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Friedrich vs Rheem heat pumps

Measured against models of the same size and duct type, Rheem scores higher on 6 of the 6 ratings. Friedrich has 188 outdoor models, Rheem has 341 outdoor models. They share hardware: 151 equipment families appear under both names.

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CompareData as of updated · sources

Against comparable models

Each cell is the share of same-size, same-type models that the manufacturer’s typical model beats (50% is typical); the higher score is in bold. Raw medians are underneath for context: they depend on which sizes each one makes, so they are not compared.
Friedrich and Rheem on every ratingPeer scores, 0–100 · grey ticks: every ranked manufacturer · shaded: the middle half of each one’s modelsMeasured against models of the same size and duct type, Rheem scores higher on 6 of the 6 ratings.
  • Friedrich
  • Rheem
  • Other ranked manufacturers
FriedrichRheem

Source: AHRI Directory, NEEP · as of

Average peer percentile, raw median and rank among ranked manufacturers
RatingFriedrichRheem
Efficiency index39%median — · 28th ranked49%median — · 21st ranked
COP at 5°F46%median 1.99 · 22nd ranked59%median 2.08 · 10th ranked
Capacity retention at 5°F36%median 52% · 26th ranked48%median 66% · 18th ranked
HSPF231%median 7.5 · 28th ranked43%median 7.5 · 23rd ranked
SEER234%median 15.2 · 28th ranked42%median 15.2 · 23rd ranked
EER237%median 10.6 · 27th ranked40%median 10.6 · 25th ranked
Heating capacity at 5°F35%median 17,000 Btu/h · 28th ranked49%median 19,600 Btu/h · 18th ranked
Outdoor models188341
AHRI certifications6,65725,744

Share of models meeting each standard

Percent of each manufacturer’s models with a qualifying certification
StandardFriedrichRheem
CEE 2025 Tier 1 (Split ASHP)26.6%50 models35.5%121 models
CEE 2026 Tier 1 (Split ASHP)23.9%45 models33.7%115 models
CEE Advanced Tier (Split ASHP)0.5%1 models1.8%6 models
Xcel Energy Colorado cold-climate ASHP (2025)21.3%40 models33.7%115 models
DOE Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge0.5%1 models1.8%6 models
ENERGY STAR Cold Climate22.3%42 models33.4%114 models

Sizes and duct types offered

Models in each peer group, with the efficiency index of those models against the rest of the group.
Side by side, inside each size and duct typeShape: every model of the group · bars: each manufacturer’s middle half, median dot, 10th–90th line · 9 groups where both have models
  • Friedrich
  • Rheem
  • All models of the group
Ducted, up to 1.5 tons1.901,783 modelsDucted, 2 tons2.001,090 modelsDucted, 2.5–3 tons2.001,909 modelsDucted, 3.5–4.5 tons2.002,224 modelsDucted, 5 tons and up2.00321 modelsNon-ducted, up to 1.5 tons1.953,455 modelsNon-ducted, 2 tons2.00863 modelsNon-ducted, 2.5–3 tons2.001,106 modelsNon-ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons2.00564 modelsNon-ducted, 5 tons and up2.0585 modelsmedian

Raw ratings are only placed side by side within one size and duct type, where they are comparable.

Source: AHRI Directory · as of

Models per peer group · efficiency index within the group
Size and duct typeFriedrichRheem
Ducted, up to 1.5 tons21 · index 30%33 · index 55%
Ducted, 2 tons21 · index 31%35 · index 42%
Ducted, 2.5–3 tons46 · index 37%90 · index 46%
Ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons58 · index 41%121 · index 49%
Ducted, 5 tons and up21 · index 31%31 · index 43%
Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons20 · index 55%38 · index 58%
Non-ducted, 2 tons5 · index 50%9 · index 53%
Non-ducted, 2.5–3 tons4 · index 47%18 · index 54%
Non-ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons2 · index 47%12 · index 49%
Non-ducted, 5 tons and upNone2 · index 43%

Cold-climate and all-around picks, size class by size class

Each manufacturer’s best model on each board in every size and duct type, side by side; the higher score is in bold. Both scores are 0–100 against every model of that size class (the line on each bar is 50, the typical model there), so the two compare fairly even when they make different sizes.

Cold-climate picks

Best cold-climate pick per size and duct type (keeps at least 70% of its heat at 5°F). Qualifies when its capacity retention at 5°F (capacity at 5°F as a share of capacity at 47°F) is at least 70% and Capacity retention at 5°F, COP at 5°F, HSPF2 are all rated. Score = the equal-weight mean of its peer percentiles on Capacity retention at 5°F, COP at 5°F, HSPF2 (share of the other models in its peer group it beats, 0–100), all from one certified pairing: in each duct type a model is sold in, its qualifying pairing of that type with the best score; equal scores (one decimal) go to the higher heating capacity at 5°F.
Size and duct typeFriedrichCold-climate score, best modelRheemCold-climate score, best model
Ducted, up to 1.5 tons73.0(50 is the typical model of its size class)FPHFR24A3Dwith ducted air handler FPHFA18A3D5 of 21 models qualify · AHRI 21750565793.5(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)ML06HP230NEXH-Owith ducted air handler ML06HP230LSDUC-I20 of 33 models qualify · AHRI 215864373
Ducted, 2 tons70.3(50 is the typical model of its size class)RD18AY24AJVCwith indoor coil RCFY2417STANM and furnace FR801V0504A17UHU4 of 21 models qualify · AHRI 21717602185.7(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)ML24HP230NEXH-Owith ducted air handler ML24HP230HSDUC-I16 of 34 models qualify · AHRI 215864380
Ducted, 2.5–3 tons78.1(50 is the typical model of its size class)RD18AY36AJVCwith indoor coil RCFY3621MTANM and furnace FR801V0504A17UHN6 of 46 models qualify · AHRI 21689124694.4(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)RD18AY36AJVCwith ducted air handler L(E,G)M36FJ28 of 90 models qualify · AHRI 218029736
Ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons83.9(50 is the typical model of its size class)FPHFR48A3Dwith ducted air handler FPHFA48A3D8 of 57 models qualify · AHRI 21750887295.2(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)RD18AY48AJVCwith indoor coil D(A,C,E)60B4J+TDR and furnace R801V0754A17DZ33 of 121 models qualify · AHRI 218827549
Ducted, 5 tons and up77.3(50 is the typical model of its size class)FRP17AY60AJVCwith indoor coil RCFY6024STANM and furnace FR802V1255A24UHN1 of 22 models qualify · AHRI 21832812477.3(50 is the typical model of its size class)SP17AY60AJVCwith indoor coil TCFY6024STANM and furnace S801V1255A24UHNAlso sold as RUUD RP17AY60AJVC2 of 32 models qualify · AHRI 218327534
Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons82.4(50 is the typical model of its size class)FPHSR09A3Bwith ductless indoor unit FAHFW09A3AAlso listed as FPHSR09A3D16 of 20 models qualify · AHRI 21423240894.4(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)ML06HP230NEXH-Owith ductless indoor unit ML06HP2301WYCAS-I29 of 38 models qualify · AHRI 215864386
Non-ducted, 2 tons76.3(50 is the typical model of its size class)FPHFR24A3Dwith ductless indoor unit FPHFC24A3D5 of 5 models qualify · AHRI 21662615589.4(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)ML24HP230NEXH-Owith ductless indoor unit ML24HP230STDCAS-I8 of 8 models qualify · AHRI 215864372
Non-ducted, 2.5–3 tons58.2(50 is the typical model of its size class)FPHFR36A3Dwith ductless indoor unit FPHSC36A3D3 of 4 models qualify · AHRI 21669960889.4(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)ML36HP230LCMH-Owith ductless indoor unit ML36HP230FLO-I16 of 19 models qualify · AHRI 215864403
Non-ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons49.7(50 is the typical model of its size class)FPHFR48A3Dwith ductless indoor unit FPHSC48A3D2 of 2 models qualify · AHRI 21669960973.4(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)ML48HP230MULH-O*Also listed as ML48HP230MULH - O11 of 12 models qualify · AHRI 216623576
Non-ducted, 5 tons and upNo models in this size classNone on this board (0 of 2 models qualify)

All-around best

Best all-around model per size and duct type. Score = 50% heating, the mean of its peer percentiles on COP at 5°F, Capacity retention at 5°F, HSPF2, plus 50% cooling, the mean of its peer percentiles on SEER2 and EER2 (share of the other models in its peer group it beats, 0–100). All five ratings are required; there is no minimum heat kept at 5°F. In each duct type a model is sold in, it is scored on its pairing of that type with the best score; equal scores (one decimal) go to the higher cold-climate score, then the higher heating capacity at 5°F.
Size and duct typeFriedrichAll-around score, best modelRheemAll-around score, best model
Ducted, up to 1.5 tons67.4(50 is the typical model of its size class)FPHFR24A3Dwith ducted air handler FPHFA18A3D20 of 20 models have all five ratings · AHRI 21750565795.0(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)ML06HP230NEXH-Owith ducted air handler ML06HP230LSDUC-I32 of 32 models have all five ratings · AHRI 215864373
Ducted, 2 tons75.1(50 is the typical model of its size class)FRP19AY24AJVCwith indoor coil RCFY2421HEAAM and furnace FR951V0603A17M421 of 21 models have all five ratings · AHRI 21655163378.8(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)ML24HP230NEX-Owith ducted air handler ML24HP230HSDUC-I33 of 33 models have all five ratings · AHRI 215864360
Ducted, 2.5–3 tons84.1(50 is the typical model of its size class)RD18AY36AJVCwith ducted air handler RH2VY3621MTACN30 of 46 models have all five ratings · AHRI 21661317092.7(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)RD18AY36AJVCwith ducted air handler L(E,G)M36FJ65 of 91 models have all five ratings · AHRI 218029736
Ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons84.1(50 is the typical model of its size class)FRP19AY48AJVCwith indoor coil RCFY4821SEAAM and furnace FR802V0754A17UH32 of 54 models have all five ratings · AHRI 21655182786.3(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)RD18AY48AJVCwith ducted air handler L(E,G)M60IJ66 of 116 models have all five ratings · AHRI 218029742
Ducted, 5 tons and up70.3(50 is the typical model of its size class)FRP17AY60AJVCwith ducted air handler RH2TY6024STANN14 of 26 models have all five ratings · AHRI 21832840670.4(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)RP17AY60AJVCwith ducted air handler RH2TY6024STANNAlso sold as SURE SP17AY60AJVC22 of 38 models have all five ratings · AHRI 218160613
Non-ducted, up to 1.5 tons83.9(50 is the typical model of its size class)FPHSR09A3Bwith ductless indoor unit FAHFW09A3AAlso listed as FPHSR09A3D20 of 20 models have all five ratings · AHRI 21423240893.8(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)ML06HP230NEXH-Owith ductless indoor unit ML06HP230NEX-I37 of 38 models have all five ratings · AHRI 215864338
Non-ducted, 2 tons61.6(50 is the typical model of its size class)FPHSR24A3Bwith ductless indoor unit FAHFW24A3AAlso listed as FPHSR24A3D5 of 5 models have all five ratings · AHRI 21409182076.4(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)ML24HP230CALH-Owith ductless indoor unit ML24HP230CALH-I8 of 8 models have all five ratings · AHRI 215864348
Non-ducted, 2.5–3 tons64.2(50 is the typical model of its size class)FPHMR27A3D4 of 4 models have all five ratings · AHRI 21579283978.3(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)ML36HP230MULH-O*Also listed as ML36HP230MULH - O18 of 19 models have all five ratings · AHRI 216623571
Non-ducted, 3.5–4.5 tons49.6(50 is the typical model of its size class)FPHFR48A3Dwith ductless indoor unit FPHSC48A3D2 of 2 models have all five ratings · AHRI 21669960975.6(50 is the typical model of its size class) (higher)ML48HP230MULH-O*Also listed as ML48HP230MULH - O12 of 12 models have all five ratings · AHRI 216623574
Non-ducted, 5 tons and upNo models in this size class58.6(50 is the typical model of its size class)ML55HP230MUL-O*2 of 2 models have all five ratings · AHRI 216623550

All-around board, every manufacturer

Standout model on each rating

Each manufacturer’s model that beats the largest share of comparable models on the rating; the higher share is in bold.
Top model per rating by peer percentile, with its AHRI-certified value and peer group
RatingFriedrichRheem
COP at 5°Fbeats 98% · 2.61WFPU17Y243DDucted, up to 1.5 tonsbeats 100% · 3.05RP15AY24AJ2NDucted, up to 1.5 tons
Capacity retention at 5°Fbeats 100% · 133%FPHFR09A3DDucted, up to 1.5 tonsbeats 100% · 150%ML06HP230CALH-ONon-ducted, up to 1.5 tons
HSPF2beats 86% · 10.0FRP19AY60AJVCDucted, 3.5–4.5 tonsbeats 100% · 15.6ML06HP230CALH-ONon-ducted, up to 1.5 tons
SEER2beats 98% · 21.0FRP19AY36AJVCDucted, 2.5–3 tonsbeats 100% · 35.0ML06HP230CALH-ONon-ducted, up to 1.5 tons
EER2beats 96% · 13.0RD18AY36AJVCDucted, 2.5–3 tonsbeats 99% · 17.4ML06HP230CALH-ONon-ducted, up to 1.5 tons
Heating capacity at 5°Fbeats 96% · 18,600 Btu/hRD18AY24AJVCDucted, up to 1.5 tonsbeats 100% · 35,800 Btu/hRP15AY30AJ2NDucted, 2 tons

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