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EMI vs ForestAir: heat pump ratings compared

Against heat pumps of the same size and type, a typical EMI model beats 58% and a typical ForestAir model 57%. EMI rates slightly higher overall.

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

EMI

58%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Above average

22 models listed

ForestAir

57%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Above average

22 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°FEMI: Beats 49%ForestAir: Beats 43%
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°FEMI: Beats 67%ForestAir: Beats 54%
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF2EMI: Beats 68%ForestAir: Beats 34%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER2EMI: Beats 57%ForestAir: Beats 58%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER2EMI: Beats 48%ForestAir: 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

    EMI
    68%
    ForestAir
    68%

  • Xcel CC

    EMI
    64%
    ForestAir
    55%

  • CEE Advanced

    EMI
    0%
    ForestAir
    0%

  • ENERGY STAR CC

    EMI
    73%
    ForestAir
    14%

All-around best, ducted 2.5–3 tons

Balances heating (5°F output and efficiency, HSPF2) and cooling (SEER2, EER2), each rating against units their size.

Showing Ducted, 2.5–3 tons (27,000–38,999 Btu/h cooling), the most-listed ducted size. Pick yours above. What size is my system?

EMI

  1. 1MHMZ327DAEMI2.5 tons · 28,000 Btu/h · DuctedCold-climate pick, score 66.7Meets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    89% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Great
    Efficiency at 5°F
    1.80 (COP at 5°F)
    Below the middle
    Winter efficiency
    9.5 (HSPF2)
    Great
    Cooling efficiency
    20.0 (SEER2)
    Top 10%
    Hot-day cooling
    11.7 (EER2)
    Good
    74.6score / 100Heating 67 · Cooling 83
  2. 2MHMZ436DAEMI3 tons · 36,000 Btu/h · DuctedCold-climate pick, score 63.7Meets none of the standards tracked here
    Heat kept at 5°F
    89% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Great
    Efficiency at 5°F
    1.70 (COP at 5°F)
    Below the middle
    Winter efficiency
    10.0 (HSPF2)
    Top 10%
    Cooling efficiency
    19.0 (SEER2)
    Great
    Hot-day cooling
    11.7 (EER2)
    Good
    71.2score / 100Heating 64 · Cooling 79
  3. 3MHSD136DACFCwith ducted air handler MHAH136DACFCEMI3 tons · 36,000 Btu/h · DuctedCold-climate pick, score 78.6Meets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    86% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Great
    Efficiency at 5°F
    1.97 (COP at 5°F)
    Good
    Winter efficiency
    9.5 (HSPF2)
    Great
    Cooling efficiency
    16.0 (SEER2)
    Good
    Hot-day cooling
    10.0 (EER2)
    Below the middle
    56.1score / 100Heating 75 · Cooling 38

ForestAir

No ducted, 2.5–3 tons model from ForestAir.

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