Best Heat Pump Brands 2026

The air-source heat pumps have become a common method of heating and cooling the homes in the U.S. Large manufacturers of HVAC produce a wide variety of models at various efficiency, features, and prices.

The table below indicates the most excellent residential air-source heat pump brands, efficiency rating, noise, warranty and the price range.

Brand	Efficiency (Up to)	Noise (Lowest dB)	Warranty	Cost Tier
Carrier (Bryant)	24 SEER / 13 HSPF	51 dB	10-year parts	Premium ($$$)
Trane (American Standard)	20 SEER / 10 HSPF	55 dB	10-year parts	Premium ($$$)
Lennox	23.5 SEER / 10.2 HSPF	58 dB	10-year parts	Premium ($$$)
Goodman (Amana)	18 SEER / 9.5 HSPF	68 dB	10-year parts	Budget ($)
Rheem (Ruud)	20 SEER / 11 HSPF	59 dB	10-year parts	Mid-range ($$)
Daikin	20 SEER / 12 HSPF	56 dB	12-year parts	Mid/Premium ($$–$$$)
York (Coleman)	21 SEER/10.75 HSPF	54 dB	10-year parts	Mid-range ($$)
Mitsubishi (Fujitsu)	26+SEER/13 HSPF	50 dB	12-year parts	Premium ($$$)

Average Costs of Residential Air-Source Heat Pumps

When evaluating the best heat pump brands, it’s important to consider average costs from purchase to operation.

Up-front costs can vary by brand and efficiency level, and ongoing expenses like maintenance and energy use also impact the overall value.

The table below breaks down typical cost components:

Cost Component	Typical Cost (USD)	Details
Heat Pump Unit (Equipment)	$2,000 – $5,500	Price of the outdoor + indoor units (ductless single-zone systems cost $1,000 )
Installation (Labor Materials)	$2,500 – $6,500	Professional installation The cost depends on the complexity (ductwork costs an additional 3k-7.5k in case it is required )
Total Installed Cost	$4,500 – $12,000	Common brands $4.5k–$8k High-end brands up to ~$12k installed

Installation costs: An entire heat pump can be installed at a cost of $4,500 – $8,000. Top-quality brands or complex installations may cost up to 10,000 dollars and more. The ductless mini-split systems range between 1,300 and 8,000 dollars, depending on the number of indoor units (zones) required. The equipment and professional installation is included in the price.

Energy Efficiency Ratings (SEER and HSPF)

One of the primary things that distinguish a brand of heat pump is energy efficiency.

Air-source heat pumps have two primary ratings: SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating of cooling and HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) rating of heating.

The higher the SEER or HSPF the less power the heat pump consumes to provide the same cooling or heating. New testing standards (SEER2 and HSPF2) went into effect in 2023; these figures are slightly lower than the old SEER and HSPF ratings, but many manufacturers continue to use the lower figures in advertisements, because they are more familiar.

Most of the current top heat pumps exceed the minimum 14 SEER and 8.8 HSPF in most areas. High-end models can be much more:

• The best systems of Lennox have an approximate rating of 23.5 SEER and 10.2 HSPF on the old scale. Their latest Signature line goes to an estimated 23 SEER2 (approx 27-28 SEER), some of the highest in the business.
• The Infinity series of Carrier with Greenspeed intelligence is up to 24.0 SEER and 13.0 HSPF. This is approximately 22 SEER2 and 10.5 HSPF2 in the new measures.
• The best models of Trane and American Standard (e.g. XV20i) provide approximately 2022 SEER and 10 HSPF. These numbers are still far beyond the normal efficiency and demonstrate the emphasis of the brands on reliability instead of the record-breaking efficiency.
• Fujitsu and Mitsubishi Electric produce some of the most effective ductless mini-split systems. Their highest models are up to 26-30 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) and 12-13 HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) particularly in smaller capacity sizes. These super-efficient air conditioners will enable you to consume less energy and they will also work well in cold conditions.

In order to get an idea of what these numbers mean, think of this: a SEER 24 heat pump today consumes approximately half the electricity to cool as a SEER 12 heat pump did decades ago.

Each of the best brands featured here has multiple levels of efficiency: economy models (14-16 SEER) to suit low-cost customers, mid-range (17-20 SEER) and premium (>20 SEER) models to save the most.

Higher SEER units will be of most use to homeowners in hotter climates or those whose electricity rates are high, whereas HSPF and low-temperature performance should be carefully considered by those in colder climates.

Most of the top brands of heat pumps offer Energy Star certified models, which are usually 20 percent+ more efficient than typical new units.

In practice, efficiency may be different in practice and installation. Two-speed or variable speed compressors enable a heat pump to work more efficiently at part-load conditions that enhance comfort and energy savings.

The high end brands all now offer inverter driven variable-speed heat pumps which can precisely meet the heating/cooling load and achieve high SEER/HSPF ratings, resulting in good energy savings.

When comparing the brands, consider not only high ratings, but also medium ratings in order to obtain the optimal price-efficiency combination.

Noise Levels and Sound Ratings

A lot of homeowners are concerned about noise of an outdoor heat pump unit.

The most efficient residential heat pumps today have reduced a lot of sound. Sound ratings are expressed in decibels (dB); the lower the number the quieter the operation. The most silent models have a noise level of 50 dB and below which is quite impressive.

To give a comparison, 50 dB would be similar to the sound of a refrigerator humming, and 70 dB would be more similar to a vacuum cleaner.

The most popular brands tend to emphasize their most silent ones:

• The Carrier Infinity series is one of the quietest central heat pumps as it is capable of running at 51 dB in quiet mode. Carrier and Bryant units have insulated compressor compartments and have a Silencer System design to muffle noise.
• Both Bryant Evolution and Carrier Infinity (which have the same design) are rated at about 55 dB on low speed. These variable-speed units do not have to be run at full blast very often, and thus remain very unobtrusive.
• Lennox high-end XP25 (Signature series) is around 58 dB at low operation, which is also very quiet as far as heat pump of its size is concerned. To reduce noise, Lennox applies a SilentComfort fan and compressor insulation.
• Heavy-duty-built Trane and American Standard units also are quiet (55-57 dB on their TruComfort variable models). The ClimatuffTM compressor and spine-fin coils of Trane help it to achieve noise levels of ~60 dB in the best models.
• Mitsubishi, Fujitsu, Daikin ductless mini-split systems are quiet in nature. Their outdoor units in smaller areas can be as low as 50 dB at low speed and indoor wall units are frequently operating at almost silent 20 30 dB. The best multi-zone outdoor units of Mitsubishi are about mid-50s dB, just like high-end central units.

Any heat pump that is less than 60 dB is very quiet as a rule of thumb. Mid-range two-stage units generate 65- 70 dB at full power, which is not bad. Single-stage models with budget prices or older models may be louder, at 70+ dB, and this may be audible.

When noise is a concern (such as when the outdoor unit will be close to a bedroom window or to a neighbor), look at the brands and models that are advertised as being quiet. Such features as variable-speed compressor, compressor sound blankets, swept-blade fans, all aid in noise reduction.

Warranty Factors

Consider the warranty and the life span of the unit when you are choosing a heat pump. A good warranty not only makes you feel good but it also indicates that the manufacturer is confident in his product.

The majority of the top brands offer 10-year limited parts warranty on registered new installations. Now let’s break down the warranty offerings and what we know about reliability for these brands:

Warranty coverage: almost every leading manufacturer (Carrier, Trane, Lennox, Goodman, Rheem, York, etc.) guarantees 10 years of part coverage (12 years in case of Daikin) in case the homeowner registers the unit after installation. Register early or you will be left uncovered; default terms are normally 5 years.

• Goodman/Amana is unique. Its 10-year parts warranty is upgraded to a lifetime limited warranty on the compressor to those who are original owners. Amana units are so good that some even have the option of unit replacement: the company will replace the entire heat pump in case the compressor breaks down within the first 10 years.
• Daikin, the mother company of Goodman, usually sells its heat pumps with its name and a 12-year parts limited warranty when registered. It is also confident in its reliability as many of the models provide 12-year coverage on serious failures of the unit replacement.
• Mitsubishi Electric and Fujitsu offer good warranties, particularly where they are installed by certified contractors. On most residential systems, Mitsubishi provides 12-year parts and compressor coverage. Many systems have 10-12 years on parts provided by Fujitsu. It is due to this long coverage that these brands ductless mini-splits are popular.
• Trane and American Standard provide 10-year parts (registered) and will frequently tack on compressor warranties to 12 years. They also deal in extended labor warranties. They are known to be long lasting and thus many of them survive beyond the warranty with proper care.
• York (Johnson controls) has also increased its parts coverage to 10 years, but its high-end variable capacity model has a lifetime compressor warranty to the original owner. This new offer indicates that it is trying to change its image of reliability which was previously low.

Most of the brands also offer optional extended warranties (sold by the installer) that cover labor or extend parts coverage beyond 10 years.

Leading Heat Pump Brands

The following brands are well known in terms of quality and performance in the American market.

Every brand has its own special thing and all of them have models that could work in a typical home quite well.

Carrier (and Bryant)

Carrier is considered to be the most popular brand in the sphere of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment because of its attention to quality and innovation.

Carrier is the inventor of modern air conditioning and has been manufacturing the best products over the decades. Its residential heat pumps are still the leader in the field. The Infinity series of heat pumps produced by Carrier is the most efficient and quiet in the market.

Carrier is a luxury brand. Its Infinity line of heat pumps are priced above average; complete replacements of these units typically quote at between 6,000 and 12,000 dollars after installation, depending on tonnage and options. Customers have to pay more initially, but they experience reduced energy bills and enjoy the latest comfort features, including the Infinity Touch control and zoning capabilities.

Due to its efficiency and reliability, Carrier is usually suggested to people who desire to have the best and are ready to invest in a long-term HVAC system. Carrier (and its sister brand Bryant) deserves a position in the list of the top residential heat pump brands.

Trane (and American Standard)

Trane has developed a reputation of reliability and durability; its slogan of It is Hard to Stop a Trane is one of the most well-known in HVAC.

The heat pumps made by Trane are heavy duty (they frequently employ all-aluminum spine-fin coils and Climatuff® compressors) and they are always rated highly by the owners.

Trane (and its sister brand American Standard) had the fewest units requiring repair in the first 10 years in Consumer Reports surveys, which is why it is considered a workhorse brand.

Trane has an American Standard twin brand.

They are both of the same engineering and manufactured in the same factories (both are now owned by Trane Technologies). Their models are called by different names Silver, Gold, Platinum in case of American Standard and XR, XL, XV in case of Trane, but they are equal. The American Standard heat pumps are usually sold by independent dealers and may be slightly cheaper than the Trane-labeled heat pumps, but of the same quality. As an example, Trane XV20i inside is identical to American Standard Platinum 20.

Lennox

Another leading heat pump manufacturer is Lennox. They are distinguished by the fact that they provide some of the most effective heat pumps in the market. They have the SL25XPV and XP25 variable-speed heat pumps in their Dave Lennox Signature® Collection, which are marketed with efficiencies of up to 23.5 SEER and about 10 HSPF (approximately 21-23 SEER2 and 8.5-9.5 HSPF2). Lennox tends to go to the limits of efficiency, e.g. they boast of the highest SEER air conditioner, and their heat pumps are also state of the art. This is what makes Lennox a favorite among homeowners who want to reduce energy bills or those living in areas where there is a rebate program on ultra-high efficiency units.

Lennox is certainly on the high end of the price scale (equivalent to Carrier). Their most effective models are expensive, which is usually justified by energy savings in the long term.

They do provide mid-range lines (Elite 2 series and Merit 2 series) that are a bit less efficient (e.g. 16-18 SEER) and cheaper. Such mid-range Lennox models are competing with such brands as Trane and the mid lines of Carrier.

To conclude, Lennox is the leading brand of people who are interested in the maximum efficiency and innovations. They are slightly luxurious in reputation, and it is true that a good number of high-end houses have Lennox systems. A Lennox heat pump can provide years of exceptional comfort and savings as long as you have an experienced installer (because Lennox can be particular about installation when it is not done by the book).

Goodman (and Amana)

Goodman is a brand that presents a good heating and cooling at a reasonable cost.

It is among the most well-liked brands of heat pumps in the United States due to its low price and availability (many contractors prefer Goodman as an economical alternative).

In 2012, Daikin Industries, the world leader in HVAC, purchased Goodman, and since then it has invested in improved technology and enhanced quality control. Goodman is a good choice of heat pump in case you want a heat pump that will not strain your pocket but still give you reliable performance.

Goodman heat pumps tend to provide good efficiency in the standard or mid-range range. Their highest efficiency is the GSZC18 with approximately 18 SEER and 9.5 HSPF. It is a two-stage compressor Energy Star qualified model. Goodman is not currently providing the ultra-high SEER ratings of Carrier or Lennox, but it tends to concentrate on providing good efficiency (14-16 SEER on most models) at a low initial cost. Goodman heat pumps have a higher noise level on single-stage models (about 70 dB), but their two-stage models, which come with sound blankets, reduce noise to the low 60s dB, which is sensible. Basically, Goodman does the basics right: you will have a reliable scroll compressor, a good coil, and easy controls, but not too many bells and whistles that you might not want.

Goodman excels where it comes to warranty. Goodman provides a 10 years parts warranty (registered). Goodman has a high-end brand called Amana which has lifetime warranties on compressors in most of its models. An example is that should the compressor of an Amana heat pump go out in year 8 they will replace it (or even the entire outdoor unit on some models) free of charge to the owner.