Brand Findings
Zymbo Dolphin 25 Inverter is Illegal and Non-Compliant
Failure to be listed in the NRCan Searchable Product List
In Canada, all air-conditioning and heat-pump systems must be listed in the NRCan database. In fact, it is illegal to import or sell a unit that is not listed. At the time of this publication, March 16, 2026, the Zymbo Dolphin 25 cannot be found in the NRCan Searchable Product List.
For US customers, the Dolphin 25 Inverter appears compliant, as it is listed in the DOE CCMS Database, albeit with information that slightly differs from what is published in their brochure. In the CCMS Database, it is listed at 7,000 BTU, with a SEER2 of 13.85 and an HSPF2 of 7.75.
Failure to meet NRCan Minimum Efficiency Requirements
Zymbo is the manufacturer of the Dolphin 25 Inverter, which it produces for Kinghome, Technoact, and other brands. Zymbo claims the Dolphin 25 Inverter has a nominal cooling capacity of either 7,000 or 7,200 BTU (depending on where you look)
Under federal law (Energy Efficiency Regulations, 2016 + AHRI 210/240), any 7,000-BTU heat pump in this class must meet a minimum SEER2 rating of 13.4 to be legally sold, installed, or used in Canada. Zymbo published a fake 13.85 SEER2 to appear compliant. This alone renders the units illegal.
Illegal Misclassification
By using an EER in its brochure instead of SEER2, Zymbo is classifying Dolphin 25 as a PTHP, but Dolphin 25 does not meet the PTHP definition under the Energy Efficiency Regulations. Fraudulently manufacturing testing data is illegal.
Regulatory Violation Summary: Zymbo — Dolphin 25
This product is illegal to distribute, specify, install, or use in the United States and Canada. Zymbo's published efficiency numbers are fabricated and mathematically impossible. The Dolphin 25 Inverter fails to meet DOE and NRCan minimum efficiency requirements under every applicable classification. In Canada, it’s illegal, regardless, as it is not listed in the NRCcan database.
Minimum Efficiency Requirements Not Met | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Classification | Metric | Legal Minimum Required | Zymbo's Status | Result |
Heat Pump | SEER2 | ≥ 13.4 | Publishes a fake SEER2 based on fabricated data | ❌ Fails |
Heat Pump | HSPF2 | ≥ 5.4 | Not listed on the NRCan database | ❌ Fails |
Heat Pump | HSPF2 | ≥ 6.7 | Numbers fabricated | ❌ Fails |
Room Air Conditioner | CEER | NRCan minimum | Not listed on the NRCan database | ❌ Fails |
These ratings cannot simply be invented. They must be established through testing in a genuine laboratory under correct DOE and NRCan test procedures. Zymbo has not done this, and the data it publishes makes clear why.
Faking Test Results | ||
|---|---|---|
Violation | US Law Violated | Canadian Law Violated |
Zymbo fabricated Dolphin 25 laboratory test data rather than conducting legitimate testing under the required industry methods, AHRI 210/240, and ASHRAE 37 | 10 CFR Part 429 | Energy Efficiency Act; Energy Efficiency Regulations, 2016 |
Published cooling efficiency numbers are fabricated and mathematically impossible, and could not result from any legitimate test | 10 CFR Part 430 | Energy Efficiency Regulations, 2016 |
Published heating efficiency numbers are fabricated and mathematically impossible, and could not result from any legitimate test | 10 CFR Part 430 | Energy Efficiency Regulations, 2016 |
Published efficiency numbers contradict basic mathematics — the stated heating and cooling values are physically impossible | 10 CFR Part 430 | Energy Efficiency Regulations, 2016 |
Selling a Product That Should Not Be on the Market | ||
|---|---|---|
Violation | US Law Violated | Canadian Law Violated |
Dolphin 25 does not meet minimum efficiency standards under any applicable product classification, exposing every distributor and dealer carrying the product to joint legal liability | 10 CFR Part 430 | MEPS under Energy Efficiency Regulations, 2016 |
The product fails the mandatory SEER2 minimum cooling efficiency thresholds at 12,000 BTU because published numbers are falsified | SEER2 under 10 CFR Part 430 | CEER under Energy Efficiency Regulations, 2016 |
The product fails the mandatory HSPF2 minimum heating efficiency thresholds at 12,000 BTU because published numbers are falsified | HSPF2 under 10 CFR Part 430 | Energy Efficiency Regulations, 2016 |
Zymbo never listed the Dolphin 25 on NRCan's searchable product database, meaning the product was never legally cleared for import or interprovincial sale in Canada. | — | NRCan Searchable Product Database; Energy Efficiency Act |
Dolphin 25 was never certified by an accredited certification body and does not carry the mandatory compliance mark | DOE Certification under 10 CFR Part 429 | Standards Council of Canada Energy Efficiency Verification Mark |
Lying to Customers and Regulators | ||
|---|---|---|
Violation | US Law Violated | Canadian Law Violated |
Dolphin 25 efficiency and capacity ratings directly conflict with what government-certified testing would produce, and false information was filed with regulators | 10 CFR Part 429.12; 18 U.S.C. § 1001 — federal criminal offence | Energy Efficiency Act — fines up to $10,000 per violation |
Zymbo misrepresented the Dolphin 25 certification and compliance status to customers, dealers, regulators, and certification bodies | 18 U.S.C. § 1001 — federal criminal offense | Energy Efficiency Act offense |
Breaking Consumer Protection and Competition Laws | ||
|---|---|---|
Violation | US Law Violated | Canadian Law Violated |
False efficiency claims and misleading energy performance advertising constitute deceptive trade practices, exposing Zymbo to regulatory action and civil lawsuits from competitors, including claims for damages | FTC Act Section 5, 15 U.S.C. § 45; Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1125(a) | Competition Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. C-34 |
Maximum penalties for serious violations or refusal to take corrective action | FTC civil penalties up to $53,088 per violation | Energy Efficiency Act fines $10,000–$200,000 |