Best HVAC · 2026

Best Cold-Climate Heat Pumps 2026

By Erin Rose · Updated

A cold-climate heat pump's only real question: does it still heat when it's 5°F outside? Vendors answer with adjectives. We answer with the two certified numbers that decide it — COP and heating capacity at 5°F. We track 5,544 that qualify, ranked by the data — the table below shows the top 200; every one is a click away from there. New to this? Will a heat pump keep up in real cold? explains what these numbers mean and maps them to how cold it actually gets where you live.

Data current as of July 12, 2026 · 5,544 systems · source AHRI + ENERGY STAR

The verdict — grasp the pick in 5 seconds

Best in extreme cold
Carrier 38MPRBQ18AA3

Highest measured efficiency when it's frigid — a COP of 2.89 at 5°F means it still moves 2.89× more heat than the electricity it draws.

2.89×COP at 5°F
11HSPF2
R-410ARefrigerant
Get install quotes → Full specs
Best overall efficiency
Bosch BMS500-AAS024-1CSXHD

Top HSPF2 in the cold-climate field (13.5) — the lowest seasonal heating cost per delivered BTU.

13.5HSPF2
13.5HSPF2
R-454BRefrigerant
Get install quotes → Full specs
Most heat when it counts
Mitsubishi Electric MXZ-SM60NLHZ-**

Delivers the most heating output at 5°F (62,000 BTU/h) — the pick for a cold, larger home that can't lean on backup heat.

62,000BTU/h at 5°F
10.9HSPF2
R-454BRefrigerant
Get install quotes → Full specs

Picks are chosen by a single verifiable metric each (stated above) — not an opinion score. Prefer a different priority? Re-sort the full field below. Want the cost at your energy prices? Run the operating-cost calculator.

The full field — sortable

Click any column to re-sort (sorting the top 200 below). Every row links to that unit's full Verified Label with computed operating cost.

Model COP @ 5°F HSPF2 Heat @ 5°F SEER2 Refrigerant Buy
Arcoaire DLCPRBH18AAKductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Comfortmaker, Day & Night, Heil +3 2.89× 11 24,000 26.3 R-410A Price
Carrier 38MPRBQ18AA3ductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Bryant, Midea, Payne +1 2.89× 11 24,000 26.3 R-410A Quote
Goodman MSH183G26MCAAductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.89× 11 24,000 26.3 R-410A Quote
MDV MOD30-18HFN1-MZ20Wductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.89× 11 24,000 26.3 R-410A Price
MOOVAIR DMA18HOS42230E4ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.89× 11 24,000 26.3 R-410A Quote
MOOVAIR DMB18HOS42230E8Bductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.89× 11 24,000 26.3 R-410A Quote
MDV M3OX430-27HFN8-M1ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.8× 10 21,400 22.5 R-32 Price
TOSHIBA CARRIER MCY-MAP0367HS-UL*ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.7× 10.9 28,200 20.1 R-410A Quote
1HVAC ACIQ-12-EHPBducted · Most Efficient · also sold as Aciq, Diycool, Polarwave +1 2.6× 9 11,000 17.5 R-410A Quote
MDV MOX330U-12HFN1-MR0ducted · Most Efficient 2.6× 9 11,000 17.5 R-410A Price
Hitachi PAS-18BUFASDQ1-LACductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.6× 11 15,000 27 R-32 Quote
Samsung AC060FCUPCGducted · Most Efficient 2.58× 9 43,000 17 R-454B Quote
Hitachi RAC-GJ09WHAAductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as York 2.57× 11.4 8,400 23 R-32 Quote
Bosch BMS500-AAS024-1CSXRDductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.54× 11.7 19,600 23 R-454B Quote
Carrier 37MARAQ24AA3ductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Bryant, Midea, Payne +1 2.54× 11.7 19,600 23.1 R-454B Quote
Midea D5CSRAH24AAKductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Airquest, Arcoaire, Comfortmaker +3 2.54× 11.7 19,600 23.1 R-454B Price
Cooper&Hunter CH-RES24-230VOductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.54× 11.7 19,600 23 R-454B Price
CanAir 4C25SCH24H21ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.54× 11.7 19,600 23 R-454B Quote
DIRECT AIR DIRM4-24DA25-1Zductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.54× 11.7 19,600 23 R-454B Quote
BLUERIDGE BMS2423YCductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.54× 11.7 19,600 23 R-454B Price
BLUERIDGE BXS3A24SC0ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.54× 11.7 19,600 23 R-454B Price
MDV MOD30-24HFN10-M1ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.54× 11.7 19,600 23.1 R-454B Price
Innovair MOS24H2BM0Aductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.54× 11.7 19,600 23 R-454B Price
SEA BREEZE+ SZ24H525ZMOductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.54× 11.7 19,600 23 R-454B Quote
MOOVAIR MSHEA24C2AN1ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.54× 11.7 19,600 23 R-454B Quote
AC PRO MHPC-H-024BSBductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.54× 11.7 19,600 23 R-454B Price
Midea MO1ES-H24B-2Aductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.54× 11.7 19,600 23 R-454B Quote
Midea MOD-24HFN10AEductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.54× 11.7 19,600 23 R-454B Quote
Midea MOD30-24HFN10-M1Pductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.54× 11.7 19,600 23 R-454B Quote
ECO-AIR EDSO-24Eductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.54× 11.7 19,600 23 R-454B Quote
NOVAIR LEA24SZ26-Oductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.54× 11.7 19,600 23 R-454B Quote
Custom Comfort CCOESBSZ24HPductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.54× 11.7 19,600 23 R-454B Quote
AUX AFEB09HP115V1COductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.52× 9.5 9,200 22 R-32 Quote
Multi MFG MSD-48HD-Bducted · Most Efficient 2.52× 9 37,000 19 R-454B Quote
SUM X SM-48HSM2-CUducted · Most Efficient 2.52× 9 37,000 19 R-454B Quote
Fujitsu AOUG15LZAS1ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.52× 12.8 17,500 25.3 R-410A Quote
Fujitsu AOUH15KTAP1ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.52× 13 18,400 28.7 R-32 Quote
Gridless GRID48OCducted · Most Efficient 2.52× 9 37,000 19 R-454B Quote
Hisense AOH-48U3T24Pducted · Most Efficient 2.52× 9 37,000 19 R-454B Quote
Hisense AUWR-4824Pducted · Most Efficient 2.52× 9 37,000 19 R-454B Quote
HAXXAIR HVHDZ-48V2Dducted · Most Efficient 2.52× 9 37,000 19 R-454B Quote
Samsung AC048FCUPCGducted · Most Efficient 2.52× 8.5 40,500 16.5 R-454B Quote
Zephyr ZE-648HPAducted · Most Efficient 2.52× 9 37,000 19 R-454B Quote
Voltas VAUWR-48HCDR2ducted · Most Efficient 2.52× 9 37,000 19 R-454B Quote
Endura HBEFU-48R454Bducted · Most Efficient 2.52× 9 37,000 19 R-454B Quote
Carrier 37MARAQ12AA3ductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Bryant, Midea, Payne +1 2.5× 11 8,900 24.7 R-454B Quote
Midea D5CSRAH12AAKductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Airquest, Arcoaire, Comfortmaker +3 2.5× 11 8,900 24.7 R-454B Price
TOSHIBA CARRIER MCY-MUB0488HS2P-ULductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.5× 11.3 38,000 24.35 R-454B Quote
TOSHIBA CARRIER RAV-BP121AT2P-ULductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.5× 12 10,100 26 R-454B Quote
DIRECT AIR DIRM4-12DA25-1Zductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.5× 11 8,900 24.6 R-454B Quote
BLUERIDGE BMS1226YCductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.5× 11 8,900 24.6 R-454B Price
BLUERIDGE BXS3A12SC0ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.5× 11 8,900 24.6 R-454B Price
Innovair MOS12H2BM0Aductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.5× 11 8,900 24.6 R-454B Price
SEA BREEZE+ SZ12H525ZMOductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.5× 11 8,900 24.6 R-454B Quote
Elios ESHEA12C2AN1ductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Moovair 2.5× 11 8,900 24.6 R-454B Quote
Lennox MWLD015S6S-1Pductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.5× 11 15,600 23 R-32 Quote
Lennox MWPD015S6S-1Pductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.5× 11 15,600 23 R-32 Quote
AC PRO MHPC-H-012BSBductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.5× 11 8,900 24.6 R-454B Price
Midea MO1ES-H12B-2Aductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.5× 11 8,900 24.6 R-454B Quote
Pioneer YN012GMSI24RPGductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.5× 11 8,900 24.6 R-454B Price
Hitachi PAS-24BUFASDQ1ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.5× 11.6 18,200 24 R-32 Quote
Hitachi PAS-24BUFASDQ1-LACductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.5× 10 19,000 21 R-32 Quote
Samsung AR15DXDABWKXductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.5× 11 15,600 23 R-32 Quote
Samsung AR15DXDACWKXductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.5× 11 15,600 23 R-32 Quote
Custom Comfort CCOESBSZ12HPductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.5× 11 8,900 24.6 R-454B Quote
ApooDr ALC24-12H1Bductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Aprodr 2.5× 11 8,900 24.6 R-454B Quote
Hitachi RAC-GJ12WHAAductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as York 2.49× 11.1 11,000 20 R-32 Quote
Star Air Kontrol SAK-12-OCT2/220Vductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.48× 10 8,600 22.1 R-454B Quote
Multi MFG MSD-60HD-Bducted · Most Efficient 2.46× 9 42,000 19 R-454B Quote
SUM X SM-60HSM2-CUducted · Most Efficient 2.46× 9 42,000 19 R-454B Quote
MDV MOE30-36HFN10-M3Xducted · Most Efficient 2.46× 10 36,000 18 R-454B Price
Gridless GRID60OCducted · Most Efficient 2.46× 9 42,000 19 R-454B Quote
Hisense AOH-60U3T24Pducted · Most Efficient 2.46× 9 42,000 19 R-454B Quote
Hisense AUWR-6024Pducted · Most Efficient 2.46× 9 42,000 19 R-454B Quote
Hisense AUWR-60U3TH5ducted · Most Efficient 2.46× 9 42,000 19 R-454B Quote
American Standard / Mitsubishi Electric MUZ-FS06NA***ductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Mitsubishi Electric, Trane / Mitsubishi Electric 2.46× 11.9 10,500 32.2 R-410A Quote
American Standard / Mitsubishi Electric MUZ-FS06NAH***ductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Mitsubishi Electric, Trane / Mitsubishi Electric 2.46× 10.9 10,500 32.2 R-410A Quote
American Standard / Mitsubishi Electric NAXSPB06B112A*ductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Trane / Mitsubishi Electric 2.46× 10.9 10,500 32.2 R-410A Quote
American Standard / Mitsubishi Electric NAXSPH06B112A*ductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Trane / Mitsubishi Electric 2.46× 11.9 10,500 32.2 R-410A Quote
HAXXAIR HVHDZ-60V2Dducted · Most Efficient 2.46× 9 42,000 19 R-454B Quote
Zephyr ZE-660HPAducted · Most Efficient 2.46× 9 42,000 19 R-454B Quote
Voltas VAUWR-60HCDR2ducted · Most Efficient 2.46× 9 42,000 19 R-454B Quote
Endura HBEFU-60R454Bducted · Most Efficient 2.46× 9 42,000 19 R-454B Quote
1HVAC EZ-18ZPL-HP230Bductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Diycool, Infinityliving, Polarwave 2.44× 11.5 12,800 22.5 R-454B Quote
AI AIR CONDITIONING AO24-18N1-M1Hductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.44× 10.5 12,800 24 R-410A Quote
BLUERIDGE BDS2A18SC0ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.44× 11.5 12,800 22.5 R-454B Price
Fujitsu AOUK024SSAN7ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.44× 11.3 26,200 22.2 R-32 Quote
Coast air A-CAD18-1Bductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.44× 11.5 12,800 22.5 R-454B Quote
MRCOOL DIY-18-HP-C-230D25-Oductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.44× 11.5 12,800 22.5 R-454B Price
MRCOOL DIYP-18-HP-C-230DE11-Oductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.44× 11.5 12,800 22.5 R-454B Price
Midea MOX430-18HFN1-MT8Wductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as MDV 2.44× 10.5 12,800 24 R-410A Price
NG Trade OMEGA181Eductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.44× 10.5 12,800 24 R-410A Quote
Bluefin BFMS18PL-01Oductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.44× 10.5 12,800 24 R-410A Quote
Continental CDHAS22-18-Oductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Napoleon 2.44× 10.5 12,800 24 R-410A Quote
ApooDr AGN24-18H1Bductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.44× 10.5 12,800 24 R-410A Quote
ZERO ZMSB-18HV-USHHductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.44× 10.5 12,800 24 R-410A Quote
AUX ASW-H18E3B2/*R3DI-C3ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.43× 9.66 14,000 21 R-32 Quote
TOSHIBA CARRIER MCY-MUB0368HS2P-ULductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.42× 12.2 28,200 29.7 R-454B Quote
Lennox SL22KLV-036-230A**ducted · Most Efficient 2.42× 10.5 33,200 20 R-454B Quote
AI AIR CONDITIONING AO24-12N1-M1Hductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.41× 10.8 8,400 23.1 R-410A Quote
SLIMAIR SHC12VE2AGductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.41× 10.8 8,400 23.1 R-410A Quote
Midea MOX230-12HFN1-MV5Wductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.41× 10.8 8,400 23.1 R-410A Price
LBG Products LBHB12DUWOductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.41× 10.8 8,400 23.1 R-410A Quote
NOVAIR LEA12SZ25SK-Oductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.41× 10.8 8,400 23.1 R-410A Quote
Bluefin BFMS12PL-01Oductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.41× 10.8 8,400 23.1 R-410A Quote
Continental CDHAS22-12-Oductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Napoleon 2.41× 10.8 8,400 23.1 R-410A Quote
ApooDr AGN24-12H220V1Bductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.41× 10.8 8,400 23.1 R-410A Quote
ZERO ZMSB-12HV-USHHductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.41× 10.8 8,400 23.1 R-410A Quote
TOSHIBA CARRIER RAV-BP301AT2P-ULductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.4× 11.8 24,000 24.5 R-454B Quote
KEEN Home KEENUMHP06AAductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.4× 12 8,100 22 R-454B Quote
Daikin DH9VSA241CA*ducted · Most Efficient 2.4× 10 24,000 21 R-32 Quote
Daikin DH9VSA361CA*ducted · Most Efficient 2.4× 10 34,200 21 R-32 Quote
Goodman GZV9SA241CA*ducted · Most Efficient · also sold as Amana 2.4× 10 24,000 21 R-32 Price
Goodman GZV9SA361CA*ducted · Most Efficient · also sold as Amana 2.4× 10 34,200 21 R-32 Price
DUCTLESSAIRE 454-18-O-DAductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.4× 11.9 13,400 23.7 R-454B Quote
MDV MOX230-06HFN10-M1ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.4× 12.8 8,300 25.7 R-454B Price
GREE GMV-V36WL/C-T(U)ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.4× 9 25,200 23 R-410A Quote
GREE GMV-V36WL/NHC-T(U)ductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Tosot 2.4× 9.8 31,600 23.5 R-32 Quote
GREE KUV-36UHOductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Kinghome 2.4× 9 25,200 23 R-410A Quote
TOSOT TVRF-V36WL/Cductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.4× 9 25,200 23 R-410A Quote
Lennox VPD060H6M-5Pductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.4× 11 47,000 23 R-32 Quote
American Standard / Mitsubishi Electric MUZ-FS09NA***ductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Mitsubishi Electric, Trane / Mitsubishi Electric 2.4× 10.9 11,300 29.8 R-410A Quote
American Standard / Mitsubishi Electric MUZ-FS09NAH***ductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Mitsubishi Electric, Trane / Mitsubishi Electric 2.4× 10 11,300 29.8 R-410A Quote
American Standard / Mitsubishi Electric NAXSPB09B112A*ductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Trane / Mitsubishi Electric 2.4× 10 11,300 29.8 R-410A Quote
American Standard / Mitsubishi Electric NAXSPH09B112A*ductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Trane / Mitsubishi Electric 2.4× 10.9 11,300 29.8 R-410A Quote
Hitachi PAS-12BLFASDQ1ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.4× 11.3 13,800 23 R-32 Quote
Hitachi PAS-18BLFASDQ1ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.4× 11.5 20,000 21 R-32 Quote
Hitachi PAS-18BUFASDQ1ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.4× 11 14,600 21 R-32 Quote
Hitachi PAS-24BLFASDQ1ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.4× 12.2 27,600 21 R-32 Quote
Hitachi PAS-30BLFASDQ1ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.4× 12 32,800 20.3 R-32 Quote
Hitachi PAS-36BUFASDQ1-LACductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.4× 10 27,000 19.4 R-32 Quote
Samsung AM060FCMDCG1ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.4× 11 47,000 23 R-32 Quote
Star Air Kontrol SAK-06-OCT2/220Vductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.4× 12 8,100 22 R-454B Quote
Star Air Kontrol SAK-12-CT2/220Vductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.4× 10.4 8,400 21.1 R-454B Quote
ApooDr ASG24-18H1Bductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.4× 11.9 13,400 23.7 R-454B Quote
VINO VMH12A3-VA1B3NB(O)ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.4× 9.4 9,700 25 R-32 Quote
DUCTLESSAIRE DA1821-H2-O*ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.39× 10.3 12,600 23.7 R-410A Quote
KANIONco KWSM-18IR410AHS23.5MVductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.39× 10.3 12,600 23.7 R-410A Quote
MAXI AIR YS21F-18HRDN1ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.39× 10.3 12,600 23.7 R-410A Quote
QUEBEC VAIR NE-T52-PLA18EXTductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Maxi AIR 2.39× 10.3 12,600 23.7 R-410A Quote
QUEBEC VAIR NE-T52-QVAIR18Eductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.39× 10.3 12,600 23.7 R-410A Quote
Star Air Kontrol SAK-18-24MS/220ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.39× 10.3 12,600 23.7 R-410A Quote
C&H CH-ES12-230VOductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Cooper&hunter 2.38× 11 8,400 25 R-410A Quote
DuraSTAR DRA1U12S1Bductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.38× 11 8,400 25 R-410A Price
Fujitsu AOUH12KMAS1ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.38× 11.2 10,600 27.5 R-32 Quote
MDV MOX230-09HFN1-MY2Wductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.38× 12.5 8,300 25.6 R-410A Price
SEA BREEZE+ SZ12H424ZMOductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.38× 11 8,400 25 R-410A Quote
Elios DEA12HOS25230E8ductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Moovair 2.38× 11 8,400 25 R-410A Quote
Mitsubishi Electric MUZ-FX06NLHZ***ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.38× 13 12,600 35 R-454B Quote
Mitsubishi Electric MUZ-FX06NLHZ2***ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.38× 13 12,600 35 R-454B Quote
AIR-CON ASLCI4H4S18ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.36× 10 13,200 20.5 R-410A Quote
Bosch BMS500-AAS009-1CSXRDductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.36× 12.5 8,000 25.8 R-454B Quote
DIAL 18000-UNI-Oductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.36× 10 13,200 20.5 R-410A Quote
DIAL SZUN18WW230ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.36× 10 13,200 20.5 R-410A Quote
Friedrich FPHFR18A3Aductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.36× 10 13,200 20.5 R-410A Quote
Fujitsu AOUH09LMAS1ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.36× 12.6 10,100 26.5 R-410A Quote
Fujitsu AOUH12LMBS1ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.36× 11.1 10,300 23 R-410A Quote
Fujitsu AOUH42KUAS1ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.36× 10.4 37,000 19 R-32 Quote
Fujitsu AOUK048MSAN7ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.36× 9.8 42,000 23 R-32 Quote
Westinghouse WHU18SZA21Sductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.36× 10 13,200 20.5 R-410A Quote
Hisense AUW-18U3SFductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.36× 10 13,200 20.5 R-410A Quote
Innovair MOS09H2BM0Aductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.36× 12.5 8,000 25.8 R-454B Price
Hitachi RAS-2.0PNNBDH1ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.36× 10 13,200 20.5 R-410A Quote
MOOVAIR MSHEA09C2AN*ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.36× 12.5 8,000 25.8 R-454B Quote
MOOVAIR MSHEA09C2AN1ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.36× 12.5 8,000 25.8 R-454B Quote
Midea MOX230-09HFN10-M1Pductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.36× 12.5 8,000 25.8 R-454B Quote
ECO-AIR EDSO-09Eductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.36× 12.5 8,000 25.8 R-454B Quote
HAXXAIR HVHSC-18T2Dductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.36× 10 13,200 20.5 R-410A Quote
1HVAC ACIQ-12ZS-HP230Cductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Aciq 2.35× 11.5 8,600 23.1 R-454B Quote
1HVAC ACIQ-18ZS-HP230Cductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.35× 11.1 13,000 24 R-454B Price
AI AIR CONDITIONING AO24-12N2-M1ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.35× 11.5 8,600 23.1 R-454B Quote
Cooper&Hunter CH-RES12-230VOductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.35× 11.5 8,600 23.1 R-454B Price
Danby DAS120AGBAHWDB-Oductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.35× 11.5 8,600 23.1 R-454B Quote
CanAir 4C25SCH12H21ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.35× 11.5 8,600 23.1 R-454B Quote
ComfortStar CPP3-12CD(O)ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.35× 11.5 8,600 23.1 R-454B Price
SLIMAIR SHC12AE2AGductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.35× 11.5 8,600 23.1 R-454B Quote
DuraSTAR DRA1U12S2Aductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.35× 11.5 8,600 23.1 R-454B Price
Fujitsu AOUK060MSAN7ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.35× 9.5 46,500 22.2 R-32 Quote
MDV MOX230-12HFN10-M1ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.35× 11.5 8,600 23.1 R-454B Price
MAINLINE ML12HP230NEX-Oductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.35× 11.5 8,600 23.1 R-454B Quote
NG Trade OMSTAR121Eductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.35× 11.5 8,600 23.1 R-454B Quote
NG Trade OMSTAR181Eductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.35× 11.1 13,000 24 R-454B Quote
NOVAIR LEA12SZ26-Oductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.35× 11.5 8,600 23.1 R-454B Quote
Panasonic CU-YM12CBUCductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.35× 11.5 8,600 23.1 R-454B Quote
Mitsutomo RU-SZ12-LA-Qductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.35× 11.5 8,600 23.1 R-454B Quote
Wells WOS-12QUA/230ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.35× 11.5 8,600 23.1 R-454B Quote
Continental CDHAS22B-12-Oductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Napoleon 2.35× 11.5 8,600 23.1 R-454B Quote
Continental CDHAS22B-18-Oductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.35× 11.1 13,000 24 R-454B Quote
Continental CDHAS22BA-18-Oductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.35× 11.1 13,000 24 R-454B Quote
ZERO ZMSB-12HV-USHHR2-Oductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.35× 11.5 8,600 23.1 R-454B Quote
1HVAC ACIQ-24ZPL-HP230Cductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Aciq 2.34× 13.5 24,200 21 R-454B Quote
Bosch BMS500-AAS024-1CSXHDductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.34× 13.5 24,200 21 R-454B Quote
Breeze33 BZ33-HYP24OUT2-454-G3-Pductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.34× 13.5 24,200 21 R-454B Quote
Carrier 37MAHAQ24AA3ductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Bryant, Midea, Payne +1 2.34× 13.5 24,200 21.2 R-454B Quote
Midea D5CSHAH24AAKductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Airquest, Arcoaire, Comfortmaker +3 2.34× 13.5 24,200 21.2 R-454B Price
Cooper&Hunter CH-RHP24-230VOductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.34× 13.5 24,200 21 R-454B Price
CanAir 4C28SCH24H21ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.34× 13.5 24,200 21 R-454B Quote
DIRECT AIR DIRM4-24HXPRO28-1Zductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.34× 13.5 24,200 21 R-454B Quote
EMI EMXSZ124DAductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.34× 13.5 24,200 21 R-454B Quote
BLUERIDGE BMS2421HHYCductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.34× 13.5 24,200 21 R-454B Price

Browsing the full field? This table shows the top 200 of 5,544 cold-climate heat pumps, ranked by COP at 5°F. See every certified heat pump (cold-climate and standard): Browse all 12,239 →

How the ranking works. "Cold-climate" = units carrying the ENERGY STAR Cold Climate designation in the certification data. We rank on COP at 5°F (efficiency when frigid) and heating capacity at 5°F (whether it can still keep up) — both certified figures, not marketing terms like "works to −15°F." Specs come from the AHRI Directory (cited by reference number, not mirrored) and ENERGY STAR; operating-cost math is ours. No star ratings, no paid placement. Best value at the median heat-pump price runs about $19.82/MMBtu vs $55.19 for electric resistance. See methodology.

Common questions

Do heat pumps still work below freezing?

Yes — the 5,544 units this page ranks all carry the ENERGY STAR Cold Climate designation and a published rating at 5°F, the certified proof point. The best of them (Carrier 38MPRBQ18AA3) holds a COP of 2.89× at 5°F — meaning it still moves about 2.89× more heat energy than the electricity it consumes, well below freezing. Efficiency does drop as it gets colder (COP is highest around 47°F and lowest at 5°F), which is exactly why we rank on the 5°F number instead of a vague "works to −15°F" marketing claim.

What's the difference between HSPF2 and COP at 5°F?

HSPF2 is a seasonal average across a whole heating season's worth of temperatures, weighted toward mild days — it's the number that predicts your winter bill. COP at 5°F is a single data point: exactly how efficient the unit is on one of the coldest days it will see. A heat pump can have a strong HSPF2 from months of easy 40–50°F days while still struggling in a real cold snap, which is why we rank this page on COP at 5°F specifically, not HSPF2 alone.

Does a cold-climate heat pump need backup heat?

Often, yes, in genuinely cold regions — even a strong cold-climate unit's heating capacity (BTU/h it can deliver) shrinks as the outdoor temperature drops, so a system sized for a mild day can fall short on the coldest night. That's a sizing question for a Manual J load calculation with your installer, not a reason to avoid a heat pump; most cold-climate installs pair the heat pump with existing or new backup (gas furnace or electric strip heat) that only kicks in on the rare extreme day.

Is a cold-climate heat pump worth it over a standard one?

If you regularly see temperatures near or below freezing, yes — a standard (non-cold-climate) heat pump's efficiency and output can fall off sharply below freezing, sometimes to where it can't keep up without heavy reliance on backup resistance heat, which is expensive to run. A cold-climate-rated unit is engineered (enhanced vapor injection compressors, different refrigerant management) to hold more of its capacity and efficiency at 5°F — the COP and heating-capacity numbers on this page are exactly how you verify that before buying, unit by unit.