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GCHV vs PolarWave: heat pump ratings compared

Against heat pumps of the same size and type, a typical GCHV model beats 54% and a typical PolarWave model 54%. They are level.

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

GCHV

54%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

About average

18 models listed

PolarWave

54%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

About average

58 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°FGCHV: Beats 44%PolarWave: Beats 44%
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°FGCHV: Beats 65%PolarWave: Beats 57%
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF2GCHV: Beats 32%PolarWave: Beats 66%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER2GCHV: Beats 48%PolarWave: Beats 59%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER2GCHV: Beats 49%PolarWave: Beats 43%

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

    GCHV
    0%
    PolarWave
    60%

  • Xcel CC

    GCHV
    6%
    PolarWave
    41%

  • CEE Advanced

    GCHV
    0%
    PolarWave
    2%

  • ENERGY STAR CC

    GCHV
    0%
    PolarWave
    47%

Top cold-climate picks, ducted 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 Ducted, Up to 1.5 tons (under 21,000 Btu/h cooling). What size is my system?

GCHV

None of GCHV’s ducted, up to 1.5 tons models qualifies.

PolarWave

  1. 1ACIQ-18-HPBwith ducted air handler ACIQ-18W-WMPolarWave1.5 tons · 18,000 Btu/h · DuctedKeeps 99% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    99% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Great
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.30 (COP at 5°F)
    Great
    Seasonal efficiency
    10.8 (HSPF2)
    Top 10%
    86.9score / 100
  2. 2ACIQ-09ZPL-HP230Bwith ducted air handler ACIQ-09CD-HH-MBPolarWave1 ton · 9,000 Btu/h · DuctedKeeps 108% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    108% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Top 10%
    Efficiency at 5°F
    1.90 (COP at 5°F)
    Below the middle
    Seasonal efficiency
    12.0 (HSPF2)
    Top 10%
    74.9score / 100
  3. 3ACIQ-12ZPL-HP230Bwith ducted air handler ACIQ-12CD-HH-MBPolarWave1 ton · 12,000 Btu/h · DuctedKeeps 97% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    97% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Great
    Efficiency at 5°F
    1.96 (COP at 5°F)
    Below the middle
    Seasonal efficiency
    10.0 (HSPF2)
    Great
    65.4score / 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