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PREMIUM LEVELLA vs STEALTH: heat pump ratings compared

Against heat pumps of the same size and type, a typical PREMIUM LEVELLA model beats 47% and a typical STEALTH model 54%. STEALTH 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

STEALTH

54%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

About 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°FPREMIUM LEVELLA: Beats 55%STEALTH: Beats 53%
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°FPREMIUM LEVELLA: Beats 35%STEALTH: Beats 59%
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF2PREMIUM LEVELLA: Beats 47%STEALTH: Beats 59%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER2PREMIUM LEVELLA: Beats 48%STEALTH: Beats 62%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER2PREMIUM LEVELLA: Beats 42%STEALTH: Beats 39%

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

    PREMIUM LEVELLA
    71%
    STEALTH
    73%

  • Xcel CC

    PREMIUM LEVELLA
    47%
    STEALTH
    64%

  • CEE Advanced

    PREMIUM LEVELLA
    0%
    STEALTH
    0%

  • ENERGY STAR CC

    PREMIUM LEVELLA
    41%
    STEALTH
    0%

All-around best, ducted up to 1.5 tons

Balances heating (5°F output and efficiency, HSPF2) and cooling (SEER2, EER2), each rating against units their size.

Showing Ducted, Up to 1.5 tons (under 21,000 Btu/h cooling). What size is my system?

PREMIUM LEVELLA

No ducted, up to 1.5 tons model from PREMIUM LEVELLA.

STEALTH

  1. 1AC-18-HP-E-32with ducted air handler AC-18-AH-E-32STEALTH1.5 tons · 18,000 Btu/h · DuctedCold-climate pick, score 49.3Meets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    78% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Good
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.00 (COP at 5°F)
    Good
    Winter efficiency
    8.6 (HSPF2)
    Below the middle
    Cooling efficiency
    17.0 (SEER2)
    Good
    Hot-day cooling
    11.3 (EER2)
    Below the middle
    47.1score / 100Heating 49 · Cooling 45

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