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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 62% and a typical ForestAir model 63%. ForestAir rates slightly higher overall.

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

EMI

62%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Well above average

15 models listed

ForestAir

63%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Well above average

33 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 56%ForestAir: Beats 46%
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°FEMI: Beats 63%ForestAir: Beats 59%
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF2EMI: Beats 69%ForestAir: Beats 64%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER2EMI: Beats 61%ForestAir: Beats 80%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER2EMI: Beats 60%ForestAir: Beats 61%

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
    87%
    ForestAir
    97%

  • Xcel CC

    EMI
    73%
    ForestAir
    97%

  • CEE Advanced

    EMI
    7%
    ForestAir
    3%

  • ENERGY STAR CC

    EMI
    73%
    ForestAir
    42%

Top cold-climate picks, ducted 2 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, 2 tons (21,000–26,999 Btu/h cooling). What size is my system?

EMI

No ducted, 2 tons model from EMI.

ForestAir

  1. 1FA-H24-VKCE/OD-454with ducted air handler FA-H24-VKCE/AH-454ForestAir2 tons · 24,000 Btu/h · DuctedKeeps 100% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, CEE Advanced, Xcel CC, DOE CCHP, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    100% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Top 10%
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.20 (COP at 5°F)
    Great
    Seasonal efficiency
    9.5 (HSPF2)
    Good
    80.9score / 100
  2. 2FA-H24-VK/ODwith ducted air handler FA-H24-VK/AHForestAir2 tons · 24,000 Btu/h · DuctedKeeps 74% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    74% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Below the middle
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.20 (COP at 5°F)
    Great
    Seasonal efficiency
    9.5 (HSPF2)
    Good
    65.1score / 100
  3. 3FA-H24-D24TL-O-454with ducted air handler FA-D24-D24TL-I-454ForestAir2 tons · 22,000 Btu/h · DuctedKeeps 74% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    74% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Below the middle
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.00 (COP at 5°F)
    Good
    Seasonal efficiency
    10.0 (HSPF2)
    Great
    60.1score / 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