Leonard Splaine 10 Best Heat Pump Brands of 2021
Choosing the best heat pump brands can be a difficult hurdle to deal with.
A heat pump is an all-in-one heating and air conditioning system. In the summer, it pulls heat from the inside of your home and transfers it outside. During the colder months, it does the opposite by collecting heat from the outdoor air and bringing it indoors. It can also be used in conjunction with a gas furnace to share the heat load.
Before we dive fully into the article, let’s quickly walk you through how a heat pump actually work:
How Does a Heat Pump Work?
The heat pump is not a new technology; it has been used in the USA and around the world for decades. Refrigerators and air conditioners are both common examples of this technology.
Heat pumps transfer heat by circulating a substance called a refrigerant through a cycle of evaporation and condensation. A compressor pumps the refrigerant between two heat exchanger coils. In one coil, the refrigerant is evaporated at low pressure and absorbs heat from its surroundings. The refrigerant is then compressed en route to the other coil, where it condenses at high pressure. At this point, it releases the heat it absorbed earlier in the cycle.
Still confused?
Don’t worry we are here to help you determine the best heat pumps in the industry so that you don’t make any mistakes. We looked at several factors and features of each brand to help you make an informed purchasing decision. The primary things to look out for when comparing heat pump options are named below. The criteria you should consider include the following:
Best Heat Pump Brands And Models
1. Lennox
Lennox offers some of the most precise and efficient heat pumps you can buy. It has innovative heat pumps that offer technological features, the brand owns all its own parts which can make it difficult to repair. 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 filter 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
- Output capacity: 60,500 BTU
- Physical unit size: 47 x 39.5 x 35.5 inches
- Efficiency ratings: Up to 23.5 SEER; ENERGY STAR qualified
- Average running decibels: 64 to 74 dB
- Specialized features per unit type: SilentComfort Technology, dual-fuel capability (when paired with a Dave Lennox Signature Collection furnace).
2. Trane
Trane offers high-quality heat pumps that will save you money. This brand was rated most efficient in 2019 by Energy star. According to Trane, there are several things you can do to properly maintain your heat pump unit through the years. Those things 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.
Features
- Output capacity: 60,000 BTUs
- Physical unit size: 54 x 37 x 34 inches
- Efficiency ratings: Rated Most Efficient 2019 by ENERGY STAR; Up to 20 SEER
- Average running decibels: 43 dB
- Specialized features per unit type: ComfortLink II Communicating Capability, Unique Refrigerant Cooled Inverter Drive, Compressor Sound Insulator, Climatuff Variable Speed Compressor, WeatherGuard II Top, all-aluminum Spine Fin coil, DuraTuff Rustproof basepan, Integrated fan system, WeatherGuard fasteners, and simplified two-wire connection.
3. Carrier
Carrier is known for its environmentally friendly heat pumps. With many technological features, this brand offers high quality, energy-efficient heat pumps. 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 specialied 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, WeatherArmor Ultra protection, non-ozone depleting Puron refrigerant, and Ideal Defrost heating operation with Infinity control.
Features
- Output capacity: Heating: 25,200 to 37,200 Cooling: 32,800 to 35,200 BTU
- Physical unit size: 50.19 x 36.13 x 39.25 inches
- Efficiency ratings: Up to 20.5 SEER; ENERGY STAR partner
- Average running decibels: 55 dB
4. Rheem
With heat pumps that are great for residential and commercial settings, Rheem offers energy-efficiency and many types of features. 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.
Features
- Output capacity: 60,500 BTUs
- Physical unit size: 35.75 x 51 x 35.75 inches
- Efficiency ratings: Up to 20 SEER;ENERGY STAR qualified
- Average running decibels: 59 dB
- Specialized features per unit type: PlusOne Energy, PlusOne Expanded Valve Space, PlusOne Triple Service Access, EcoNet Enabled, new composite base pan, the Copeland Scroll Variable Speed Compressor, enhanced mufflers, optimized fan orifice, improved tubing design, modern cabinet aesthetics, equipped with electronic expansion valve, and optimized defrost characteristics.
5. Goodman
Goodman heat pumps have a good reputation as a mid-range brand. While reliable, other top-name brands may be more reliable. Goodman heat pumps require that homeowners schedule a professional tune-up for their central heating and cooling system at least once a year. Heat pumps should be maintained by inspecting the fan, indoor coils, outdoor coils, compressor, fan, and refrigerant lines.
Features
- Output capacity: Heating: 59,500 BTU/Cooling: 56,500 BTU
- Physical unit size: 35.5 x 35.5 x 40 inches
- Average running decibels: 75
- Specialized features per unit type: High and low-pressure switches, expanded ComfortAlert diagnostics built-in, ComfortBridge Technology, two-stage Copeland UltraTech scroll compressor, factory-installed suction line accumulator, SmartShift technology with short-cycle protection.
6. Ruud
Ruud heat pumps contain a few extra features that increase durability. These pumps will last around 10 years with little maintenance. It’s a respected brand that can provide you with efficient and reliable heating all winter long. Ruud heat pumps are made with high-quality materials and parts. They 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.
Features
- Output capacity: 60,500 BTUs
- Physical unit size: 51.17 x 36.13 x 36.13 inches
- Efficiency ratings: Up to 20 SEER and 11 HSPF;ENERGY STAR qualified
- Average running decibels: As low as 59dB
- Specialized features per unit type: PlusOne Energy, PlusOne Expanded Valve Space, PlusOne Triple Service Access, EcoNet, variable speed compressor, electronic expansion valve, improved tubing design, optimized reversing valve sizing, enhanced mufflers, modern cabinet aesthetics, diagnostic service window with a two-fastener opening.
7. Bryant
The Bryant brand gives more economical and energy efficiency as it contains features that make it easier to control temperature during hot and cold weather. 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.
Features
- Efficiency ratings: Up to 20.5 SEER; ENERGY STAR qualified
- Average running decibels: 58 dB
- Specialized features per unit type: Optimal dehumidification capability, electric heating, variable-speed operation with longer, lower life cycles, non-ozone depleting Puron refrigerant, senses operating conditions and adjusts to enhance system reliability, excellent performance with zoned systems, and sheet metal construction with baked-on, complete outer paint coverage for long-lasting durability against outside elements.
8. American Standard
The American Standard heat pumps provide high reliability and durability, some reviewers claim that this brand requires less maintenance than most. This brand is also cost-friendly with energy-efficient heat pumps. 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, cleaning the outdoor coils whenever they seem dirty.
Features
- Efficiency ratings: Up to 20 SEER
- Average running decibels: 54 dB
- Specialized features per unit type: AccuComfort, Duration variable speed compressor, Comfort Control, Compressor sound insulator, all-aluminum Spine Fin coil, Durabase basepan, simplified two-wire connection, heavy-duty steel louvered panels, appliance-grade finish, and SermaGuard rust-resistant screws.
9. Coleman
Coleman provides heat pumps with cooling capabilities. They claim to have longer lasting products with many savvy features with advanced manufacturing processes and product testing giving their heat pumps long-term performance.
Features
- Output capacity: 60,000 BTU
- Physical unit size: 46 1/2 x 34 1/2 x 38 1/4 inches
- Efficiency ratings: Up to 20 SEER; ENERGY STAR qualified
- Average running decibels: 54 dB
- Specialized features per unit type: WhisperDrive comfort system, Charge View, Climate Connect, variable speed compressor, touch-screen thermostat with communicating capability, and ability to withstand harsh weather.
10. York
York offers heat pumps that are highly energy efficient at a lower cost than most brands. York heat pumps include premium warranties that the company claims ensure years of dependability.
Features
- Output capacity: 2 to 5 tons
- Physical unit size: 46 1/2 X 35 1/2 X 34 1/2 inches
- Efficiency ratings: Up to 20 SEER; ENERGY STAR qualified
- Average running decibels: 35
- Specialized features per unit type: Variable-capacity compressor, QuietDrive system, Climate Set, Charge Assurance, automotive grade power paint, superior coil protection, environmentally friendly refrigerant, durable finish, and ECM fan motor.
Conclusion
Picking the perfect heat pump, maintenance will still be part of the game. Trust us to help you out with that. Leonard Splaine has the highest quality service for your Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, and Electrical systems. Get an honest, competitive estimate that ensures you and your home are in the best hands. Our highly qualified tech teams are capable of handling all of your maintenance and repair needs. Need service now? Use our 24 hour scheduler in the top upper corner of this page to book your service appointment now.
If you’re in our service area give us a call at 703-494-2855. Leonard Splaine Co. would be happy to provide you with an honest estimate on your HVAC installation. You can also visit our contact page and complete the contact form.