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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, 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?

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