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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 47% and a typical RUSSELL model 33%. Pioneer rates higher overall.

Covers heat pumps sold new today (R-454B and R-32 refrigerant). See older R-410A models · Updated

Pioneer

47%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

About average

46 models listed

RUSSELL

33%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Well below average

111 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 41%RUSSELL: Beats 37%
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°FPioneer: Beats 43%RUSSELL: Beats 21%
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF2Pioneer: Beats 56%RUSSELL: Beats 24%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER2Pioneer: Beats 56%RUSSELL: Beats 28%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER2Pioneer: Beats 40%RUSSELL: Beats 36%

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
    74%
    RUSSELL
    11%

  • Xcel CC

    Pioneer
    70%
    RUSSELL
    7%

  • CEE Advanced

    Pioneer
    0%
    RUSSELL
    0%

  • ENERGY STAR CC

    Pioneer
    54%
    RUSSELL
    12%

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?

Pioneer

  1. 1YN048GMSI20RUGwith ductless indoor unit CB048GMSILDFHGPioneer4 tons · 48,000 Btu/h · DuctlessKeeps 81% of its heat at 5°FMeets Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    81% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Below the middle
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.11 (COP at 5°F)
    Top 10%
    Seasonal efficiency
    9.9 (HSPF2)
    Below the middle
    55.4score / 100
  2. 2YN050GLSI24M5GPioneer3.5 tons · 42,000 Btu/h · DuctlessKeeps 71% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, 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
    2.00 (COP at 5°F)
    Below the middle
    Seasonal efficiency
    10.0 (HSPF2)
    Below the middle
    31.2score / 100
  3. 3YN060GLSI24M6GPioneer4.5 tons · 55,000 Btu/h · DuctlessKeeps 76% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    76% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Below the middle
    Efficiency at 5°F
    1.97 (COP at 5°F)
    Below the middle
    Seasonal efficiency
    9.5 (HSPF2)
    Below the middle
    22.5score / 100

RUSSELL

No ductless, 3.5–4.5 tons 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