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IWAE vs ZEPHYR: heat pump ratings compared

Against heat pumps of the same size and type, a typical IWAE model beats 52% and a typical ZEPHYR model 63%. ZEPHYR 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

ZEPHYR

63%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Well above 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%ZEPHYR: Beats 57%
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°FIWAE: Beats 61%ZEPHYR: Beats 64%
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF2IWAE: Beats 35%ZEPHYR: Beats 59%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER2IWAE: Beats 40%ZEPHYR: Beats 67%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER2IWAE: Beats 36%ZEPHYR: Beats 65%

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%
    ZEPHYR
    100%

  • Xcel CC

    IWAE
    35%
    ZEPHYR
    83%

  • CEE Advanced

    IWAE
    0%
    ZEPHYR
    9%

  • ENERGY STAR CC

    IWAE
    26%
    ZEPHYR
    74%

All-around best, ductless 2.5–3 tons

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

Showing Ductless, 2.5–3 tons (27,000–38,999 Btu/h cooling). What size is my system?

IWAE

None of IWAE’s ductless, 2.5–3 tons models has all five ratings.

ZEPHYR

  1. 1ZE-527M325ZEPHYR2.5 tons · 27,000 Btu/h · DuctlessCold-climate pick, score 50.2Meets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    100% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Great
    Efficiency at 5°F
    1.80 (COP at 5°F)
    Below the middle
    Winter efficiency
    10.0 (HSPF2)
    Good
    Cooling efficiency
    23.0 (SEER2)
    Great
    Hot-day cooling
    12.9 (EER2)
    Great
    64.2score / 100Heating 50 · Cooling 78
  2. 2ZE-536M425ZEPHYR3 tons · 36,000 Btu/h · DuctlessCold-climate pick, score 53.7Meets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    100% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Great
    Efficiency at 5°F
    1.90 (COP at 5°F)
    Below the middle
    Winter efficiency
    10.0 (HSPF2)
    Good
    Cooling efficiency
    22.0 (SEER2)
    Good
    Hot-day cooling
    12.9 (EER2)
    Great
    61.7score / 100Heating 54 · Cooling 70

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