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NOVAIR vs ZEPHYR: heat pump ratings compared

Against heat pumps of the same size and type, a typical NOVAIR model beats 63% and a typical ZEPHYR model 58%. NOVAIR rates higher overall.

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

NOVAIR

63%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Well above average

25 models listed

ZEPHYR

58%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Above average

25 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°FNOVAIR: Beats 48%ZEPHYR: Beats 40%
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°FNOVAIR: Beats 64%ZEPHYR: Beats 68%
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF2NOVAIR: Beats 73%ZEPHYR: Beats 43%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER2NOVAIR: Beats 69%ZEPHYR: Beats 53%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER2NOVAIR: Beats 60%ZEPHYR: Beats 52%

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

    NOVAIR
    88%
    ZEPHYR
    76%

  • Xcel CC

    NOVAIR
    80%
    ZEPHYR
    76%

  • CEE Advanced

    NOVAIR
    0%
    ZEPHYR
    0%

  • ENERGY STAR CC

    NOVAIR
    80%
    ZEPHYR
    36%

Top cold-climate picks, ductless 3.5–4.5 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, 3.5–4.5 tons (39,000–56,999 Btu/h cooling). What size is my system?

NOVAIR

No ductless, 3.5–4.5 tons model from NOVAIR.

ZEPHYR

  1. 1ZE-42M522SCOZEPHYR3.5 tons · 41,500 Btu/h · DuctlessKeeps 87% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    87% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Good
    Efficiency at 5°F
    1.84 (COP at 5°F)
    Below the middle
    Seasonal efficiency
    8.9 (HSPF2)
    Below the middle
    41.9score / 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