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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%

Top cold-climate picks, ductless 2 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.

IWAE

  1. 1AEPL**MHV22S2431B1Awith ductless indoor unit AEPL**AWM22E2431B1AIWAE2 tons · 23,000 Btu/h · DuctlessKeeps 73% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    73% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Below the middle
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.10 (COP at 5°F)
    Good
    Seasonal efficiency
    10.0 (HSPF2)
    Good
    61.6score / 100

PERFECTAIRE

  1. 14PAMSHH24-SZOwith ductless indoor unit 4PAMSHH24-UVWPERFECTAIRE2 tons · 23,000 Btu/h · DuctlessKeeps 92% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    92% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Great
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.00 (COP at 5°F)
    Good
    Seasonal efficiency
    13.3 (HSPF2)
    Top 10%
    77.2score / 100
  2. 24PAMSH24B-SZOwith ductless indoor unit 4PAMSH24B-SZWPERFECTAIRE2 tons · 24,000 Btu/h · DuctlessKeeps 71% of its heat at 5°FMeets Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    71% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Below the middle
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.01 (COP at 5°F)
    Good
    Seasonal efficiency
    8.5 (HSPF2)
    Below the middle
    38.9score / 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