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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 up to 1.5 tons

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

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

RUSSELL

No ductless, up to 1.5 tons model from RUSSELL.

THERMAL ZONE

No ductless, up to 1.5 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