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Record holders, size class by size class

The highest certified value on each single rating, in each size class. A record is one rating, not an overall verdict; for that, see the cold-climate picks. A record across all sizes would mostly go to the smallest units, so each record here is for one size and type.

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

Records: ductless, 2.5–3 tons

  • Efficiency on a 5°F day

    2.70

    COP at 5°F

    PUZ-AK36NL***Mitsubishi Electric

    3 tons · 36,000 Btu/h · Ductless

  • Heating power kept at 5°F

    116%

    Capacity at 5°F vs 47°F

    D5CMHAH30EAKMideaAlso sold as MDV M5OX631-30HFN10-M1XD, Bryant 37MGHAQ30EA3, Arcoaire D5CMHAH30EAK; also listed as 37MGHAQ30EA3

    2.5 tons · 30,000 Btu/h · Ductless

  • Winter-long heating efficiency

    12.1

    HSPF2

    MCY-MUB0368HS2P-ULCarrier (sold as Toshiba Carrier)

    3 tons · 36,000 Btu/h · Ductless

  • Summer-long cooling efficiency

    29.1

    SEER2

    MCY-MUB0368HS2P-ULCarrier (sold as Toshiba Carrier)

    3 tons · 36,000 Btu/h · Ductless

These are certified test ratings, not a recommendation for your home. The right size comes from a load calculation by a contractor.

Smaller brands worth a look

Brands with fewer than 25 models whose typical model beats more similar heat pumps than the 5 largest brands’ typical model, on at least one rating.
  • Ecoer

    Heating power kept at 5°F: its typical model beats 65% of similar heat pumps, against 49% for the 5 largest brands.

Next steps

The advanced view has the all-sizes records with runners-up, the best of every size class in one table and the full list of smaller brands.

Open the advanced view