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Pioneer vs RUSSELL: heat pump ratings compared

Against heat pumps of the same size and type, a typical Pioneer model beats 52% and a typical RUSSELL model 49%. Pioneer rates slightly higher overall.

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

Pioneer

52%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

About average

61 models listed

RUSSELL

49%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

About average

60 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°FPioneer: Beats 47%RUSSELL: Beats 80%
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°FPioneer: Beats 41%RUSSELL: Beats 43%
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF2Pioneer: Beats 52%RUSSELL: Beats 25%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER2Pioneer: Beats 56%RUSSELL: Beats 32%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER2Pioneer: Beats 43%RUSSELL: Beats 42%

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

    Pioneer
    67%
    RUSSELL
    17%

  • Xcel CC

    Pioneer
    46%
    RUSSELL
    13%

  • CEE Advanced

    Pioneer
    0%
    RUSSELL
    3%

  • ENERGY STAR CC

    Pioneer
    28%
    RUSSELL
    22%

Top cold-climate picks, ductless 5 tons and up

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, 5 tons and up (57,000 Btu/h and up cooling). What size is my system?

Pioneer

No ductless, 5 tons and up model from Pioneer.

RUSSELL

No ductless, 5 tons and up model from RUSSELL.

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