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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 61% and a typical ZERO model 49%. DIRECT AIR rates higher overall.

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

DIRECT AIR

61%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Well above average

68 models listed

ZERO

49%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

About average

69 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 53%ZERO: Beats 48%
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°FDIRECT AIR: Beats 61%ZERO: Beats 43%
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF2DIRECT AIR: Beats 60%ZERO: Beats 46%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER2DIRECT AIR: Beats 56%ZERO: Beats 53%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER2DIRECT AIR: Beats 53%ZERO: Beats 46%

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
    60%
    ZERO
    59%

  • Xcel CC

    DIRECT AIR
    54%
    ZERO
    48%

  • CEE Advanced

    DIRECT AIR
    2%
    ZERO
    0%

  • ENERGY STAR CC

    DIRECT AIR
    50%
    ZERO
    25%

Top cold-climate picks, ductless 3.5–4.5 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 Ductless, 3.5–4.5 tons (39,000–56,999 Btu/h cooling). What size is my system?

DIRECT AIR

  1. 1DIRM-48HXPRO28-5ZDIRECT AIR4 tons · 48,000 Btu/h · DuctlessKeeps 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
    2.00 (COP at 5°F)
    Good
    Seasonal efficiency
    9.8 (HSPF2)
    Good
    76.2score / 100
  2. 2DIRM-48LCDA25-1Zwith ductless indoor unit DIRM-48HP-CFDIRECT AIR4 tons · 48,000 Btu/h · DuctlessKeeps 70% of its heat at 5°FMeets Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    70% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Below the middle
    Efficiency at 5°F
    1.85 (COP at 5°F)
    Below the middle
    Seasonal efficiency
    10.0 (HSPF2)
    Great
    56.3score / 100

ZERO

  1. 1Z5SOV-48HDM-USZERO4 tons · 48,000 Btu/h · DuctlessKeeps 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
    2.00 (COP at 5°F)
    Good
    Seasonal efficiency
    10.0 (HSPF2)
    Great
    80.5score / 100
  2. 2ZSOV-48HDM-USwith ductless indoor unit ZEV-48HDM-USZERO4 tons · 48,000 Btu/h · DuctlessKeeps 70% of its heat at 5°FMeets Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    70% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Below the middle
    Efficiency at 5°F
    1.85 (COP at 5°F)
    Below the middle
    Seasonal efficiency
    10.0 (HSPF2)
    Great
    56.3score / 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.

Open the advanced view