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UTL vs VKIN: heat pump ratings compared

Against heat pumps of the same size and type, a typical UTL model beats 63% and a typical VKIN model 60%. UTL rates slightly higher overall.

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

UTL

63%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Well above average

26 models listed

VKIN

60%

of similar heat pumps beaten by its typical model

Well above average

26 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°FUTL: Beats 80%VKIN: Beats 57%
  • Heating power kept at 5°FCapacity at 5°F vs 47°FUTL: Beats 59%VKIN: Beats 55%
  • Winter-long heating efficiencyHSPF2UTL: Beats 75%VKIN: Beats 60%
  • Summer-long cooling efficiencySEER2UTL: Beats 69%VKIN: Beats 72%
  • Hot-day cooling efficiencyEER2UTL: Beats 42%VKIN: Beats 54%

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

    UTL
    89%
    VKIN
    96%

  • Xcel CC

    UTL
    85%
    VKIN
    92%

  • CEE Advanced

    UTL
    12%
    VKIN
    4%

  • ENERGY STAR CC

    UTL
    100%
    VKIN
    89%

Top cold-climate picks, ducted 2.5–3 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 Ducted, 2.5–3 tons (27,000–38,999 Btu/h cooling). What size is my system?

UTL

  1. 1UCHA-36HDCTRN2with ducted air handler UCHA-36HDCALN2UTL3 tons · 34,200 Btu/h · DuctedKeeps 75% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    75% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Good
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.30 (COP at 5°F)
    Great
    Seasonal efficiency
    10.0 (HSPF2)
    Great
    78.1score / 100
  2. 2UCHA-36HDCT(O)with ducted air handler UCHA-36HDCT(I)UTLAlso listed as UCHA-36HDCT, UCHA-36HDCTN23 tons · 34,200 Btu/h · DuctedKeeps 73% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    73% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Good
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.20 (COP at 5°F)
    Great
    Seasonal efficiency
    9.0 (HSPF2)
    Good
    70.3score / 100
  3. 3UCHA-30HFDCSN4with ducted air handler UCHA-30HFDCAN4UTL2.5 tons · 30,000 Btu/h · DuctedKeeps 70% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    70% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Below the middle
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.20 (COP at 5°F)
    Great
    Seasonal efficiency
    9.3 (HSPF2)
    Great
    69.7score / 100

VKIN

  1. 1UCHA-36HDCTwith ducted air handler UCHA-36HDCVKIN3 tons · 34,200 Btu/h · DuctedKeeps 73% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    73% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Good
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.20 (COP at 5°F)
    Great
    Seasonal efficiency
    9.0 (HSPF2)
    Good
    70.3score / 100
  2. 2UCHA-36HDCSN4with ducted air handler UCHA-36HDCN4VKIN3 tons · 34,200 Btu/h · DuctedKeeps 76% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    76% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Good
    Efficiency at 5°F
    2.10 (COP at 5°F)
    Great
    Seasonal efficiency
    9.0 (HSPF2)
    Good
    69.5score / 100
  3. 3URHT-27FM3N4VKIN2.5 tons · 27,000 Btu/h · DuctedKeeps 70% of its heat at 5°FMeets CEE 2025, CEE 2026, Xcel CC, ENERGY STAR CC
    Heat kept at 5°F
    70% (Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F)
    Good
    Efficiency at 5°F
    1.88 (COP at 5°F)
    Below the middle
    Seasonal efficiency
    9.0 (HSPF2)
    Good
    49.8score / 100

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.

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