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KARDA vs SMARTFLEX: heat pump ratings compared

Against heat pumps of the same size and type, a typical KARDA model beats 66% and a typical SMARTFLEX model 29%. KARDA rates higher overall.

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

KARDA

66%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Well above average

11 models listed

SMARTFLEX

29%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Well below average

11 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°FKARDA: Beats 38%SMARTFLEX: Beats 19%
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°FKARDA: Beats 67%SMARTFLEX: Beats 65%
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF2KARDA: Beats 78%SMARTFLEX: Beats 28%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER2KARDA: Beats 78%SMARTFLEX: Beats 21%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER2KARDA: Beats 63%SMARTFLEX: Beats 19%

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

    KARDA
    100%
    SMARTFLEX
    36%

  • Xcel CC

    KARDA
    82%
    SMARTFLEX
    64%

  • CEE Advanced

    KARDA
    0%
    SMARTFLEX
    0%

  • ENERGY STAR CC

    KARDA
    73%
    SMARTFLEX
    0%

Top cold-climate picks, ductless 2.5–3 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 Ductless, 2.5–3 tons (27,000–38,999 Btu/h cooling). What size is my system?

KARDA

  1. 13KARDA27MZ3KARDA2.5 tons · 27,000 Btu/h · DuctlessKeeps 71% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    71% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Good
    Efficiency at 5°F
    1.83 (COP at 5°F)
    Below the middle
    Seasonal efficiency
    9.2 (HSPF2)
    Good
    49.3score / 100

SMARTFLEX

  1. 1DHP36CSB22Swith ductless indoor unit DHP36NWB22SSMARTFLEX3 tons · 33,600 Btu/h · DuctlessKeeps 71% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    71% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Good
    Efficiency at 5°F
    1.85 (COP at 5°F)
    Good
    Seasonal efficiency
    8.5 (HSPF2)
    Below the middle
    44.1score / 100
  2. 2DHS36CMB22SSMARTFLEX3 tons · 36,000 Btu/h · DuctlessKeeps 78% of its heat at 5°FMeets Xcel CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    78% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Good
    Efficiency at 5°F
    1.82 (COP at 5°F)
    Below the middle
    Seasonal efficiency
    8.6 (HSPF2)
    Below the middle
    43.3score / 100
  3. 3DHP30CSB22Swith ductless indoor unit DHP30NWB22SSMARTFLEX2.5 tons · 30,000 Btu/h · DuctlessKeeps 77% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    77% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Good
    Efficiency at 5°F
    1.81 (COP at 5°F)
    Below the middle
    Seasonal efficiency
    8.5 (HSPF2)
    Below the middle
    39.4score / 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