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EMI vs Gridless: heat pump ratings compared

Against heat pumps of the same size and type, a typical EMI model beats 62% and a typical Gridless model 70%. Gridless rates 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

Gridless

70%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Well above average

15 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%Gridless: Beats 64%
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°FEMI: Beats 63%Gridless: Beats 73%
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF2EMI: Beats 69%Gridless: Beats 62%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER2EMI: Beats 61%Gridless: Beats 73%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER2EMI: Beats 60%Gridless: Beats 73%

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%
    Gridless
    100%

  • Xcel CC

    EMI
    73%
    Gridless
    100%

  • CEE Advanced

    EMI
    7%
    Gridless
    13%

  • ENERGY STAR CC

    EMI
    73%
    Gridless
    100%

All-around best, ducted up to 1.5 tons

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

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

EMI

  1. 1EMXMZ218DAEMI1.5 tons · 19,000 Btu/h · DuctedCold-climate pick, score 70.8Meets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    90% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Good
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.00 (COP at 5°F)
    Good
    Winter efficiency
    10.0 (HSPF2)
    Great
    Cooling efficiency
    20.0 (SEER2)
    Great
    Hot-day cooling
    13.0 (EER2)
    Great
    77.4score / 100Heating 71 · Cooling 84

Gridless

No ducted, up to 1.5 tons model from Gridless.

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