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RUSSELL vs THERMAL ZONE: heat pump ratings compared

Against heat pumps of the same size and type, a typical RUSSELL model beats 33% and a typical THERMAL ZONE model 30%. RUSSELL rates slightly higher overall.

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

RUSSELL

33%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Well below average

111 models listed

THERMAL ZONE

30%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Well below average

101 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°FRUSSELL: Beats 37%THERMAL ZONE: Beats 40%
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°FRUSSELL: Beats 21%THERMAL ZONE: Beats 26%
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF2RUSSELL: Beats 24%THERMAL ZONE: Beats 23%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER2RUSSELL: Beats 28%THERMAL ZONE: Beats 24%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER2RUSSELL: Beats 36%THERMAL ZONE: Beats 31%

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

    RUSSELL
    11%
    THERMAL ZONE
    8%

  • Xcel CC

    RUSSELL
    7%
    THERMAL ZONE
    8%

  • CEE Advanced

    RUSSELL
    0%
    THERMAL ZONE
    0%

  • ENERGY STAR CC

    RUSSELL
    12%
    THERMAL ZONE
    8%

All-around best, ductless 2 tons

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

Showing Ductless, 2 tons (21,000–26,999 Btu/h cooling). What size is my system?

RUSSELL

No ductless, 2 tons model from RUSSELL.

THERMAL ZONE

No ductless, 2 tons model from THERMAL ZONE.

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