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PREMIUM LEVELLA vs SHARP: heat pump ratings compared

Against heat pumps of the same size and type, a typical PREMIUM LEVELLA model beats 47% and a typical SHARP model 77%. SHARP rates higher overall.

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

PREMIUM LEVELLA

47%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

About average

17 models listed

SHARP

77%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Well above average

17 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°FPREMIUM LEVELLA: Beats 55%SHARP: Beats 80%
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°FPREMIUM LEVELLA: Beats 35%SHARP: Beats 73%
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF2PREMIUM LEVELLA: Beats 47%SHARP: Beats 88%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER2PREMIUM LEVELLA: Beats 48%SHARP: Beats 77%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER2PREMIUM LEVELLA: Beats 42%SHARP: Beats 70%

Average (50%)Dashed outline: the other brand, for comparison

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Rebate standards

Share of each brand’s models that meet the level. Programs can have other rules too.

  • CEE 2025

    PREMIUM LEVELLA
    71%
    SHARP
    100%

  • Xcel CC

    PREMIUM LEVELLA
    47%
    SHARP
    100%

  • CEE Advanced

    PREMIUM LEVELLA
    0%
    SHARP
    12%

  • ENERGY STAR CC

    PREMIUM LEVELLA
    41%
    SHARP
    94%

Top cold-climate picks, ductless up to 1.5 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, Up to 1.5 tons (under 21,000 Btu/h cooling). What size is my system?

PREMIUM LEVELLA

  1. 1PIAW1825080ABwith ductless indoor unit PIAW1825079AAPREMIUM LEVELLA1.5 tons · 18,000 Btu/h · DuctlessKeeps 82% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    82% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Good
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.25 (COP at 5°F)
    Great
    Seasonal efficiency
    10.5 (HSPF2)
    Great
    79.2score / 100
  2. 2PIAWMZ1882280ABPREMIUM LEVELLA1.5 tons · 17,700 Btu/h · DuctlessKeeps 81% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    81% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Good
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.00 (COP at 5°F)
    Good
    Seasonal efficiency
    10.0 (HSPF2)
    Good
    64.5score / 100
  3. 3PIAW1225080ABwith ductless indoor unit PIAW1225079AAPREMIUM LEVELLA1 ton · 12,000 Btu/h · DuctlessKeeps 72% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    72% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Below the middle
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.10 (COP at 5°F)
    Great
    Seasonal efficiency
    10.0 (HSPF2)
    Good
    59.9score / 100

SHARP

  1. 1AE-X12ZHU1with ductless indoor unit AY-XP12ZHU1SHARPAlso listed as AE-X12CHU1 ton · 12,000 Btu/h · DuctlessKeeps 100% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, CEE Advanced, Xcel CC, DOE CCHP, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    100% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Great
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.10 (COP at 5°F)
    Great
    Seasonal efficiency
    11.0 (HSPF2)
    Great
    83.5score / 100
  2. 2AE-X18ZHUwith ductless indoor unit AY-XP18ZHUSHARPAlso listed as AE-X18CHU1.5 tons · 18,000 Btu/h · DuctlessKeeps 90% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    90% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Good
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.20 (COP at 5°F)
    Great
    Seasonal efficiency
    11.5 (HSPF2)
    Top 10%
    82.9score / 100
  3. 3AE-X18ZHU1with ductless indoor unit AY-XP18ZHU1SHARP1.5 tons · 18,000 Btu/h · DuctlessKeeps 90% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    90% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Good
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.20 (COP at 5°F)
    Great
    Seasonal efficiency
    11.5 (HSPF2)
    Top 10%
    82.9score / 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.

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