Best Heat Pumps Consumer Reports

You’ll need to know exactly what to look for in terms of features and operational capabilities if you’re considering buying or upgrading your heat pump. Finding the best heat pump for you and your family will save you money and energy throughout the year. We are here with wide research on the best heat pumps consumer reports to help you choose an efficient heat pump for you.

These products capture heat from indoors and transmit it to your area via ductwork or central air conditioning. The outside coil cools, while the internal coils absorb the heat. When it is returned to the outdoors via an indoor fan coil unit, it heats up.

The elimination of separate heating and cooling systems is one of the most significant advantages of a heat pump over traditional heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment. Heat pumps are also particularly efficient since they transfer heat rather than create it through the combustion of fuel. As a result, they are marginally less harmful to the environment than a gas-burning furnace.

What to Consider When Buying a New Heat Pump

We looked at a range of criteria and qualities of each manufacturer to identify the best heat pumps on the market to help you make an informed purchasing decision. The following are the most important factors to think about when evaluating heat pump options.

Price

Because the majority of heat pump brands are produced by a small number of parent companies and include extremely identical components, cost becomes a deciding issue.

For some consumers, the initial cost of heat pumps can be prohibitive. On the plus side, it will save you a lot of money in the long term. You can save a significant amount of money on your electricity bill by connecting it to a solar panel.

When buying a brand-new heat pump, it’s usually a good idea to inquire about rebates if they’re available. Many companies use this type of marketing technique to attract clients and increase sales.

Maintainance

Purchasing a high-quality heat pump with no promise of free maintenance or a short warranty period is a big no-no. Always make it a point to inspect these items before purchasing one.

The most essential component in the longevity of a heat pump system is how you care for it. Any brand you buy will break down sooner or later if it is not properly maintained.

Also, if you’re buying anything for yourself, make sure it doesn’t take a lot of upkeep. Once a year, some sections of a combustion-based pump must be inspected. If you require assistance, you must contact a professional installation.

Installation

Because we want to save money, the majority of people opt for DIY installations, which are not recommended for all equipment.

The installation process might be difficult because there are so many variables to consider. You learn about the house or location’s geology, ground placement, and temperature requirements. A good guide is required, and if necessary, professional assistance should be sought.

When purchasing a new unit, it is advisable to opt for one that is the best fit for the job, or you may have your unit installed by the store where you purchased it. It is far preferable to pay once and for all rather than paying more later.

Feedback and SEER rating

Checking reviews before making a purchase is a big bonus for savvy shoppers. Before purchasing a thing, we always look at the comments or reviews from others who have purchased the product to get a sense of what to buy and what not to buy.

It is recommended to examine the SEER rating when choosing heat pumps because it will give you an idea of which brand to buy to ensure a long-lasting heat pump experience.

To calculate SEER, divide the entire amount of heat removed from the dwelling during the cooling season by the total number of hours the system ran during the same period. The algorithm takes into account fluctuating temperature conditions throughout the cold climates or moderately warm climates.

Life Span

The pump’s life is determined by the reliability of this feature. If you choose a reliable solution, you can expect more than 50 years of service. When choosing one, it is critical to understand the brands and the services they give. Even though the majority of the recommended brands are expensive, it might help you spend sensibly.

Blower Speed

Any dull area can be transformed into pleasant and warm or chilly and peaceful by increasing the blower’s capacity and speed. Variable blower speed controls the airflow output, ensuring a quiet environment throughout the house. Because the compressors are piston-style, they must be quiet.

A slow blower is only useful if you’re trying to dehumidify rather than adjust the temperature in the space. When the blower works faster, more heat rather than moisture is extracted from the air. If the blower is turned down, more moisture rather than heat is removed from the air.

Heating Types

The user has the option of cooling with either water or air. Like central heating, water cooling can endure both cold and hot temperatures. This is owing to the fact that its system includes a heat exchanger.

Size

Size plays a role as well. A heat pump that is small or large will not heat or cool properly, causing your energy expenditures to rise. And you might not feel at ease in your own home. A unit that is too large will cost more upfront and will cycle on and off too frequently, reducing its lifespan.

Most Reliable Heat Pump Brands

When you ask someone what the best brand of the heat pump is, you’ll almost always get a different answer than when you ask them what their favorite automobile or pair of blue jeans are. It is preferable to check the feedback of any respected brand on your own.

There are recognized brands that have always provided consistency in terms of dependability and effectiveness.

Goodman Heat Pumps

Goodman Heat Pumps are quite popular since they are known for being a low-cost brand and a budget brand of HVAC. Because it has been under HVAC, this brand has been acknowledged as a high-quality brand for heat pumps, despite its low price. Significant improvements have been unavoidable since HVAC purchased this brand.

One of its unique offerings is the giving of a lifetime compressor warranty. This is very comforting for future Goodman heat pump customers.

Goodman products are built using high-quality materials that assure long-lasting functionality. They have features like a factory-installed bi-flow liquid line drier that protects the device from moisture and dust, allowing it to last longer. Noise dampening elements also enable a serene and silent functioning.

Maytag heat pumps

Many people are unaware that Maytag manufactures heat pumps and other HVAC items, but it is an excellent brand for heat pumps in terms of performance.

Maytag’s compressor is extremely durable, and replacement parts are readily available in the event of a breakdown. It also comes with a 12-year warranty, which is a wonderful feature to have when choosing a brand.

Their heat pumps include iQ Drive capacity, which regulates the system’s performance from 40% to 118 per cent based on demand. The units can be programmed thanks to the intelligent thermostat capabilities. The IQ Drive is a one-of-a-kind function that alerts you when the device is broken or requires maintenance.

The IQ Drive heat pumps all have relatively low noise levels, which makes them a good fit for many houses. The units have a low rpm, which allows them to make very little noise. An additional insulated cabinet and compressor blanket help to achieve low sound levels. Even the motor is oiled all the time and makes no loud noises.

Trane heat pumps

Trane is the best in terms of high efficiency, quiet operation, and value. This brand has a positive reputation among customers because of its great efficiency, which allows homeowners to save money on their electricity bills. It’s also known for being the quietest brand.

When properly maintained, Trane heat pumps are long-lasting, with most models lasting 15-20 years or more. The Climatuff compressor utilized on all models is one of the most reliable in the business.

Trane Earthwise hybrid heat systems combine a heat pump with a gas furnace, making them excellent for homes in extreme cold. After reviewing thousands of customer testimonials, it was evident that the vast majority of them had achieved significant savings on their electricity bills.

Trane offers both traditional and Wi-Fi-connected thermostats for coordinating system performance, with the Wi-Fi variants being controlled via the Trane app on a smartphone.

It is up to you to choose from all of this brand’s models, and your local Trane comfort professional is always there and ready to inspect for the ideal model for your home. Trane is also reasonably priced, making it the most popular brand among consumers.

Lennox heat pumps

Lennox is one of the most well-known makers of indoor comfort equipment. Lennox has worked hard to make their products among the quietest, in addition to being incredibly energy efficient. The noise level of some of their heat pumps is comparable to that of current refrigerators.

A solar-powered heat pump is one of its distinguishing features. With the Lennox heat pump, one may adjust the environment of their home using only the power of the sun. The humidity control option is another unique feature of Lennox heat pumps. This option allows you to regulate the amount of molding in your property.

The Lennox Signature Series offers unsurpassed comfort and efficiency. The models in this series are exceedingly quiet, with SEER ratings of 23.5 and HSPF values of 10.5. When used in conjunction with appropriate solar panels, the XP25 and SL18XP1 can reduce energy usage by up to 50%.

Bryant heat pumps

This is the most popular brand of all the ones listed, and it is widely available. These brands offer high-quality products, but their warranty terms are shorter. In addition, unlike other companies, their prices are significantly more due to the assurance of a long-lasting product.

In addition, a Copeland compressor is employed, which comes with a ten-year warranty on the compressor and associated equipment. When compared to other brands, this one offers the shortest guarantee period, but when it comes to durability and longevity, as well as a rating of 21.5, this is undoubtedly the best buy for you.

Bryant Legacy heating systems are single-stage heat pumps that are affordable. As a consequence, they heat and cool at max capability while producing minimal sound, come with a five-year warranty, and are expected to last 15 to 18 years.

Any qualified HVAC expert, whether or not they are a Bryant dealer, can fix Bryant heat pumps. Bryant’s extensive HVAC product line, which includes furnaces and indoor air quality components, allows you to build a complete system that is optimized for efficiency and performance.

Tempstar heat pumps

This is a popular heat pump brand that is comparable to Carrier and Bryant models but at a lower price. Tempstar is part of the International Comfort Goods (ICP) group, which means its products are high-quality and long-lasting.

Tempstar offers a variety of warranties based on the Tempstar heat pump product you choose, with greater efficiency ranges often receiving stronger warranties.

Dual-fuel compatibility is standard on all Tempstar heat pumps. When necessary, the system shifts to gas furnace heat, and when temperatures rise, it switches back to heat pump heat.

Single-stage heat pumps are available from Tempstar. They operate at full capacity, which can result in minor temperature changes. To match your budget and performance requirements, the four Energy Star Tempstar heat pumps feature single-stage, two-stage, and variable-capacity models.

American Standard heat pumps

Throughout the years, American Standard heat pumps have been a pioneering brand with a superior track record of dependability. Duration is a proprietary compressor used by American Standard. HVAC specialists give it excellent grades for durability and functionality.

The brand is known for its long-lasting appliances and commitment to client happiness. Based on the percentage of customers most inclined to suggest the company’s products to others, CONSUMER REPORTS offers American Standard an Excellent grade.

What Energy Efficiency Rating is Best

You’ve probably come across the term “energy-efficiency rating,” or EER while looking for the right air conditioning or heating system for your room. A home’s overall efficiency is measured by its energy efficiency rating. The higher the grade, the more energy-efficient the home and the cheaper the utility bills.

What is the SEER Rating?

In typical climates, the Seasonal Energy Performance Ratio, or SEER, is a measurement of a heat pump’s cooling efficiency. Manufacturers test this by doing testing at various outdoor temperatures to simulate a cooling season.

The SEER is estimated based on a steady indoor temperature throughout the season, although outdoor temperatures might range from 60 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. This is done to imitate the summer season’s seasonal temperature effects and guarantee that the efficiency rating is averaged out throughout the season.

The greater the number, the better the cooling system is. This is maximum efficiency and may not be achieved all of the time.

The maximum SEER rating for most ducted heat pumps is 18 SEER. This is because you can expect a certain percentage of production to be lost through the ducts.

What is the HSPF rating

Heating Season Performance Factor (HSPF) is an acronym for Heating Season Performance Factor. In normal climates, there’s also a measurement of a heat pump’s heating efficiency. Manufacturers test this by simulating the heating season by conducting testing at various outdoor temperatures.

In comparison to a less efficient heat pump, a more efficient heat pump will use less energy and save more energy over the life of the system. In general, heat pumps with an HSPF rating of 8 to 10 should be considered. For the same heating effect, such a piece of heating equipment will use less energy, resulting in lower heating costs.

It’s also worth noting that the HSPF rating ignores the use of backup heat sources such as heat strips or an auxiliary gas furnace.

Why Ratings for Ductless Systems are Higher

Ductless heat pumps are significantly more efficient than ducted heat pumps. Ducted heat pumps normally have a SEER of 14 to 18, however ductless heat pumps can have a SEER of 30 or higher in some circumstances.

The cooling output of a heat pump might be reduced by up to 30% due to ductwork. Heat pumps are meant to heat and cool big facilities with multiple rooms, which necessitates the system running for long periods of time. The heat pump’s 30% loss of cooling power through the ducting is one factor that contributes to the lower SEER rating of a conventional heat pump.

Ductless heat pumps are meant to work in smaller open spaces and deliver cooling directly to the room via a wall-mounted device or a ceiling cassette. This allows ductless systems to operate more effectively than traditional heat pumps.

In comparison to ducted versions, ductless units lack auxiliary components such as ducts, louvers, vents, blower fans, thermostats, and intricate cabling. The only thing you need is to clean the filter in the indoor unit on a regular basis. Check the outdoor unit for dirt accumulation, bird nests, and shrubs that could block the fan on a regular basis.

How to identify a bad heat pump

High Bills

When your electric bill unexpectedly climbs, you’re probably on the lookout for broken appliances. Check your heat pumps to see if some pieces, such as the filter, may still be replaced or if it needs to be replaced entirely. It is recommended that you see an HVAC professional to ensure that the problem is properly identified.

Poor AirFlow

A decline in the airflow coming from the vents is one of the quickest ways to identify if something is wrong with your home’s forced-air heating system. This will result in a decrease in the amount of heat in your home, as well as the appearance of cold spots in rooms. This necessitates contacting a professional repair provider to visit your home and assess the situation.

Noisy

If your heat pump starts producing weird noises, you may need to repair or replace it. Electrical heat pump issues might generate a popping or buzzing sound. A failing motor may produce a buzzing or vibrating sound. A failing valve or solenoid can also make a hissing, whooshing, or vibrating noise. To avoid further harm, contact a specialist as soon as possible if you hear any of these noises.

Strange Smell

If your heat pump is emitting unusual odors, it is imperative that you replace it right away. A decaying odor can be caused by mold or, in certain circumstances, animals have crawled and died, generating the odor.

Other odors, such as a burning odor, could also be dangerous because it involves electricity. As a result, if you notice a strange odor, check your heat pumps and contact an HVAC professional as needed.

No heat

This heat pump issue could be caused by a thermostat malfunction or a power outage. Check to see whether the thermostat needs to be adjusted or if it is broken and needs to be replaced. If the pump is still not operating after a replacement, the placement piece may be the wrong type, and you’ll need to look into purchasing a suitable spare component. It is important to take action and contact your HVAC specialist for an inspection, replacement, or repair of the product.

Boosting Your Heat Pump’s Efficiency

Airflow is critical to the efficiency and capacity of central heat pumps. For every tonne of heat pump air conditioning capacity, airflow should be between 400 and 500 cfm (cubic feet per minute). If the airflow is reduced, performance and efficiency suffer.

If you’re adjusting the thermostat during the winter, don’t make large changes in the temperature setting. Sudden upward adjustments can trigger an ineffective backup heater. Heat pumps circulate air that seems chilly when it comes out of the exhaust but is actually warm enough to heat the house properly.

If the remainder of your home isn’t efficient, a heat pump won’t perform as well or give as much annual energy savings as it could. So, before you buy a heat pump, think about the following:

• Ensure that your ductwork is properly sealed throughout your home.
• Checking and, if necessary, adjusting the refrigerant charge.
• Adding insulation to your attic and walls is a great way to save money.
• Ascertaining that the duct system is appropriately insulated, sealed, and maintained.
• Installing weather stripping and caulk around doors and windows.
• Clean the unclean return covers and vents using a vacuum.
• Insulating ducts in crawlspaces and attics properly.

Installing and programming programmable thermostats to automatically reduce the temperature at night in cooler months and raise it in warmer months, as well as adjusting the temperature while you are gone. Annually, programmable thermostats can save you 10% on your energy expenditures.

List of best heat pumps

• Dometic Air Conditioners B59186.XX1C0 Brisk Air
• Goodman 3 Ton 14 Seer Heat Pump System
• DAIKIN 12,000 BTU 17 SEER Wall-Mounted Ductless Heat Pump
• MRCOOL DIY 18k BTU 20 SEER 
• RUUD UASL-060JEC 5 TON”ULTRA” SERIES TWO STAGE SPLIT-SYSTEM

Dometic Air Conditioners B59186.XX1C0 Brisk Air

Assume you’re seeking for a product that will help you keep a cool environment and reduce heat. If that’s the case, you’ve come to the correct spot because Dometic designed Dometic Air Conditioners B59186.XX1C0 to meet your needs.

To provide you with the optimum performance, the maker used a highly lightweight and quiet motor. To keep this air conditioner quiet and vibration-free, copper lines and two rubber bushings are supplied.

Because of its modest size, it doesn’t take up much room and is ideal for small spaces. Its RV forced air system comes with a complete non-ducted roof pack, which means it won’t take any more parts.

The clever design and enhanced materials of the Brisk Evolution combine to maximize airflow and performance. In terms of weight, airflow, and capacity, it outperforms any ordinary RV rooftop air conditioner. Extreme-conditions testing has been completed.

Features:

• The high-performance design increases airflow by 15% above prior generations.
• The use of EPP foam in the housing decreases weight while also improving cooling performance.
• The carbon steel foundation is sturdy and long-lasting.
• The inside roof installation and controller kit are required for the ADB Custom-composite coated shroud, which is UV-protected for long-lasting beauty.
• It can be used as both a heater and an air conditioner.
• The motor is extremely quiet and powerful.

Pros:

• Lightweight.
• Doesn’t take much space.
• Non-ducted roof pack.

Cons:

• A little noisy.
• Fully packed system.
• Difficult to fix changes.

Goodman 3 Ton 14 Seer Heat Pump System

The Goodman 14 SEER Heat Pump uses the environmentally friendly R-410A refrigerant and boasts one of the quietest operating noise levels in the HVAC industry. R-410A is chlorine-free, which helps to protect the ozone layer. Its 14 SEER rating will aid to cut energy usage during the system’s lifetime.

This warming siphon has a reputation for durability, or more specifically, it lacks the ostentatious features that can cause “very good quality” units to separate.

This product can absorb all heat and produce a cool environment around you; also, the product’s size is 3 tonnes, allowing it to readily cover small to medium spaces. This is quite sturdy and can work for a long time because it is made of heavy-gauge galvanized steel.

A bi-flow thermostatic expansion valve is required for all Goodman 14/15 SEER heat pumps. This valve is fitted in line with the line set pipes in front of the indoor evaporator coil. If you’re installing a heat pump with a fuel furnace as a backup heat source, you’ll need to use an electronic all-fuel kit.

The fan engine is entirely enclosed and permanently oiled for dependability, as well as to avoid the need to re-grease the fan engine, lowering upkeep costs.

Furthermore, Goodman is dedicated to providing the best possible service to its customers at an affordable price while maintaining the unit’s tranquility, productivity, and dependability.

Features:

• Pump with a 3-tonne capacity and a 14 SEER rating.
• Scroll compressor with high efficiency
• Small to medium rooms are suitable.
• Bi-flow liquid-line filter drier installed at the factory
• All parts of the factory-installed suction-line accumulator are covered by a 10-year limited guarantee.
• High-capacity muffler installed at the factory
• The cover is made of galvanized steel with a thick gauge.
• Fully charged for a 15′ length of tubing
• Installation is simple.
• Cabinet made of galvanized steel with a thick gauge.
• Architecturally appealing 500-hour salt-spray approval on grey powder-paint finish
• Coil guard with steel louvers
• While the unit is functioning, service ports and controls are accessible.
• The unit structural requirements for hurricane-type winds are met according to the Florida Building Code.

Pros:

• The environment is friendly.
• Quiet operator.
• Doesn’t require a large space.
• Enclosed fan engine.
• Affordable.

Cons:

• Small valve take-offs.
• Cannot be used near the coastline areas.

DAIKIN 12,000 BTU 17 SEER Wall-Mounted Ductless Heat Pump

Single zone inverter wall-mounted systems from the 17 Series deliver energy efficiency and comfort management in a cost-effective package. Indoor units are streamlined and fixed on the wall, and outdoor ones are silent and compact.

Daikin is the greatest heat pump you can have since it can regulate the temperature in both directions, either lowering or raising it, and it does it in a smaller size, making it much easier to use.

The manufacturer provides a 10-year part warranty with this device, ensuring that it lasts longer. If you run into any issues while using the service, you can get in-house technical support to help you out.

Heat and Cool is an authorized Daikin dealer that sells its products online. We provide FREE technical assistance for all of your needs, and we handle warranty processing in-house. Wall-Mounted Ductless Compact Inverter Ac Unit Heat Pump System by Daikin 17 SEER (230 Volt).

You’ll get the entire package, which includes an indoor fan coil, an outdoor condensing unit, and a maxwell 15-foot duct. In comparison to the 2008 norm, it is also energy efficient, with a seasonal energy efficiency ratio of 17. The lower the SEER, the less expensive the item, and the majority of the items have a SEER of 15 to 18.

It’ll suffice to cover the main living areas, such as master bedrooms, hot or cold rooms, repairs and remodeling, basements, attics, and garages.

Features:

• All of the necessary accessories are included.
• Mini-split heat pump with no ducts.
• 550 square feet of coverage
• 230 Volts are required.
• Parts are covered for ten years.
• The SEER rating is 17.
• The remote control is quite useful.
• in-ho provides free technical support.

Pros:

• Energy-efficient.
• Cost-effective.
• Small and compact size.
• 10-year warranty.
• Free technical assistance.

Cons:

• The front cover adhesive leaves stains.
• Poor instructions menu.

MRCOOL DIY 18k BTU 20 SEER 

Nothing compares to the new Mr. COOL DIY mini split series. Mr. COOL is a breath of new air of innovation in the HVAC market, where the big companies ceased inventing a decade ago.

The MRCOOL DIY is a ductless micro split heat pump with upgraded WIFI that was designed to be not only quick and easy to install, but also flexible enough to be installed practically anyplace without the use of specialized tools or expensive equipment. The 18, 000 BTU unit has a 20 SEER rating and is designed to efficiently heat and cool up to 750 square feet.

Features:

• They have a high SEER rating of 20+ and an HSPF rating of 10.
• They’ve been updated, with a new appearance, mobile app connectivity, and a lot of appeals.
• Most importantly, the installation is do-it-yourself.
• Mr. Cool Professional installation is not required for DIY 3rd generation mini-split units.
• Because of wifi control, which is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, you can regulate your DIY from almost anywhere using your Apple or Android smartphone and Internet access.
• Designed to heat and cool a single 500 square foot room efficiently.

Pros: 

• Budget-friendly price for an 18k unit.
• 10 HSPF.
• Has a great capacity to heat a 500+ sq foot area.

Cons: 

• Needs 230 Voltage.
• Heavy to be managed as a DIY project.

RUUD UASL-060JEC 5 TON”ULTRA” SERIES TWO-STAGE SPLIT-SYSTEM

Ruud heat pumps come with extra characteristics like rust-resistant fasteners and a highly corrosive base pan, and they’re built to last at least 10 years. Keep the heat pump in good condition by inspecting the blower, filtration, ductwork, and interior coil for blockages and trash.

Seal any duct leaks, lube the motors, test the belts for tightness and wear, check the refrigerant, and double-check that the thermostat is working properly.

Features:

• Only licensed contractors are allowed to purchase HVAC equipment. Products are only available in certain places; please check with your local branch to see if they are available in your area.
• Ultra Series is a high-efficiency two-stage unit.
• A ten-year conditional components warranty and a ten-year compressor warranty are included.

Pros:

• Rust resistant.
• Durable.

Cons:

• low tier.

FAQs

Which brand of heat pump is the most reliable?

American Standard, Tempstar, Bryant, Lennox, Trane, Maytag, and Goodman are the top best brands when it comes to heat pumps. It is better to check user feedbacks to get to know the best review of a heat pump.

What is the best SEER rating for a heat pump?

Ideally, 18 SEER or more is considered an efficient rating for heat pumps.

What size heat pump do I need for a 2000 square foot house?

You’d need around a 60,000 BTU or a 5-ton heat pump for a 2000 square foot house.

Conclusion

Investing in a new heat pump for your home is a significant financial commitment. However, it does not have to be a frightening event. With appropriate preparation and expertise, you can select the ideal heat pump for you, and it will endure for many years.

Always choose the most efficient, reliable, long-lasting, and most importantly, comfortable heat pump brand for your home.

Heat pumps are a one-time, large-ticket item that will provide long-term service based on the brand and type, which is why it is critical to select the top of the line.

Remember that things that bring assistance, convenience, and comfort should be well-considered. Money is important, but so are performance and dependability.