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IWAE vs K&A: heat pump ratings compared

Against heat pumps of the same size and type, a typical IWAE model beats 52% and a typical K&A model 30%. IWAE rates higher overall.

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

IWAE

52%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

About average

23 models listed

K&A

30%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Well below average

23 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°FIWAE: Beats 26%K&A: Beats 31%
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°FIWAE: Beats 61%K&A: Beats 39%
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF2IWAE: Beats 35%K&A: Beats 33%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER2IWAE: Beats 40%K&A: Beats 27%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER2IWAE: Beats 36%K&A: Beats 28%

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

    IWAE
    35%
    K&A
    17%

  • Xcel CC

    IWAE
    35%
    K&A
    17%

  • CEE Advanced

    IWAE
    0%
    K&A
    0%

  • ENERGY STAR CC

    IWAE
    26%
    K&A
    0%

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?

IWAE

None of IWAE’s ducted, up to 1.5 tons models has all five ratings.

K&A

None of K&A’s ducted, up to 1.5 tons models has all five ratings.

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