on each rating

Each manufacturer’s model that beats the largest share of comparable models on the rating; the higher share is in bold.
Top model per rating by peer percentile, with its AHRI-certified value and peer group
RatingDaikinLennox
COP at 5°Fbeats 100% · 2.50RXTA36AAVJU*Non-ducted, 2.5–3 tonsbeats 100% · 4.067HP14F30P-**ADucted, 2.5–3 tons
Capacity retention at 5°Fbeats 99% · 109%RZA30AAVJU*Non-ducted, 2.5–3 tonsbeats 100% · 150%A-ZHP06SA-1Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons
HSPF2beats 87% · 11.2RXM09WVJU*Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tonsbeats 100% · 15.6A-ZHP06SA-1Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons
SEER2beats 98% · 21.0DH9VSA361CA*Also sold as Amana AZV9SA361CA, Goodman GZV9SA361CADucted, 2.5–3 tonsbeats 100% · 27.0A-ZHP15SA-1Ducted, up to 1.5 tons
EER2beats 99% · 14.8RXTA24AAVJU*Non-ducted, 2 tonsbeats 100% · 15.0EL16KP1-018-230A**Also listed as ML14KP1-018-230ADucted, up to 1.5 tons
Heating capacity at 5°Fbeats 99% · 21,600 Btu/hRXM18WVJU*Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tonsbeats 100% · 54,000 Btu/hMMLD024S6S-1PNon-ducted, 2 tons

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