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IWAE vs PERFECTAIRE: heat pump ratings compared

Against heat pumps of the same size and type, a typical IWAE model beats 52% and a typical PERFECTAIRE model 62%. PERFECTAIRE 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

PERFECTAIRE

62%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Well above average

22 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%PERFECTAIRE: Beats 55%
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°FIWAE: Beats 61%PERFECTAIRE: Beats 71%
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF2IWAE: Beats 35%PERFECTAIRE: Beats 71%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER2IWAE: Beats 40%PERFECTAIRE: Beats 57%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER2IWAE: Beats 36%PERFECTAIRE: 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

    IWAE
    35%
    PERFECTAIRE
    82%
  • Xcel CC

    IWAE
    35%
    PERFECTAIRE
    82%
  • CEE Advanced

    IWAE
    0%
    PERFECTAIRE
    5%
  • ENERGY STAR CC

    IWAE
    26%
    PERFECTAIRE
    82%

All-around best, ducted 5 tons and up

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

IWAE

No ducted, 5 tons and up model from IWAE.

PERFECTAIRE

No ducted, 5 tons and up model from PERFECTAIRE.

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