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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 49% and a typical THERMAL ZONE model 43%. RUSSELL rates higher overall.

Covers older R-410A heat pumps, no longer installed new. See models sold today · Updated

RUSSELL

49%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

About average

60 models listed

THERMAL ZONE

43%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Below average

88 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 80%THERMAL ZONE: Beats 68%
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°FRUSSELL: Beats 43%THERMAL ZONE: Beats 37%
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF2RUSSELL: Beats 25%THERMAL ZONE: Beats 31%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER2RUSSELL: Beats 32%THERMAL ZONE: Beats 26%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER2RUSSELL: Beats 42%THERMAL ZONE: 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

    RUSSELL
    17%
    THERMAL ZONE
    13%

  • Xcel CC

    RUSSELL
    13%
    THERMAL ZONE
    7%

  • CEE Advanced

    RUSSELL
    3%
    THERMAL ZONE
    0%

  • ENERGY STAR CC

    RUSSELL
    22%
    THERMAL ZONE
    22%

Top cold-climate picks, ducted 5 tons and up

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 Ducted, 5 tons and up (57,000 Btu/h and up cooling). What size is my system?

RUSSELL

None of RUSSELL’s ducted, 5 tons and up models qualifies.

THERMAL ZONE

None of THERMAL ZONE’s ducted, 5 tons and up models qualifies.

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