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Best Heat Pump Conditioners for Your Home: Buying Guide 2022
Heat pump conditioners are great for keeping your home cool when it’s warm outside and warm when it’s cold outside. The best heat pumps can do this energy-efficiently and silently. But since there are so many types of heat pumps out there, how are you supposed to figure out the right one for you?
Table of Contents
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PROS
SPECS
PIONEER Air Conditioner and Multi-Split Heat Pump
PROS
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Washable air filter for optimal indoor air quality
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Delivers even heating and cooling
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Comes pre-charged with refrigerant
SPECS
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Highly energy-efficient
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Comes with a complete installation kit
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Silent operation
Goodman R410A GSZ140361
PROS
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Competitive price
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Easy to install
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Excellent warranty coverage
SPECS
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Energy-efficient heating
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Serves very well as a dehumidifier
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14 SEER and 9 HSPF efficiency rating
Senville SENL-24CD
PROS
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Quiet performance
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High energy-efficiency
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Easy to install with its installation kit
SPECS
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Offers air conditioning, heating, dehumidifier and fan
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17 SEER rating
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Use the heat pump system as a dehumidifier
Frigidaire Compact Air Conditioner/Heat Pump
PROS
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Affordable price
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Silent performance
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You can install it yourself within minutes
SPECS
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User-friendly full-function remote control
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Highly energy-efficient with an ENERGY STAR certification
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8,000 BTU cooling capacity and 7,000 BTU heat pump
DuctlessAire 24,000 BTU
PROS
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Quiet operation
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Refrigerant Leak Detection feature
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Supercharged cooling
SPECS
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20.5 SEER rating and Energy Star certification
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Self-diagnosis feature
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Delivers 24,000 BTUs
Top 7 Best Heat Pumps Reviews
1. PIONEER Air Conditioner and Multi-Split Heat Pump – Best Overall
If your home doesn’t have the ductwork for a central unit, Pioneer offers the perfect solution with its ductless multi-split heat pump.
The PIONEER Multi-Split Heat Pump is ideal if you need energy-efficient heating and cooling in several rooms. It comes with one outdoor unit that you can connect to two, three, or five indoor units for separate rooms.
Each indoor unit has a separate control and delivers optimal heating and cooling. Proof of this product’s energy-efficiency is evident in its 21.3 SEER rating and 10.0 HSPF efficiency rating, which indicates that this Pioneer is equally energy-efficient at cooling and heating.
It also helps that the unit is silent during operation, looks good, and has filters for improving indoor air quality.
PROS
- Washable air filter for optimal indoor air quality
- Highly energy-efficient
- Delivers even heating and cooling
- Comes with a complete installation kit for easy installation
- Silent operation
- Impressive warranty for compressor and parts
- Comes pre-charged with refrigerant
CONS
- A bit pricey
- Some customers report poor warranty customer service
2. Goodman R410A GSZ140361
If your home already has a ductwork system, the Goodman R410A GSZ140361 is one of the best heat pumps to consider.
The Goodman brand has been around for years delivering excellent value heating and cooling systems, and the Goodman R410A GSZ140361 is no different. It is a central unit that can provide both cooling and heating to meet your needs.
Compared to other central units, its price is competitive, and it delivers long-term cost benefits with its 14 SEER and 9 HSPF efficiency rating.
In short, it’s a good value product that’ll keep you cool or warm to your satisfaction for years and without issues.
PROS
- Competitive price
- Easy to install
- Excellent warranty coverage
- Energy-efficient heating
- Lots of positive customer reviews
- Serves very well as a dehumidifier
CONS
- Not the most energy-efficient option
- A bit loud during intensive use
3. Senville SENL-24CD
The Senville SENL-24CD is a ductless mini-split unit that’s great for home use. It’s an ideal choice if you need heating or cooling in a single room, such as your bedroom or office.
With a 17 SEER rating, this heat pump is energy-efficient, guaranteeing long-term cost benefits. And to ensure that you can enjoy its use without distractions, the Senville SENL-24CD stays quiet even when you use it intensively.
In addition to heating and cooling, you can also use this heat pump system as a dehumidifier. All of its features and functions are easily accessible from its intuitive remote control.
PROS
- Quiet performance
- High energy-efficiency
- Easy to install with its installation kit
- Offers air conditioning, heating, dehumidifier and fan
- Reasonable price
CONS
- Doesn’t come pre-charged with refrigerant
- May require some know how to install properly
4. Frigidaire Compact Air Conditioner/Heat Pump – Budget Choice
Want to pay as low as possible for a quality heat pump?
You should consider the Frigidaire Window-Mounted Air Conditioner/Heat Pump. Aside from having the lowest initial purchase cost on our list, its installation will cost you nothing. Just slide it into a suitable window of the room you want it, plug it in, and you are good to go.
It comes with a window mounting kit and a slide-out chassis, so you don’t have to worry about other installation parts. You don’t even need tools.
Its 8,000 BTU cooling capacity and 7,000 BTU heat pump make it powerful enough to cool or heat a 350 square feet room with ease.
The unit cools and heats silently and energy-efficiently. There’s even an energy-saver mode for more exceptional energy-efficiency. It also comes with customizable controls that let you select precisely how you’d like to enjoy the unit.
PROS
- Affordable price
- You can install it yourself within minutes
- Silent performance
- User-friendly full-function remote control
- Cools, heats, and dehumidifies
- Highly energy-efficient with an ENERGY STAR certification
CONS
- Only suitable for small rooms
- In heat mode the fan only operates on low
5. DuctlessAire 24,000 BTU
Here’s a powerful ductless heat pump that can deliver 24,000 BTUs without compromising on energy-efficiency.
For your safety, this DuctlessAire uses R410a refrigerant, which is environmentally-friendly. There are also HEPA washable air filters to improve indoor air quality and a complete installation kit to keep installation costs minimal.
PROS
- Quiet operation
- Refrigerant Leak Detection feature to protect the system
- Self-diagnosis feature for quickly troubleshooting issues
- Supercharged cooling
- Very energy-efficient with a 20.5 SEER rating and Energy Star certification
- Washable air filters for clean indoor air
CONS
- Needs a professional for installation
- Very pricey
6. Cooper and Hunter Mini Split Ductless Air Conditioner/Heat Pump
The Cooper and Hunter Ductless Air Conditioner/Heat Pump is another very energy-efficient option. But what’s most impressive about is how fast its 9,000 BTUs can heat or cool a room.
In addition to its efficiency and effectiveness, the Cooper and Hunter Ductless heat pump make hardly any sound while it works.
Installation is easy and affordable, and the unit comes with an impressive 7-year warranty on the compressor and a 5-year warranty on everything else. This makes it not only a reliable purchase but also a risk-free buy.
PROS
- Comes with an extended warranty
- Quiet performance
- Powerful cooling and heating
- Impressive energy-efficiency
- Comes with an easy installation kit for quick installation
CONS
- Only suitable for small rooms
- Does not provide coverage of multiple zones
7. MRCOOL Olympus Hyper Heat Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump
Like every other ductless Mini-Split unit on our list of best heat pumps, the MRCOOL Olympus Hyper Heat is energy-efficient and effective at cooling and heating. Where it sets itself apart is its DIY installation and smart controls.
Unlike most other ductless mini-split units, the MRCOOL Olympus’ DIY design ensures that you can install it yourself without issues or special tools. Even better, the indoor unit is Wi-Fi enabled so you can control it from anywhere in the world via an app on your Android device or iPhone.
Another impressive feature is it’s Follow Me function that monitors the temperature of the room you are in and adjusts its performance to keep you cool or warm. The only downside of these awesome features is they come with a hefty price tag.
Read More: Excellent Air Conditioners
PROS
- Wi-Fi enabled with smart connection
- Energy-efficient with a 20.5 SEER rating
- Easy to install
- Follow Me function that automatically adjusts temperatures
CONS
- A bit pricey
- Limited Warranty only valid if product is installed by HVAC professional
Final Verdict
The best heat pump conditioner for your money is one that falls within your price range and offers all the features you need. The PIONEER Air Conditioner and Multi-Split Heat Pump meets this description with its reasonable price, reliability, energy-efficiency, and fantastic heating and cooling functions, making it our pick for the best heat pump conditioner for most homes.
How to Pick The Best Heat Pumps For You?
Unlike other cooling and heating systems, heat pumps operate by moving heated or cool air rather than generating it. How each heat pump accomplishes this varies from type to type, but the result is generally more energy-efficient heating and cooling at a lesser cost.
Simply put, running a heat pump conditioner is much cheaper than running a furnace or regular central air conditioner to warm or cool your home.
Since there are different types of heat pumps, you need to know what features to look out for if you want to pick the best one for your home. To help with this, look out for the following to differentiate the best heat pumps from the rest:
Type of Heat Pump
Heat pumps are available in one of three types – split-ductless, air source, and geothermal. Each type operates differently and offers a unique set of benefits.
Split-Ductless Heat Pumps
A split-ductless heat pump consists of an indoor air handler and an outdoor compressor/condenser. Depending on the design of the split-ductless system, it may be possible to add one to five indoor air handlers to a single outdoor compressor.
The indoor units are typically quieter than the outdoor units and are connected via tubing that sends refrigerant from the outdoor to the indoor unit. For even distribution of cooling or heating, it’s best to install the indoor unit high on a wall indoors.
The indoor unit is where you control the system by using either a remote or the control display on the indoor unit. Some are Wi-Fi enabled, allowing you to control them via an app on your smart device.
The upside of split-ductless heat pumps is unlike central air units in that they don’t require ductwork. This makes them ideal for installation in homes without ductwork or if you’d like to avoid the high energy costs of using a duct system to cool and warm your home.
Also, installing a split-ductless heat pump is usually cheaper and faster than installing a duct system.
Air-Source Heat Pumps
Like a split-ductless system, an air-source system consists of an indoor and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit serves as an air handler, while the outdoor unit is the heat pump. Both units have a linking tubing connection that circulates refrigerant between them for absorbing and releasing heat as it moves through each component.
Current air-source heat pumps are super energy-efficient, with some being up to 50% cheaper to run than baseboard heaters or electric furnaces. But note that if you live in a region where temperatures drop below 10 degrees Fahrenheit, you may need an auxiliary heating system for optimal heating.
Geothermal Heat Pumps
Geothermal heat pumps use the natural heat from underground to warm your home. They may be expensive to install, but compared to conventional heating and cooling systems, they are 25 to 50% cheaper to run. They also require minimal maintenance, further reducing their long-term running costs.
Whether or not a geothermal heat pump will be suitable for your home will depend on the soil conditions of your home and whether or not you can afford the installation. Fortunately, various federal and local incentives, like credits and rebates, exist to help reduce the initial cost of buying and installing geothermal systems.
Climate
You need to verify that a heat pump can work in the climate conditions where you live. Fortunately, most new heat pump models can work in most regions, especially if what you require is moderate heating and cooling.
That said, if your area is prone to freezing temperatures and you require maximum heating, you may need to install an auxiliary heating system with your heat pump conditioner.
Noise Output
The best heat pumps can deliver cooling and heating with minimal noise. That said, larger heat pumps typically make more noise than smaller units. For example, a split-ductless unit or an air-source heat pump will be quieter than a central unit.
If you want a system that makes minimal noise, go for one whose rating shows it doesn’t generate more than 40 to 50 decibels.
Energy-Efficiency
The most energy-efficient heat pumps typically cost more. But considering the long-term cost benefits, the initial extra cost is a worthwhile investment that can save you hundreds of dollars a year.
To identify whether or not a heat pump conditioner is energy-efficient, check if it has an Energy Star certification. Another way to verify a heat pump’s energy-efficiency is its SEER and HSPF rating.
The higher the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating, the better. At the very least, the heat pump you choose should have a SEER rating of 14.
While a SEER rating is more accurate for determining the energy-efficiency of a heat pump for cooling, HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) rating indicates the efficiency of a heat pump for heating. An energy-efficient heat pump should have at least a 7.7 HSPF rating.
The best heat pumps for both cooling and heating have at least a SEER rating of 15 SEER and 8.5 HSPF. More energy-efficient models have 18 and above SEER and 8.5 and above HSPF.
Size
The bigger the size of a heat pump, the more cooling, and heating it can deliver. That said, larger heat pumps are also more expensive to buy and install.
The right heat pump for your home will be large enough to heat and cool a room evenly. If the unit is too big for your home, it’ll consume more electricity than necessary, increasing your energy bills.
Durability
The best heat pumps are made with durable parts that ensure you can enjoy using the system for many years without complications. To verify the durability of a heat pump, talk to a professional HVAC installer that’s familiar with the system you have in mind.
Also, check out customer reviews to see what customers who are using the product have to say about it.
Another way to verify the durability of a heat pump is its warranty. Manufacturers who are confident in the quality of their products will generally provide longer warranties. The longer and more comprehensive a warranty, the smaller the risk of your purchase since the manufacturer will be responsible for fixing or replacing any faulty parts.
Some of the best heat pumps come with 10-year warranties or longer.
Ease of Installation
The easier a heat pump is to install, the less you’ll have to pay for installation. To keep installation costs even lower, go for a ductless heat pump that comes with a complete installation kit as this will reduce the cost of installation.
For the best results, it’s better to have an experienced professional install your heat pump. Some heat pumps come with conditions specifying that the warranty is voidable if a non-professional installs the system.
Budget
More expensive heat pumps are typically more powerful and have more features. The cheapest models are often less durable and are less reliable for heating or cooling.
If you are on a budget, instead of going for the most expensive or cheapest option on the market, go for one that offers all of the features you need. It should deliver such features to your satisfaction at a price that doesn’t exceed your budget.
Purpose
Do you need a heat pump conditioner that can cool one or multiple rooms? Or, do you need a heat pump that’s effective for just heating or cooling or both?
By answering these questions, you’ll be able to purchase a heat pump conditioner with features that best serve your purposes.
Some heat pumps, especially high-end ones, come with extra features for your convenience. The most important of these features are remote control, programmable timer, and reusable filters. Any good heat pump should at least have these features.
Other useful features include a dehumidifier and Defrost Control. Defrost control is essential for keeping the outdoor unit of a heat pump going by preventing it from freezing up in cold weather.