Which is the best heat pump brand?

Answer 1

The best installation contractor... You will be happier with a low end or mid range unit installed by a pro than if you and your brother in law or a bad contractor installed a top of the line 98% efficient Trane or Carrier unit. Just trying to illustrate a point here with the you and your brother in law example. Part of the process is shopping for the right contractor to do the work and be around for any warranty or out of warranty service issues. Once you find a contractor you are comfortable with, ask him to quote you one of his best units (all contractors usually rep a certain primary brand). You will find during your shopping that all manufacturers are buying their components from the same vendors: Honeywell and White Rogers for controls, Copeland and Tecumseh compressors, Sporlan and Alco refrigerant control valves etc. So all units except for the low end builders grade are pretty equal and the installation and service which is what the contractor provides will make the difference in your satisfaction over the next 20 or so years.

Answer 2

That depends on who you ask. Every contractor will recommend whatever brand he/she sells. There are many criteria involved in what you are asking (efficiency,ease of service warranty, parts availabilty etc). You must decide which mean the most to you. I will say finding a competent dependable contractor is far more important than who makes the equipment. A quality install of lowend equipment will give you less headaches than top of the line stuff installed by side job Bob. Remember, you will live with this decision for the next 15-20 years so think carefully after all of your quotes are in hand. Then go with who you feel most comfortable with and don`t be consumed with brand.

Answer 3

Carrier and Rheem/ RUUD have the highest efficiency ratings this current model year. The current "Dual Fuel" equipment combinations are the best choice in a harsh climate. LG and Mitsubishi are the best choice in a ductless mini split application. The ARI website publishes specs and performance data. Agreed. Rheem/Ruud are the ones. Trane lower price units tell you they have less reliable parts.

Answer 4

A heat pump is cheaper to operate than even a 95% high efficiency gas furnace when the outside air temperature is above 35 degrees. When it is below 35 degrees outside a 95% high efficiency furnace is cheaper to operate. To obtain the lowest possible operating costs a combination 95% high efficiency furnace and a heat pump can be used together. This combination "hybrid" system automatically switches to operate either the furnace or the heat pump depending on the weather conditions. By combining the 95% high efficiency furnace with a heat pump you reduce your energy bills which helps pay for the higher up front cost of a hybrid system. The heat pump looks just like an air conditioner and also cools your home in the summer.

A heat pump is really just an air conditioner that has a reversing valve that lets it switch between heating and cooling. For cooling your home the valve allows the refrigerant to take heat from inside your home and move it outside. To heat your home the valve reverses and the heat pump then moves heat into your home at up to three times more efficiently than electric resistance heat. Goodman Makes a high quality heat pump. http://www.woodburyheating.com/heat%20pump.htm

Answer 5

Consumer Reports magazine states TRANE is the best.

Answer 6

Rheem, Trane, Carrier