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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, ductless 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 Ductless, Up to 1.5 tons (under 21,000 Btu/h cooling). What size is my system?

EMI

  1. 1EMXSZ106DAwith ductless indoor unit EMXWAL06DAEMI0.5 tons · 6,000 Btu/h · DuctlessKeeps 110% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, CEE Advanced, Xcel CC, DOE CCHP, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    110% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Top 10%
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.40 (COP at 5°F)
    Top 10%
    Seasonal efficiency
    14.8 (HSPF2)
    Top 10%
    96.7score / 100
  2. 2EMXSZ118DAwith ductless indoor unit EMXWAL18DAEMI1.5 tons · 18,000 Btu/h · DuctlessKeeps 100% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    100% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Great
    Efficiency at 5°F
    1.92 (COP at 5°F)
    Below the middle
    Seasonal efficiency
    11.0 (HSPF2)
    Great
    73.8score / 100
  3. 3EMXMZ218DAEMI1.5 tons · 19,000 Btu/h · DuctlessKeeps 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
    10.4 (HSPF2)
    Great
    73.1score / 100

ForestAir

  1. 1FA-MY18-D2TL-O-454ForestAir1.5 tons · 20,000 Btu/h · DuctlessKeeps 99% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    99% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Great
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.00 (COP at 5°F)
    Good
    Seasonal efficiency
    10.0 (HSPF2)
    Good
    70.9score / 100
  2. 2FA-M18-D2TL-O-454ForestAir1.5 tons · 18,000 Btu/h · DuctlessKeeps 80% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    80% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Good
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.00 (COP at 5°F)
    Good
    Seasonal efficiency
    10.5 (HSPF2)
    Great
    68.6score / 100
  3. 3FA-HY09-D24TL-O-454with ductless indoor unit FA-HY09-D24TL-I-454ForestAir1 ton · 9,000 Btu/h · DuctlessKeeps 106% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    106% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Top 10%
    Efficiency at 5°F
    1.80 (COP at 5°F)
    Below the middle
    Seasonal efficiency
    10.5 (HSPF2)
    Great
    63.6score / 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