If you're considering purchasing or upgrading your heat pump, you'll need to know exactly what to look for in terms of features and operating capacity. Finding the best heat pump brand for you and your family can save you money and energy all year long. Use this information as a guide as you shop for the brand and model that best suits your needs.
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Once you decide on the right heat pump for your home, HVAC.com can deliver a comprehensive HVAC quote within 24 hours, giving you peace of mind to move forward with confidence.
What Is a Heat Pump?
A heat pump is an all-in-one heating and cooling system. In the summer, it operates similarly to a central air conditioning system by using a refrigerant to pull heat from inside the home and transfer it outside through the system's compressor.
During the colder months, heat pumps operate in reverse. They use a reversing valve to seamlessly switch from cooling to heating mode. During the winter, heat pumps use refrigerant to extract heat from the outdoors and transfer it indoors. Even when it's cold outside, there's enough heat in the outside air to provide adequate heating. Since heat pumps simply move heat in and out of the home depending on the season, they don't require fossil fuels such as natural gas to create heat. This makes them energy efficient and environmentally friendly.
In the past, heat pumps didn't operate as efficiently once the temperature dropped below freezing. However, with new technology, heat pumps are incredibly efficient; many upgraded models can still operate efficiently in temperatures below zero.
Homeowners who live in far northern states such as Minnesota, North Dakota, and Alaska often pair their air-source heat pump with a dual-fuel system that consists of a heat pump and gas furnace. The gas furnace takes over when the temperature drops below what the heat pump can efficiently handle.
Different Types of Heat Pumps
Air-source heat pumps are the most common type of heat pump, with an estimated 17 million American homes operating them. However, there are two other heat pump types to consider ' geothermal heat pumps and ductless mini-split heat pumps.
Geothermal Heat Pumps
Geothermal heat pumps are the most efficient HVAC systems on the market. Like air-source heat pumps, they operate by moving heat in and out of the home. But instead of exchanging heat with the outside air, geothermal heat pumps, also referred to as ground-source heat pumps, utilize the constant temperature 6 feet underground, where it's typically 55 degrees on average.
During the warmer months, the geothermal heat pump's heat exchanger extracts indoor heat and transfers it underground to cool a home. During the colder season, geothermal HVAC systems work in reverse, by taking heat from underground and moving it indoors.
Geothermal heat pump systems use a ground loop, which is a series of pipes buried underground. The ground loop serves as a heat source during the winter months and a heat sink during the warmer months.
Geothermal heat pumps are more expensive than other HVAC systems, costing an average of $13,781, according to Angi. That price is just an average, as factors such as the size of your home and the need for ductwork affect the price. You can recoup the higher costs over time through significantly lower energy bills, as heat pumps are 300-600% efficient on cold winter nights.
Meanwhile, a heat pump water heater, also referred to as an air-to-water heat pump, extracts warmth from the outside to heat water that is then used to heat your home during the colder months. In the summer, the heat from the water is transferred outside to cool a home.
Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pumps
Ductless mini-split heat pumps are also a popular alternative to forced-air heating and cooling systems. As their name suggests, they don't require the use of ductwork to distribute conditioned air to your home's living areas.
Ductless mini-splits consist of an outdoor compressor/condenser unit and one or more indoor air handling units that are installed on ceilings or walls across the home. They are connected by a conduit that contains the refrigerant and power lines.
Each indoor unit provides heating and cooling to just the room or area of the house it's installed in. Ductless systems are most commonly used to provide supplemental heating or cooling to areas that are difficult to keep comfortable such as bonus rooms over garages and sunrooms. They can also be used to convert garages, attics, and basements without ductwork into workable or livable areas. Some homeowners install mini-splits throughout their entire home to create temperature zones, as each unit can be controlled separately with a remote control.
Without the use of ductwork, ductless mini-split heat pumps are highly efficient. Ductwork can lose 20% or more of conditioned air through leaks and poor insulation.
How Long Do Heat Pumps Last?
Air-source heat pumps last about 15 years on average, although some heat pumps can stop working efficiently after 10 years while others run efficiently for 20 years. Some of the most significant factors that affect a heat pump's longevity include the climate, usage, make and model, and maintenance history. If your heat pump is used as a heating and cooling system, heat pump maintenance should be performed twice a year; once before the heating season and again before the cooling season.
Aside from being incredibly energy efficient, another advantage of geothermal heat pump systems is their longevity. Regular maintenance can help a ground-source heat pump last 20-25 years.
Are Incentives Available for Heat Pumps?
As the federal government looks to promote the use of more eco-friendly HVAC equipment, heat pumps have been pushed to the forefront, causing their popularity to skyrocket. To increase ownership of heat pumps, significant heat pump rebates and heat pump tax credits are available as part of the Inflation Reduction Act of .
As part of the federal program, homeowners are eligible for a 30% tax credit on the purchase and installation of a qualified heat pump, up to a maximum credit of $2,000. But depending on your household income, you could be eligible for even higher savings.
Through the IRA's heat pump incentive program, called the High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act (HEEHRA), you can receive a rebate of 50% of the cost of a heat pump, up to $8,000, if your household income is 81 to 150% of your area's median income. If your income is 80% or below your area's median income, your heat pump will be covered at 100%, up to $8,000.
If you're considering buying a heat pump, HVAC.com's customer concierge team can connect you with a local HVAC dealer who can identify potential tax credits and rebates for heat pumps and install the system for you.
To determine the best heat pumps in the industry, we looked at several factors and features of each brand to help you make an informed purchasing decision. The primary things to look for when comparing heat pump options are named below. The criteria you should consider include the following:
Goodman is a well-known brand in the HVAC industry and provides great energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions for homes large and small. They also have a strong heat pump rating and a decent warranty program to protect your system in case anything happens.
Goodman GSZC18
Overview
Goodman heat pumps have a good reputation as a mid-range brand, and while reliable, other top-name brands may be more reliable. Goodman heat pumps require that homeowners schedule a professional tune-up at least once a year. Heat pumps should be maintained by inspecting the fan, indoor coils, outdoor coils, compressor, and refrigerant lines.
Features
Learn more about Goodman heat pumps
Efficiency
ENERGY STAR certified; up to 18 SEER
Cost
Unit Price: Around $4,000 Parts/Repair cost: $250 to $600 (average): $800 to $1,700 (high): $15 to $150 (low)
Reviews
Customers gave this heat pump over 4,600 five-star heat pump reviews, with only 44 one-star reviews
Carrier is a top brand in the HVAC industry and provides versatile heating and cooling solutions that improve energy consumption and save you money in the long run. The brand is known for its next-level high-efficiency heat pumps.
Infinity 20 Heat Pump with Greenspeed Intelligence (25VNA0)
Overview
Carrier heat pumps are some of the most durable, environmentally friendly, and energy efficient in the HVAC industry. Carrier heat pumps come with a range of specialized features, like Greenspeed Intelligence, optimal humidity and temperature control, variable-speed compressor operation for ultimate quiet and comfort, compressor sound blanket, and Silencer System II design. They also feature WeatherArmor Ultra protection, non-ozone depleting Puron refrigerant, and Ideal Defrost heating operation with Infinity control.
Features
Learn more about Carrier heat pumps
Efficiency
Up to 20.5 SEER; ENERGY STAR partner
Cost
Unit Price: Around $4,940 Parts/Repair cost: $250 to $600 (average); $800 to $1,700 (high); $15 to $150 (low)
Reviews
Customer reviews: Overall, customers seem very satisfied with this Carrier heat pump, giving it 73 five-star heat pump reviews.
Ruud is a respected brand that can provide you with a high-efficient heat pump for reliable heating all winter long. Ruud heat pumps are made with high-quality materials and parts.
RUUD Ultra Series (Variable Speed (UPB)
Overview
Ruud heat pumps are built to last for 10 years or more, and include extra features like rust-resistant screws and a corrosion-resistant base pan. To keep your heat pump in good condition, you should inspect the blower, filters, ducts, and indoor coil for obstructions and dirt. You should also seal any leaks in the ducts, lubricate the motors, inspect the belts for tightness and wear, check the refrigerant, and make sure the thermostat is operating properly.
Features
Learn more about Ruud heat pumps
Efficiency
Up to 20 SEER and 11 HSPF; ENERGY STAR qualified
Cost
Unit Price: $3,150 to $6,940 Parts/Repair cost: $250 to $600 (average); $800 to $1,700 (high); $15 to $150 (low)
Warranty
Ruud offers a 10 year parts warranty and a 10 year conditional unit replacement warranty.
Consult with a heat pump expert who can help you choose the best one for your home.
Trane offers flexible heating and cooling solutions that save you money and energy. This unit offers more than 750 stages of comfort for increased comfort and maximum efficiency.
Trane XV20i (4TWVA)
Overview
According to Trane, there are several things you can do to properly maintain your heat pump unit through the years. They include keeping the registers open, cleaning or changing your filters at least once a month (or as needed), removing foliage from around the outdoor unit, elevating your unit about four to eight inches above the ground to allow for appropriate drainage, and cleaning the outdoor coils. You can also check for duct leakage, inspect the heat pump's condensing unit base-pan drain holes and remove debris. It's also recommended to lubricate the motors and inspect the belts for wear and tightness, and correct the refrigerant charge, among other things.
Features
Learn more about Trane heat pumps
Efficiency
Rated Most Efficient by ENERGY STAR; Up to 20 SEER
Cost
Unit Price: $3,250 (unit only) $6,200 (installed) Parts/Repair cost: $250 to $600 (average); $800 to $1,700 (high); $15 to $150 (low)
Reviews
Customers give Trane heat pumps high marks for energy efficiency, though they can be pricier than other brands.
Rheem manufactures quality heating and cooling products designed for year-round comfort and increased energy efficiency. The brand has been trusted in both residential and commercial settings for years, and offers efficient units with an array of features.
RP20 EcoNet Variable Speed (RPAJVCA)
Overview
Rheem heat pumps can deliver quiet, efficient heating and cooling. To keep your Rheem heat pump in good working condition, you should check the air filters every month, keep the outdoor coils clean, and inspect the blower, filters, ducts, and indoor coil for obstructions and dirt. You should also lubricate the motors, seal any leaks in the ducts, check the refrigerant, make sure the thermostat is operating properly, and inspect the belts for tightness and wear.
Features
Learn more about Rheem heat pumps
Efficiency
Up to 20 SEER; ENERGY STAR qualified
Cost
Unit Price: Around $2,230 Parts/Repair cost: $250 to $600 (average); $800 to $1,700 (high); $15 to $150 (low)
Reviews
Overall, customers like that their Rheem heat pumps are reliably efficient and easy to operate.
Lennox is one of the most widely-known brands in the industry and is known for its innovative heating and cooling solutions that provide energy-efficient comfort all season long. The brand provides quiet heating coupled with robust performance.
Lennox XP25-060
Overview
Lennox offers one of the most precise and energy-efficient heat pumps you can buy. In order to keep your Lennox heat pump running efficiently, you'll need to properly maintain your system. That means cleaning the coils and blower parts, changing the air filer monthly, keeping the outdoor coils clean, sealing any leaks in the ducts, lubricating the motors, inspecting the belts for tightness and wear, checking the refrigerant, and making sure the thermostat is operating properly.
Features
Learn more about Lennox heat pumps
Efficiency
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Up to 23.5 SEER; ENERGY STAR qualified
Cost
Unit Price: $5,540 (unit only); $13,900 (installed) Parts/Repair cost: $250 to $600 (average); $800 to $1,700 (high); $15 to $150 (low)
Reviews
Customers praise Lennox heat pumps for their energy efficiency and their reliability.
Schedule a free in-home consultation with a heat pump dealer.
Bryant products provide economical and energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions that help you save money all year round. The brand produces heat pumps that give you better control of your indoor climate all throughout the winter and summer months.
Bryant Evolution Extreme Variable Speed (280A)
Overview
Bryant combines system control intelligence with variable-speed operation to provide amazing reliability, as well as energy savings and ultimate comfort. To keep your Bryant heat pump operating efficiently, you should regularly clean or replace your air filter, have your system inspected and cleaned twice a year, and make sure the ceiling fans are set to spin in the right direction. Additionally, keep 80 percent of your home's vents open, and eliminate debris from around your outdoor unit, according to Bryant.
Features
Learn more about Bryant's brand
Efficiency
Up to 20.5 SEER; ENERGY STAR qualified
Cost
Unit Price: $4,540 (unit only); $10,500 (installed) Parts/Repair cost: $250 to $600 (average); $800 to $1,700 (high); $15 to $150 (low)
Reviews
According to customer reviews, Bryant heat pumps offer excellent energy efficiency with low noise levels.
American Standard is another top brand that offers energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions for maximum comfort through the harshest winters and the muggiest summers.
AccuComfort Platinum 20
Overview
American Standard heat pumps are incredibly reliable and made to withstand years of wear and tear. According to American Standard, keeping your heat pump in good condition means cleaning the supply and returning registers in your home, cleaning or changing your filters once a month (or as needed), removing foliage and outdoor debris from around the outdoor unit, and cleaning the outdoor coils whenever they seem dirty. You should also get professional heat pump maintenance every year.
Learn more about American Standard heat pumps
Efficiency
Up to 20 SEER
Cost
Unit Price: $2,495 (system); $7,810 (installed) Parts/Repair cost: $250 to $600 (average); $800 to $1,700 (high); $15 to $150 (low)
Reviews
American Standard manufacturers top-rated heat pumps that are durable and reliable, with one Consumer Reports study finding that they required fewer repairs than all other brands.
Coleman offers award-winning heating and cooling solutions in both split system and packaged heat pump units for a variety of circumstances.
Echelon Split System Heat Pump (HC20)
Overview
Coleman claims that their advanced manufacturing processes and product testing give their heat pumps long-term performance.
Features
Learn more about Coleman heat pumps
Efficiency
Up to 20 SEER; ENERGY STAR qualified
Cost
Unit Price: About $1,610; Parts/Repair cost: $250 to $600 (average); $800 to $1,700 (high); $15 to $150 (low)
Reviews
In general, customers say that their Coleman heat pumps provide energy efficiency, low noise levels and durable performance.
York can help you save money and energy by providing a high-efficiency heat pump to raise your comfort level.
Affinity Series YZV
Overview
York heat pumps include premium warranties that the company claims ensure years of dependability.
Features
Learn more about York heat pumps
Efficiency
Up to 20 SEER; ENERGY STAR qualified
Cost
Unit Price: $2,580 (unit); $6,050 (installed) Parts/Repair cost: $250 to $600 (average); $800 to $1,700 (high); $15 to $150 (low)
Reviews
According to reviews, customers say that York heat pumps offer reliably impressive performance.
Talk to a heat pump expert for more information.
Amana provides premium heating and cooling products that provide increased energy efficiency at a fraction of the traditional cost. The brand offers quality and performance and has distinguished itself with some of the best warranties in the HVAC industry.
Amana AVZC20
Overview
Amana offers reliable and high efficient heat pump systems with quiet operation and advanced features.
Features
Learn more about Amana heat pumps
Efficiency
Up to 21 SEER; ENERGY STAR efficient
Cost
Unit Price: $2,600 to $4,599 Parts/Repair cost: $250 to $600 (average); $800 to $1,700 (high); $15 to $150 (low)
Reviews
Customers gave this Amana heat pump 37 five star reviews, with high ratings for features and quietness.
Average Cost: $3,250 ' $12,586
Like your home and needs, your HVAC project cost will be unique. Use the calculator to better estimate your investment.
Estimated Total
The average cost for a new HVAC system is $3,250 to $12,550, which includes equipment and labor fees for the installation of a central AC unit and gas furnace. The chosen HVAC brand, necessary ductwork repair, and your location will influence the project cost.
Find a local dealer
The best heat pump brands of include Goodman, Carrier, Lennox, Rheem and Trane, based on a number of factors.
What are the best heat pumps?
How do I choose the best heat pump for my home?
There are several factors you should consider when choosing your heat pump ' climate, types, energy efficiency, size and customer reviews.
Heat pumps are devices that transfer heat from one place to another. This system can be used to both heat or cool a home. Because heat pumps do not create heat, they generally use less energy than systems like furnaces.
What are heat pumps?
Size (Capacity)
A heat pump that's too small for your needs will struggle to keep your home comfortable. On the other hand, an oversized unit will cost more, and if it isn't a variable-speed model, it will cycle on and off more often than it should. This decreases efficiency, stresses components, and leaves your home less comfortable.
A heat pump's cooling capacity is measured in British thermal units per hour (Btu/hr.). Btu/hr. can also be expressed in 'tons,' with 1 ton equaling 12,000 Btu/hr. To ensure that your heat pump is sized correctly, make sure your contractor does a load calculation based on a recognized method, such as the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) Manual J. The calculations should be done after any air-sealing or insulation upgrades are made to your home and should be done whether you're replacing a unit or installing a new system.
One nuance to consider: If you're planning to keep a backup heating system alongside your heat pump, consider getting an undersized heat pump. A contractor can help you figure out whether this makes sense in your home.
Note that heat pumps need far less capacity to heat a space than a furnace or boiler would because they're much more energy-efficient. For example, if your home needed a 100,000-Btu/hr. furnace, it may need only a 36,000-Btu/hr. heat pump.
Compressor Type
The compressor is the heart of a heat pump'it's the part that actually pumps the heat. Basic heat pumps have a single-speed compressor. It's either on or off. This system works well enough, but the temperature and relative humidity in your home will swing up and down with the cycles. Some compressors have two speeds, which mitigates the swings, but they're still present.
The gold standard is a variable-speed compressor. It's designed to run almost constantly, adjusting itself over time to deliver only as much heating or cooling as it takes to keep your home comfortable. It's also much better at keeping relative humidity under control than single-speed models are.
Variable-speed compressors not only keep your home more comfortable but also are more energy-efficient. It may seem counterintuitive, but it takes much less energy to move a tiny bit of heat all the time than to move a lot of heat quickly.
Efficiency
Some heat pumps use less energy than others to deliver the same level of comfort. In cooling mode, efficiency is commonly expressed as the seasonal energy-efficiency rating, or SEER. The higher the SEER, the greater the efficiency. In heating mode, the measurement used is the heating seasonal performance factor, or HSPF. Again, the higher the number, the more energy-efficient the unit.
As of January , the Department of Energy adopted new testing methods for energy efficiency, replacing the SEER and HSPF values with SEER2 and HSPF2, while also increasing efficiency standards.
Heat pumps with higher SEER/SEER2 and HSPF/HSPF2 ratings tend to cost more, but they'll often pay for themselves over time through lower energy costs, and they may be eligible for better tax incentives or rebates than less efficient models. Heat pumps with higher SEER ratings also tend to have higher HSPF ratings, though there's no direct relationship between the two. If you live in a warm climate, pay closer attention to the SEER. In cold climates, look for a higher HSPF.
Climate Performance
If you live in a region with cold winters, you'll need to either pick a heat pump that's rated to work well in the lowest temperatures that your region regularly experiences or have a secondary heating system to back up your heat pump.
All air-source heat pumps struggle to perform as temperatures drop; the space they can effectively heat shrinks and they don't work as efficiently. The threshold for poor performance varies from model to model. Some heat pumps falter at 25° F, others at 17° F or lower.
Models marketed as cold-climate heat pumps can work to their full potential all the way down to 5° F and may deliver some heat even down to -20° F or lower. The best course is to work with a qualified local contractor who knows what kind of equipment works well in your area.
If you live in an area where the temperature rarely or never drops below freezing (32° F), a basic heat pump can handle the bulk of your heating and cooling needs. You can keep a simple electrical-resistance backup system (sometimes built into the heat pump itself) for unusual cold snaps.
Noise
Manufacturers publish the noise levels of their products in the user manual and often on their websites. They tend to include noise estimates across a variety of outdoor temperatures and fan speeds, measured in decibels. A lower rating is better, especially if the heat pump will be installed near a bedroom window.
Reliability
In our member survey, heat pumps from eight brands were judged highly reliable, but only two of them also got top marks for owner satisfaction. Consumer Reports members can see the predicted reliability and owner satisfaction ratings for 29 brands of heat pumps, based on data that CR members have shared about 10,158 heat pumps they bought new and installed in their own homes between and . Those findings are summarized in our guide to the Most and Least Reliable Heat Pumps.
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