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Durastar vs Wells: heat pump ratings compared

Against heat pumps of the same size and type, a typical Durastar model beats 53% and a typical Wells model 63%. Wells rates higher overall.

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

Durastar

53%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

About average

67 models listed

Wells

63%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Well above average

37 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°FDurastar: Beats 64%Wells: Beats 64%
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°FDurastar: Beats 51%Wells: Beats 61%
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF2Durastar: Beats 54%Wells: Beats 74%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER2Durastar: Beats 47%Wells: Beats 62%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER2Durastar: Beats 47%Wells: Beats 59%

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

    Durastar
    54%
    Wells
    87%
  • Xcel CC

    Durastar
    48%
    Wells
    81%
  • CEE Advanced

    Durastar
    5%
    Wells
    3%
  • ENERGY STAR CC

    Durastar
    49%
    Wells
    84%

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.

Durastar

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

Wells

None of Wells’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