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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 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?

DIRECT AIR

  1. 1DIRM4-18HXPRO28-1Zwith ducted air handler DIRM4-18HP-DUDIRECT AIR1.5 tons · 17,500 Btu/h · DuctedKeeps 92% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    92% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Great
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.10 (COP at 5°F)
    Good
    Seasonal efficiency
    11.1 (HSPF2)
    Top 10%
    82.3score / 100
  2. 2DIRM4-09DA25-1Zwith ducted air handler DIRM4-09HP-DUDIRECT AIR1 ton · 9,000 Btu/h · DuctedKeeps 83% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    83% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Good
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.32 (COP at 5°F)
    Great
    Seasonal efficiency
    11.5 (HSPF2)
    Top 10%
    81.3score / 100
  3. 3DIRM4-09HXPRO28-1Zwith ducted air handler DIRM4-09HP-DUDIRECT AIR1 ton · 9,000 Btu/h · DuctedKeeps 120% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    120% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Top 10%
    Efficiency at 5°F
    1.85 (COP at 5°F)
    Below the middle
    Seasonal efficiency
    13.8 (HSPF2)
    Top 10%
    79.9score / 100

ZERO

  1. 1Z4SOV-18HDMB-USZEROAlso listed as Z3SOV-18HDMB-US1.5 tons · 18,000 Btu/h · DuctedKeeps 77% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    77% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Good
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.30 (COP at 5°F)
    Great
    Seasonal efficiency
    10.0 (HSPF2)
    Great
    72.6score / 100
  2. 2Z4SOV-18HDMB-USHHZERO1.5 tons · 19,000 Btu/h · DuctedKeeps 90% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    90% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Good
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.00 (COP at 5°F)
    Good
    Seasonal efficiency
    10.0 (HSPF2)
    Great
    70.8score / 100
  3. 3ZSOVA-18HDMB-USHHwith ducted air handler ZAVA-18HDMB-USZERO1.5 tons · 18,000 Btu/h · DuctedKeeps 95% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    95% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Great
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.00 (COP at 5°F)
    Good
    Seasonal efficiency
    9.7 (HSPF2)
    Good
    70.4score / 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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