Skip to content

RUSSELL vs ZERO: heat pump ratings compared

Against heat pumps of the same size and type, a typical RUSSELL model beats 49% and a typical ZERO model 49%. They are level.

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

ZERO

49%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

About average

69 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%ZERO: Beats 48%
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°FRUSSELL: Beats 43%ZERO: Beats 43%
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF2RUSSELL: Beats 25%ZERO: Beats 46%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER2RUSSELL: Beats 32%ZERO: Beats 53%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER2RUSSELL: Beats 42%ZERO: Beats 46%

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%
    ZERO
    59%
  • Xcel CC

    RUSSELL
    13%
    ZERO
    48%
  • CEE Advanced

    RUSSELL
    3%
    ZERO
    0%
  • ENERGY STAR CC

    RUSSELL
    22%
    ZERO
    25%

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.

RUSSELL

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

ZERO

None of ZERO’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