Best HVAC · Cold-climate heat pumps

What Is the Best Cold-Climate Heat Pump?

By Erin Rose · Updated

The most heat on a 5°F day comes from the Fujitsu XLTH (138% of its rated heat) and the Mitsubishi Hyper-Heat FX (123%), both fitted by a contractor. To order one online, buy the Cooper & Hunter Hyper Heat 12,000 BTU ($1,824.99 on Amazon): it still makes 96% of its heat at 5°F, and it needs an installer too.

Cooper & Hunter Hyper Heat 12,000 BTU, ductless

Best cold-climate unit you can order online

Cooper & Hunter Hyper Heat 12,000 BTU, ductless

$1,824.99 on Amazon

Check price on Amazon
  • 96% of its heat at 5°F · 24 SEER2[3].
  • Keeps more of its heat at 5°F than any other unit we matched on Amazon to its certified rating.
  • The listing says a pro must install it.

Which one is right for you?

  • Installing it yourself

    Klimaire DIY 12,000 BTU, 230V · 24 SEER2 · 72% of its heat at 5°F

    A true DIY kit: pre-charged lines click together, and Klimaire allows a DIY install. It keeps 72% of its heat at 5°F, less than the units below.

    $1,459 on Amazon

  • The most heat, through an installer

    Fujitsu XLTH AOUG12LZAS1 · 138% of its heat at 5°F · 29.4 SEER2

    The most heat on a 5°F day of any efficient 12,000 BTU wall unit. Ask a Fujitsu installer for it by model number.

    Compare the lines below

  • Most efficient, through an installer

    Mitsubishi Hyper-Heat FX MUZ-FX12NLHZ · 29.9 SEER2 · 123% of its heat at 5°F

    Nearly as much winter heat and the best summer efficiency of the units that keep 120% or more.

    Compare the lines below

  • A whole house with ductwork

    Trane 5TCV0X36A1 · 107% of its heat at 5°F · 10.3 HSPF2

    A ducted heat pump that keeps its full rated heat at 5°F. Installed by a contractor on your existing ducts.

    Compare the lines below

Heat kept at 5°F = certified heat output at 5°F divided by the rated output at 47°F (AHRI). Amazon price on November 11, 2026; prices change often. Systems with no Buy link are bought and fitted through an installer.

01 / The lines compared

The cold-climate lines people ask about, by the certified numbers

certified list October 23, 2026

Best-rated certified model in each line at about 12,000 BTU (ducted lines at about 3 tons). 'Where to get it' shows Amazon only if we found that exact certified system there on November 11, 2026.[1]

Named cold-climate heat pump lines: best certified model in each, heat kept at 5°F, efficiency, and where to get it
LineModelHeat kept at 5°FCOP at 5°FSEER2Where to get it
Fujitsu XLTH AOUG12LZAS1 · 12,000 BTU 138% 2.32 29.4 Sold through installers
Mitsubishi Hyper-Heat FX MUZ-FX12NLHZ · 12,000 BTU 123% 2.2 29.9 Sold through installers
Mitsubishi Hyper-Heat FS MUZ-FS12NA · 12,000 BTU 120% 2.3 26.3 Sold through installers
Gree Sapphire SAP12HP230V1AO · 12,000 BTU 107% 1.91 24 Sold through installers
Mitsubishi Hyper-Heat GS MUZ-GS12NAHZ · 12,000 BTU 100% 1.84 21.7 Sold through installers
Daikin Aurora RXT12AVJU · 10,600 BTU 100% 1.8 20 Sold through installers
Senville Aura SENA/12HF/OQ · 12,000 BTU 99% 1.99 24.2 Sold through installers
Cooper & Hunter Hyper Heat CH-RHP12-230VO · 12,000 BTU 96% 1.8 24 Amazon
MRCOOL DIY Hyper Heat DIYHH-12-HP-C-230D25-O · 12,000 BTU 92% 2.1 22.2 Exact model not found on Amazon
Bosch IDS (ducted) BOVB-36MTB-M19E · 36,400 BTU 100% 2.1 19 Sold through installers
Mitsubishi H2i (P-Series, ducted) PUZ-HA36NKA · 36,000 BTU 100% 1.8 15.3 Sold through installers

Heat kept at 5°F is the certified output at 5°F divided by the rated output at 47°F. Over 100% means the unit can put out more than its box rating on a 5°F day.

02 / Before you buy

How to choose for a cold climate

  1. Know your coldest nights. If it rarely drops below 5°F, most cold-climate units will do. If you see below-zero nights, look for 100% or more of rated heat at 5°F and plan for backup heat on the worst nights.
  2. Compare heat kept at 5°F, not the box. The box rating is measured at 47°F. What matters in winter is how much of it is left at 5°F. The typical certified cold-climate unit keeps 83%; 1,122 keep 100% or more.
  3. Check what a cold day costs to run. The certified figure is heat per unit of electricity at 5°F (COP). A COP of 2 means it still makes twice the heat that electric baseboard would for the same power.
  4. Ducted or ductless? Ductless (mini-split) units heat one room or zone each and lead on cold-weather numbers. Ducted heat pumps use your existing ducts for the whole house. We rank 4,297 ductless and 1,581 ducted systems.
  5. Size for heating, not cooling. A heat pump sized only for summer cooling will be too small in winter. Ask your installer for a heating load calculation (Manual J).

Tools: heat pump finder · running cost at your prices · thermostats that manage backup heat

A heat pump stops heating when the power goes out. Our sister site shows what it takes to keep a home running: backup power planner.

03 / The full field

All 5,878 cold-climate heat pumps, ranked by COP at 5°F

top 200 shown

Click a column to re-sort. Each row links to that unit's full record with running cost. Units sold under several brand names appear once.

Model COP @ 5°F Heat kept @ 5°F Heat @ 5°F HSPF2 SEER2 Buy
Arcoaire DLCPRBH18AAKductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Comfortmaker, Day & Night, Heil +3 2.89× 120% 24,000 11 26.3 —
Carrier 38MPRBQ18AA3ductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Bryant, Midea, Payne +1 2.89× 120% 24,000 11 26.3 —
Goodman MSH183G26MCAAductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.89× 120% 24,000 11 26.3 —
MDV MOD30-18HFN1-MZ20Wductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.89× 120% 24,000 11 26.3 —
MOOVAIR DMA18HOS42230E4ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.89× 120% 24,000 11 26.3 —
MOOVAIR DMB18HOS42230E8Bductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.89× 120% 24,000 11 26.3 —
MDV M3OX430-27HFN8-M1ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.8× 79% 21,400 10 22.5 —
Innovair MOM27H2XE3Aductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.8× 79% 21,400 10 22.5 —
TOSHIBA CARRIER MCY-MAP0367HS-ULductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.7× 78% 28,200 10.9 20.1 —
1HVAC ACIQ-12-EHPBducted · Most Efficient · also sold as Aciq, Diycool, Polarwave +1 2.6× 85% 11,000 9 17.5 —
MDV MOX330U-12HFN1-MR0ducted · Most Efficient 2.6× 85% 11,000 9 17.5 —
Hitachi PAS-18BUFASDQ1-LACductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.6× 83% 15,000 11 27 —
York YPAS18BUFASDQ1ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.6× 81% 16,200 11 25 —
Samsung AC060FCUPCGducted · Most Efficient 2.58× 77% 43,000 9 17 —
Hitachi RAC-GJ09WHAAductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as York 2.57× 93% 8,400 11.4 23 —
Bosch BMS500-AAS024-1CSXRDductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.54× 78% 19,600 11.7 23 —
Carrier 37MARAQ24AA3ductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Bryant, Midea, Payne +1 2.54× 78% 19,600 11.7 23.1 —
Midea D5CSRAH24AAKductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Airquest, Arcoaire, Comfortmaker +3 2.54× 78% 19,600 11.7 23.1 —
Cooper&Hunter CH-RES24-230VOductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.54× 78% 19,600 11.7 23 —
CanAir 4C25SCH24H21ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.54× 78% 19,600 11.7 23 —
DIRECT AIR DIRM4-24DA25-1Zductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.54× 78% 19,600 11.7 23 —
BLUERIDGE BMS2423YCductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.54× 78% 19,600 11.7 23 —
BLUERIDGE BXS3A24SC0ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.54× 78% 19,600 11.7 23 —
MDV MOD30-24HFN10-M1ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.54× 78% 19,600 11.7 23.1 —
Innovair MOS24H2BM0Aductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.54× 78% 19,600 11.7 23 —
SEA BREEZE+ SZ24H525ZMOductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.54× 78% 19,600 11.7 23 —
MOOVAIR MSHEA24C2AN1ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.54× 78% 19,600 11.7 23 —
AC PRO MHPC-H-024BSBductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.54× 78% 19,600 11.7 23 Similar
Midea MO1ES-H24B-2Aductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.54× 78% 19,600 11.7 23 —
Midea MOD-24HFN10AEductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.54× 78% 19,600 11.7 23 —
Midea MOD30-24HFN10-M1Pductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Kepler 2.54× 78% 19,600 11.7 23 —
Kaden KOB-PSX24HP-2AAMAductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.54× 78% 19,600 11.7 23 —
ECO-AIR EDSO-24Eductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.54× 78% 19,600 11.7 23 —
NOVAIR LEA24SZ26-Oductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.54× 78% 19,600 11.7 23 —
Custom Comfort CCOESBSZ24HPductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.54× 78% 19,600 11.7 23 —
AUX AFEB09HP115V1COductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.52× 95% 9,200 9.5 22 —
Multi MFG MSD-48HD-Bducted · Most Efficient 2.52× 77% 37,000 9 19 —
SUM X SM-48HSM2-CUducted · Most Efficient 2.52× 77% 37,000 9 19 —
Fujitsu AOUG15LZAS1ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.52× 121% 17,500 12.8 25.3 —
Fujitsu AOUH15KTAP1ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.52× 106% 18,400 13 28.7 —
Gridless GRID48OCducted · Most Efficient 2.52× 77% 37,000 9 19 —
Hisense AOH-48U3T24Pducted · Most Efficient 2.52× 77% 37,000 9 19 —
Hisense AUWR-4824Pducted · Most Efficient 2.52× 77% 37,000 9 19 —
HAXXAIR HVHDZ-48V2Dducted · Most Efficient 2.52× 77% 37,000 9 19 —
Samsung AC048FCUPCGducted · Most Efficient 2.52× 84% 40,500 8.5 16.5 —
Zephyr ZE-648HPAducted · Most Efficient 2.52× 77% 37,000 9 19 —
Voltas VAUWR-48HCDR2ducted · Most Efficient 2.52× 77% 37,000 9 19 —
Endura HBEFU-48R454Bducted · Most Efficient 2.52× 77% 37,000 9 19 —
Carrier 37MARAQ12AA3ductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Bryant, Midea, Payne +1 2.5× 74% 8,900 11 24.7 —
Midea D5CSRAH12AAKductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Airquest, Arcoaire, Comfortmaker +3 2.5× 74% 8,900 11 24.7 —
TOSHIBA CARRIER MCY-MUB0488HS2P-ULductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.5× 70% 38,000 11.3 24.35 —
TOSHIBA CARRIER RAV-BP121AT2P-ULductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.5× 84% 10,100 12 26 —
DIRECT AIR DIRM4-12DA25-1Zductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.5× 74% 8,900 11 24.6 —
BLUERIDGE BMS1226YCductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.5× 74% 8,900 11 24.6 —
BLUERIDGE BXS3A12SC0ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.5× 74% 8,900 11 24.6 —
Innovair MOS12H2BM0Aductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.5× 74% 8,900 11 24.6 —
SEA BREEZE+ SZ12H525ZMOductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.5× 74% 8,900 11 24.6 —
Elios ESHEA12C2AN1ductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Moovair 2.5× 74% 8,900 11 24.6 —
Lennox MWLD015S6S-1Pductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.5× 104% 15,600 11 23 —
Lennox MWPD015S6S-1Pductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.5× 104% 15,600 11 23 —
AC PRO MHPC-H-012BSBductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.5× 74% 8,900 11 24.6 Similar
Midea MO1ES-H12B-2Aductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.5× 74% 8,900 11 24.6 —
Pioneer YN012GMSI24RPGductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.5× 74% 8,900 11 24.6 —
Hitachi PAS-24BUFASDQ1ductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as York 2.5× 76% 18,200 11.6 24 —
Hitachi PAS-24BUFASDQ1-LACductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.5× 86% 19,000 10 21 —
Samsung AR15DXDABWKXductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.5× 104% 15,600 11 23 —
Samsung AR15DXDACWKXductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.5× 104% 15,600 11 23 —
Custom Comfort CCOESBSZ12HPductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.5× 74% 8,900 11 24.6 —
ApooDr ALC24-12H1Bductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Aprodr 2.5× 74% 8,900 11 24.6 —
Hitachi RAC-GJ12WHAAductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as York 2.49× 92% 11,000 11.1 20 —
Star Air Kontrol SAK-12-OCT2/220Vductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.48× 72% 8,600 10 22.1 —
Multi MFG MSD-60HD-Bducted · Most Efficient 2.46× 74% 42,000 9 19 —
SUM X SM-60HSM2-CUducted · Most Efficient 2.46× 74% 42,000 9 19 —
MDV MOE30-36HFN10-M3Xducted · Most Efficient 2.46× 100% 36,000 10 18 —
Gridless GRID60OCducted · Most Efficient 2.46× 74% 42,000 9 19 —
Hisense AOH-60U3T24Pducted · Most Efficient 2.46× 74% 42,000 9 19 —
Hisense AUWR-6024Pducted · Most Efficient 2.46× 74% 42,000 9 19 —
Hisense AUWR-60U3TH5ducted · Most Efficient 2.46× 74% 42,000 9 19 —
American Standard / Mitsubishi Electric MUZ-FS06NAductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Mitsubishi Electric, Trane / Mitsubishi Electric 2.46× 121% 10,500 11.9 32.2 —
American Standard / Mitsubishi Electric MUZ-FS06NAHductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Mitsubishi Electric, Trane / Mitsubishi Electric 2.46× 121% 10,500 10.9 32.2 —
American Standard / Mitsubishi Electric NAXSPB06B112Aductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Trane / Mitsubishi Electric 2.46× 121% 10,500 10.9 32.2 —
American Standard / Mitsubishi Electric NAXSPH06B112Aductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Trane / Mitsubishi Electric 2.46× 121% 10,500 11.9 32.2 —
HAXXAIR HVHDZ-60V2Dducted · Most Efficient 2.46× 74% 42,000 9 19 —
Zephyr ZE-660HPAducted · Most Efficient 2.46× 74% 42,000 9 19 —
Voltas VAUWR-60HCDR2ducted · Most Efficient 2.46× 74% 42,000 9 19 —
Endura HBEFU-60R454Bducted · Most Efficient 2.46× 74% 42,000 9 19 —
1HVAC EZ-18ZPL-HP230Bductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Diycool, Infinityliving, Polarwave 2.44× 71% 12,800 11.5 22.5 —
AI AIR CONDITIONING AO24-18N1-M1Hductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.44× 71% 12,800 10.5 24 —
BLUERIDGE BDS2A18SC0ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.44× 71% 12,800 11.5 22.5 —
Fujitsu AOUK024SSAN7ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.44× 94% 26,200 11.3 22.2 —
Coast air A-CAD18-1Bductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.44× 71% 12,800 11.5 22.5 —
MRCOOL DIY-18-HP-C-230D25-Oductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.44× 71% 12,800 11.5 22.5 —
MRCOOL DIYP-18-HP-C-230DE11-Oductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.44× 71% 12,800 11.5 22.5 —
Midea MOX430-18HFN1-MT8Wductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as MDV 2.44× 71% 12,800 10.5 24 —
NG Trade OMEGA181Eductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.44× 71% 12,800 10.5 24 —
Bluefin BFMS18PL-01Oductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.44× 71% 12,800 10.5 24 —
Continental CDHAS22-18-Oductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Napoleon 2.44× 71% 12,800 10.5 24 —
ApooDr AGN24-18H1Bductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.44× 71% 12,800 10.5 24 —
ZERO ZMSB-18HV-USHHductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.44× 71% 12,800 10.5 24 —
AUX ASW-H18E3B2/ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.43× 79% 14,000 9.66 21 —
TOSHIBA CARRIER MCY-MUB0368HS2P-ULductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.42× 71% 28,200 12.2 29.7 —
Lennox SL22KLV-036-230Aducted · Most Efficient 2.42× 102% 33,200 10.5 20 —
AI AIR CONDITIONING AO24-12N1-M1Hductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.41× 70% 8,400 10.8 23.1 —
SLIMAIR SHC12VE2AGductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.41× 70% 8,400 10.8 23.1 —
Midea MOX230-12HFN1-MV5Wductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.41× 70% 8,400 10.8 23.1 —
LBG Products LBHB12DUWOductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.41× 70% 8,400 10.8 23.1 —
NOVAIR LEA12SZ25SK-Oductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.41× 70% 8,400 10.8 23.1 —
Bluefin BFMS12PL-01Oductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.41× 70% 8,400 10.8 23.1 —
Continental CDHAS22-12-Oductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Napoleon 2.41× 70% 8,400 10.8 23.1 —
ApooDr AGN24-12H220V1Bductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.41× 70% 8,400 10.8 23.1 —
ZERO ZMSB-12HV-USHHductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.41× 70% 8,400 10.8 23.1 —
TOSHIBA CARRIER RAV-BP301AT2P-ULductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.4× 80% 24,000 11.8 24.5 —
KEEN Home KEENUMHP06AAductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.4× 109% 8,100 12 22 —
Daikin DH9VSA241CAducted · Most Efficient 2.4× 100% 24,000 10 21 —
Daikin DH9VSA361CAducted · Most Efficient 2.4× 100% 34,200 10 21 —
Goodman GZV9SA241CAducted · Most Efficient · also sold as Amana 2.4× 100% 24,000 10 21 —
Goodman GZV9SA361CAducted · Most Efficient · also sold as Amana 2.4× 100% 34,200 10 21 —
DUCTLESSAIRE 454-18-O-DAductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.4× 74% 13,400 11.9 23.7 —
MDV MOX230-06HFN10-M1ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.4× 138% 8,300 12.8 25.7 —
GREE GMV-V36WL/C-T(U)ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.4× 70% 25,200 9 23 —
GREE GMV-V36WL/NHC-T(U)ductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Tosot 2.4× 70% 31,600 9.8 23.5 —
GREE KUV-36UHOductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Kinghome 2.4× 70% 25,200 9 23 —
TOSOT TVRF-V36WL/Cductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.4× 70% 25,200 9 23 —
Lennox VPD060H6M-5Pductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.4× 71% 47,000 11 23 —
American Standard / Mitsubishi Electric MUZ-FS09NAductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Mitsubishi Electric, Trane / Mitsubishi Electric 2.4× 118% 11,300 10.9 29.8 —
American Standard / Mitsubishi Electric MUZ-FS09NAHductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Mitsubishi Electric, Trane / Mitsubishi Electric 2.4× 118% 11,300 10 29.8 —
American Standard / Mitsubishi Electric NAXSPB09B112Aductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Trane / Mitsubishi Electric 2.4× 118% 11,300 10 29.8 —
American Standard / Mitsubishi Electric NAXSPH09B112Aductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Trane / Mitsubishi Electric 2.4× 118% 11,300 10.9 29.8 —
Hitachi PAS-12BLFASDQ1ductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as York 2.4× 99% 13,800 11.3 23 —
Hitachi PAS-18BLFASDQ1ductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as York 2.4× 100% 20,000 11.5 21 —
Hitachi PAS-18BUFASDQ1ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.4× 73% 14,600 11 21 —
Hitachi PAS-24BLFASDQ1ductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as York 2.4× 106% 27,600 12.2 21 —
Hitachi PAS-30BLFASDQ1ductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as York 2.4× 103% 32,800 12 20.3 —
Hitachi PAS-36BUFASDQ1-LACductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.4× 75% 27,000 10 19.4 —
Rheem RD16AY36AJVCducted · also sold as Friedrich, Russell, Ruud +1 2.4× 58% 19,200 8.5 17 —
Samsung AM060FCMDCG1ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.4× 71% 47,000 11 23 —
Star Air Kontrol SAK-06-OCT2/220Vductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.4× 109% 8,100 12 22 —
Star Air Kontrol SAK-12-CT2/220Vductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.4× 70% 8,400 10.4 21.1 —
ApooDr ASG24-18H1Bductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.4× 74% 13,400 11.9 23.7 —
VINO VMH12A3-VA1B3NB(O)ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.4× 78% 9,700 9.4 25 —
DUCTLESSAIRE DA1821-H2-Oductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.39× 70% 12,600 10.3 23.7 —
KANIONco KWSM-18IR410AHS23.5MVductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.39× 70% 12,600 10.3 23.7 —
MAXI AIR YS21F-18HRDN1ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.39× 70% 12,600 10.3 23.7 —
QUEBEC VAIR NE-T52-PLA18EXTductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Maxi AIR 2.39× 70% 12,600 10.3 23.7 —
QUEBEC VAIR NE-T52-QVAIR18Eductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.39× 70% 12,600 10.3 23.7 —
Star Air Kontrol SAK-18-24MS/220ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.39× 70% 12,600 10.3 23.7 —
C&H CH-ES12-230VOductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Cooper&hunter 2.38× 70% 8,400 11 25 —
DuraSTAR DRA1U12S1Bductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.38× 70% 8,400 11 25 —
Fujitsu AOUH12KMAS1ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.38× 76% 10,600 11.2 27.5 —
MDV MOX230-09HFN1-MY2Wductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.38× 92% 8,300 12.5 25.6 —
SEA BREEZE+ SZ12H424ZMOductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.38× 70% 8,400 11 25 —
Elios DEA12HOS25230E8ductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Moovair 2.38× 70% 8,400 11 25 —
Mitsubishi Electric MUZ-FX06NLHZductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.38× 140% 12,600 13 35 —
Mitsubishi Electric MUZ-FX06NLHZ2ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.38× 140% 12,600 13 35 —
AIR-CON ASLCI4H4S18ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.36× 73% 13,200 10 20.5 —
Bosch BMS500-AAS009-1CSXRDductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.36× 80% 8,000 12.5 25.8 —
DIAL 18000-UNI-Oductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.36× 73% 13,200 10 20.5 —
DIAL SZUN18WW230ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.36× 73% 13,200 10 20.5 —
Friedrich FPHFR18A3Aductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.36× 73% 13,200 10 20.5 —
Fujitsu AOUH09LMAS1ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.36× 112% 10,100 12.6 26.5 —
Fujitsu AOUH12LMBS1ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.36× 86% 10,300 11.1 23 —
Fujitsu AOUH42KUAS1ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.36× 79% 37,000 10.4 19 —
Fujitsu AOUK048MSAN7ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.36× 78% 42,000 9.8 23 —
Westinghouse WHU18SZA21Sductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.36× 73% 13,200 10 20.5 —
Hisense AUW-18U3SFductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.36× 73% 13,200 10 20.5 —
Innovair MOS09H2BM0Aductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.36× 80% 8,000 12.5 25.8 —
Hitachi RAS-2.0PNNBDH1ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.36× 73% 13,200 10 20.5 —
MOOVAIR MSHEA09C2ANductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.36× 80% 8,000 12.5 25.8 —
MOOVAIR MSHEA09C2AN1ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.36× 80% 8,000 12.5 25.8 —
Midea MOX230-09HFN10-M1Pductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Kepler 2.36× 80% 8,000 12.5 25.8 —
Kaden KOB-PSX09HP-2AAMAductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.36× 80% 8,000 12.5 25.8 —
ECO-AIR EDSO-09Eductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.36× 80% 8,000 12.5 25.8 —
HAXXAIR HVHSC-18T2Dductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.36× 73% 13,200 10 20.5 —
1HVAC ACIQ-12ZS-HP230Cductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Aciq 2.35× 72% 8,600 11.5 23.1 —
1HVAC ACIQ-18ZS-HP230Cductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.35× 72% 13,000 11.1 24 —
AI AIR CONDITIONING AO24-12N2-M1ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.35× 72% 8,600 11.5 23.1 —
MAINLINE ML12HP230NEX-Oductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.35× 72% 8,600 11.5 23.1 —
Cooper&Hunter CH-RES12-230VOductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.35× 72% 8,600 11.5 23.1 —
Danby DAS120AGBAHWDB-Oductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.35× 72% 8,600 11.5 23.1 —
CanAir 4C25SCH12H21ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.35× 72% 8,600 11.5 23.1 —
ComfortStar CPP3-12CD(O)ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.35× 72% 8,600 11.5 23.1 —
SLIMAIR SHC12AE2AGductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.35× 72% 8,600 11.5 23.1 —
DuraSTAR DRA1U12S2Aductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.35× 72% 8,600 11.5 23.1 —
Fujitsu AOUK060MSAN7ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.35× 70% 46,500 9.5 22.2 —
MDV MOX230-12HFN10-M1ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.35× 72% 8,600 11.5 23.1 —
NG Trade OMSTAR121Eductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.35× 72% 8,600 11.5 23.1 —
NG Trade OMSTAR181Eductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.35× 72% 13,000 11.1 24 —
NOVAIR LEA12SZ26-Oductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.35× 72% 8,600 11.5 23.1 —
Panasonic CU-YM12CBUCductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.35× 72% 8,600 11.5 23.1 —
Mitsutomo RU-SZ12-LA-Qductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.35× 72% 8,600 11.5 23.1 —
TRUST AIR CONDITIONERS OUS12H/O6S4Pductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.35× 72% 8,600 11.5 23.1 —
Wells WOS-12QUA/230ductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.35× 72% 8,600 11.5 23.1 —
Continental CDHAS22B-12-Oductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Napoleon 2.35× 72% 8,600 11.5 23.1 —
Continental CDHAS22B-18-Oductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.35× 72% 13,000 11.1 24 —
Continental CDHAS22BA-18-Oductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.35× 72% 13,000 11.1 24 —
ZERO ZMSB-12HV-USHHR2-Oductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.35× 72% 8,600 11.5 23.1 —
1HVAC ACIQ-24ZPL-HP230Cductless mini-split · Most Efficient · also sold as Aciq 2.34× 83% 24,200 13.5 21 —
MAINLINE ML24HP230CALH-Oductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.34× 83% 24,200 13.5 21 —
Bosch BMS500-AAS024-1CSXHDductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.34× 83% 24,200 13.5 21 —
Breeze33 BZ33-HYP24OUT2-454-G3-Pductless mini-split · Most Efficient 2.34× 83% 24,200 13.5 21 —

— in the Buy column means the unit is bought and fitted through an installer.

Similar means Amazon does not list that exact model. The button opens a unit of the same brand and size instead. Check its specs before you buy.

This table shows the top 200 of 5,878 by COP at 5°F. See every certified heat pump, cold-climate and standard: browse all 12,714 → At the median heat-pump price, heat runs about $19.82/MMBtu vs $55.19 for electric resistance heat.

04 / Questions

Frequently asked

What is the best cold-climate heat pump?
By certified heat kept at 5°F: the Fujitsu XLTH (138% of its rated heat at 5°F, COP 2.32), then the Mitsubishi Hyper-Heat FX (123%, 29.9 SEER2). For a ducted whole-house system, the Trane 5TCV0X36A1 keeps 107%.
What is the best mini-split for a cold climate?
For a pro install, the Fujitsu XLTH 12,000 BTU puts out 138% of its rated heat at 5°F. Bought online, the Cooper & Hunter Hyper Heat 12,000 BTU keeps 96%, the best of the Amazon units we matched to certified records.
Which mini-splits work at -15°F?
Certified tests stop at 5°F, so no certified number covers -15°F. Makers publish their own lower limits, but those are not tested by AHRI. The best signal in certified data is heat kept at 5°F: units that keep 100% or more (1,122 of them) are the strongest bets for below-zero weather. Plan backup heat for the coldest nights.
Is Mitsubishi Hyper-Heat worth it?
It is among the best: the Mitsubishi Hyper-Heat FX keeps 123% of its rated heat at 5°F with 29.9 SEER2. The Fujitsu XLTH keeps more (138%) but is a little less efficient in summer. Both need a pro install, so ask your installer to price both.
Do I still need backup heat?
In places with below-zero nights, usually yes, for the few coldest hours. Below the 5°F test point most units put out less heat, and a unit sized for summer cooling can come up short. Keep your furnace or add electric backup that only runs when needed.
How do I read "heat kept at 5°F"?
It is the unit's certified heat output at 5°F divided by its rated output at 47°F. 100% means it delivers its full rated heat on a 5°F day. The median certified cold-climate system keeps 83%.

How we did this

Method

How we picked the units and built the tables

Field. Every heat pump in our copy of the AHRI and ENERGY STAR records (as of October 23, 2026) with the ENERGY STAR cold-climate designation and plausible 5°F and HSPF2 ratings, with rebadged copies of one certified system counted once: 5,878 systems.

Heat kept at 5°F = the certified heating capacity at 5°F divided by the rated heating capacity at 47°F, both from the same AHRI record.

Picks. Most heat at 5°F: the highest share among certified 12,000 BTU wall units with COP of at least 2.0 at 5°F and at least 25 SEER2. Most efficient: the highest SEER2 among the same units that keep at least 120%, from a different maker. Best on Amazon: the highest share among in-stock Amazon listings we matched to their exact certified outdoor + indoor pair (read October 2, 2026). Whole house: the highest share among ducted 2- to 4-ton systems with COP of at least 2.0 and HSPF2 of at least 9.

Where to get it: 'Amazon' means we found that exact certified system on Amazon. 'Sold through installers' means we did not find it on Amazon, the one store we link; an installer can order it.

References

Sources

4 references · checked November 11, 2026
  1. 1

    AHRI Directory of Certified Product Performance — heat pumps

    Reference numbers: 206597210 (Fujitsu XLTH), 215611126 (Mitsubishi Hyper-Heat FX), 218792275 (Trane 5TCV0X36A1), 215864153 (Cooper & Hunter Hyper Heat). Our copy as of October 23, 2026.

  2. 2

    ENERGY STAR cold-climate heat pump designation

    Which systems carry the cold-climate designation; joined to AHRI by reference number.

  3. 3

    Amazon listing: Cooper & Hunter 12,000 BTU 230V Hyper Heat Wall Mount Mini Split, 24 SEER2 | Works at -22°

    Price and stock read November 11, 2026.

  4. 4

    Verified HVAC Data methodology

    How certified ratings, rebadges and operating costs are handled.