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DIAL vs PREMIUM LEVELLA: heat pump ratings compared

Against heat pumps of the same size and type, a typical DIAL model beats 55% and a typical PREMIUM LEVELLA model 45%. DIAL rates higher overall.

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

DIAL

55%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Above average

40 models listed

PREMIUM LEVELLA

45%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Below average

40 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°FDIAL: Beats 44%PREMIUM LEVELLA: Beats 44%
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°FDIAL: Beats 58%PREMIUM LEVELLA: Beats 35%
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF2DIAL: Beats 51%PREMIUM LEVELLA: Beats 42%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER2DIAL: Beats 55%PREMIUM LEVELLA: Beats 45%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER2DIAL: Beats 54%PREMIUM LEVELLA: 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

    DIAL
    83%
    PREMIUM LEVELLA
    53%
  • Xcel CC

    DIAL
    70%
    PREMIUM LEVELLA
    28%
  • CEE Advanced

    DIAL
    0%
    PREMIUM LEVELLA
    0%
  • ENERGY STAR CC

    DIAL
    60%
    PREMIUM LEVELLA
    13%

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.

DIAL

  1. 19000-UNI-Owith ducted air handler 9000Z-DUC-IDIAL1 ton · 9,000 Btu/h · DuctedKeeps 79% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    79% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Good
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.10 (COP at 5°F)
    Good
    Seasonal efficiency
    9.0 (HSPF2)
    Below the middle
    55.9score / 100
  2. 2MZME18WW2P230BAJDIAL1.5 tons · 18,000 Btu/h · DuctedKeeps 100% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    100% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Great
    Efficiency at 5°F
    1.84 (COP at 5°F)
    Below the middle
    Seasonal efficiency
    9.4 (HSPF2)
    Good
    52.7score / 100
  3. 318000-UNI-Owith ducted air handler 18000Z-DUC-IDIAL1.5 tons · 18,000 Btu/h · DuctedKeeps 72% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    72% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Below the middle
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.00 (COP at 5°F)
    Good
    Seasonal efficiency
    9.5 (HSPF2)
    Good
    51.3score / 100

PREMIUM LEVELLA

  1. 1PIAWMZ188800BPREMIUM LEVELLA1.5 tons · 18,000 Btu/h · DuctedKeeps 74% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    74% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Below the middle
    Efficiency at 5°F
    1.86 (COP at 5°F)
    Below the middle
    Seasonal efficiency
    9.8 (HSPF2)
    Good
    46.5score / 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.

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