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 5,880 that qualify, ranked by the data — the table below shows the top 200; every one is a click away from there.

Data current as of July 12, 2026 · 5,880 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
Buy at Amazon → 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
Buy at Amazon → 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 Buy
Carrier 38MPRBQ18AA3ductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Bryant, Midea, Payne +1 2.89× 11 24,000 26.3 R-410A Quote
Midea DLCPRBH18AAKductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Airquest, Smart Comfort, Tempstar 2.89× 15.5 24,000 26.3 R-410A Buy
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 Buy
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 Buy
TOSHIBA CARRIER MCY-MAP0367HS-UL*ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.7× 10.9 28,200 20.1 R-410A Quote
Fujitsu AOUH12KTAP1ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.62× 13.7 16,200 31.5 R-32 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 Buy
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
ACIQ ACIQ-24ZS-HP230Cductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.54× 11.7 19,600 23 R-454B Quote
Bosch BMS500-AAS024-1CSXRDductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.54× 11.7 19,600 23 R-454B Buy
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 Buy
Cooper&Hunter CH-RES24-230VOductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.54× 11.7 19,600 23 R-454B Buy
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 Buy
BLUERIDGE BXS3A24SC0ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.54× 11.7 19,600 23 R-454B Buy
MDV MOD30-24HFN10-M1ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.54× 11.7 19,600 23.1 R-454B Buy
Innovair MOS24H2BM0Aductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.54× 11.7 19,600 23 R-454B Buy
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 Quote
Midea MO1ES-H24B-2Aductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.54× 11.7 19,600 23 R-454B Buy
Midea MOD-24HFN10AEductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.54× 11.7 19,600 23 R-454B Buy
Midea MOD30-24HFN10-M1Pductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.54× 11.7 19,600 23 R-454B Buy
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 Buy
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 Buy
Hisense AUWR-4824Pducted · Most Efficient 2.52× 9 37,000 19 R-454B Buy
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 Buy
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 Buy
BLUERIDGE BXS3A12SC0ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.5× 11 8,900 24.6 R-454B Buy
Innovair MOS12H2BM0Aductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.5× 11 8,900 24.6 R-454B Buy
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 Quote
Midea MO1ES-H12B-2Aductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.5× 11 8,900 24.6 R-454B Buy
Pioneer YN012GMSI24RPGductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.5× 11 8,900 24.6 R-454B Buy
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
Fujitsu AOUH09KTAP1ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.48× 14 17,000 33.5 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 Buy
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 Buy
Hisense AUWR-6024Pducted · Most Efficient 2.46× 9 42,000 19 R-454B Buy
Hisense AUWR-60U3TH5ducted · Most Efficient 2.46× 9 42,000 19 R-454B Buy
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 Buy
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 Buy
MRCOOL DIYP-18-HP-C-230DE11-Oductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.44× 11.5 12,800 22.5 R-454B Buy
Midea MOX430-18HFN1-MT8Wductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as MDV 2.44× 10.5 12,800 24 R-410A Buy
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 Buy
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
LBG Products LBHB12DUWOductless 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 Buy
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 Buy
Goodman GZV9SA361CA*ducted · Most Efficient · also sold as Amana 2.4× 10 34,200 21 R-32 Buy
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 Buy
GREE GMV-V36WL/C-T(U)ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.4× 9 25,200 23 R-410A Buy
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 Buy
GREE KUV-36UHOductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Kinghome 2.4× 9 25,200 23 R-410A Buy
TOSOT TVRF-V36WL/Cductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.4× 9 25,200 23 R-410A Buy
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-DT2/220Vductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.4× 13.8 7,800 21.4 R-454B 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
1HVAC ACIQ-06ZPL-HP230Cductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Aciq 2.39× 14.8 7,700 25.5 R-454B Quote
Breeze33 BZ33-HYP06OUT2-454-G3-Pductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.39× 14.8 7,700 25.5 R-454B Quote
Carrier 37MAHAQ06AA3ductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Bryant, Midea, Payne +1 2.39× 14.8 7,700 25.7 R-454B Quote
Midea D5CSHAH06AAKductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Airquest, Arcoaire, Comfortmaker +3 2.39× 14.8 7,700 25.7 R-454B Buy
Cooper&Hunter CH-RHP06F9-230VOductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.39× 14.8 7,700 25.5 R-454B Buy
CanAir 4C28SCH06H21ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.39× 14.8 7,700 25.5 R-454B Quote
DIRECT AIR DIRM4-06HXPRO28-1Zductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.39× 14.8 7,700 25.5 R-454B Quote
DUCTLESSAIRE DA1821-H2-O*ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.39× 10.3 12,600 23.7 R-410A Quote
EMI EMXSZ106DAductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.39× 14.8 7,700 25.5 R-454B Quote
BLUERIDGE BMS626HHYCductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.39× 14.8 7,700 25.5 R-454B Buy
BLUERIDGE BXS5A06UC0ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.39× 14.8 7,700 25.5 R-454B Buy
MDV MOX230-06HFN10-M1Xductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.39× 14.8 7,700 25.7 R-454B Buy
Century A-VHP06SA-1ductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Comfort Aire, Comfort-aire 2.39× 14.8 7,700 25.5 R-454B Quote
KERR A-KHP06SA-1ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.39× 14.8 7,700 25.5 R-454B Quote
Innovair MOS06H2BH0Aductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.39× 14.8 7,700 25.5 R-454B Buy
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
Midea MO1HS-H06B-2Aductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.39× 14.8 7,700 25.5 R-454B Buy
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
ECO-AIR EDSO-06Hductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.39× 14.8 7,700 25.5 R-454B Quote
NOVAIR LEA06SZ36-Oductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.39× 14.8 7,700 25.5 R-454B Quote
Senville SENA-06HF-OGductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.39× 14.8 7,700 25.5 R-454B Buy
Star Air Kontrol SAK-18-24MS/220ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.39× 10.3 12,600 23.7 R-410A Quote
Custom Comfort CCOXHBSZ06HPductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.39× 14.8 7,700 25.5 R-454B Quote
Napoleon NDHAS26BA-06-Oductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.39× 14.8 7,700 25.5 R-454B Quote
C&H CH-ES12-230VOductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Cooper&hunter 2.38× 11 8,400 25 R-410A Buy
DuraSTAR DRA1U12S1Bductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.38× 11 8,400 25 R-410A Buy
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 Buy
MDV MOX230-12HFN1-MV5Wductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Kepler, Alsetria, Eco-air 2.38× 11 8,400 25 R-410A Buy
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 Buy
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 Buy
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 Buy
Innovair MOS09H2BM0Aductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.36× 12.5 8,000 25.8 R-454B Buy
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 Buy
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 Quote
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 Buy
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

Browsing the full field? This table shows the top 200 of 5,880 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 5,880 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.