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DIRECT AIR vs ZERO: heat pump ratings compared

Against heat pumps of the same size and type, a typical DIRECT AIR model beats 67% and a typical ZERO model 53%. DIRECT AIR rates higher overall.

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

DIRECT AIR

67%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Well above average

47 models listed

ZERO

53%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

About average

119 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°FDIRECT AIR: Beats 62%ZERO: Beats 45%
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°FDIRECT AIR: Beats 64%ZERO: Beats 52%
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF2DIRECT AIR: Beats 76%ZERO: Beats 57%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER2DIRECT AIR: Beats 71%ZERO: Beats 58%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER2DIRECT AIR: Beats 62%ZERO: Beats 48%

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

    DIRECT AIR
    94%
    ZERO
    71%

  • Xcel CC

    DIRECT AIR
    85%
    ZERO
    65%

  • CEE Advanced

    DIRECT AIR
    2%
    ZERO
    0%

  • ENERGY STAR CC

    DIRECT AIR
    87%
    ZERO
    53%

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?

DIRECT AIR

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

ZERO

None of ZERO’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