12 Best Heat Pumps

12 Best Heat Pumps

What Are Heat Pumps?

Heat pumps are incredibly useful heating, air conditioning (HVAC), and ventilation systems that can heat and cool your house. They work, taking the heat out of the air in one space and moving it into the air in another area. During warmer months, the heat pump will eliminate heat from within your house and transfer it outside in the colder season, and it’ll take heat from the outdoors and bring it inside.

12 Best Heat Pumps

Heat pumps provide a cost-effective alternative to the standard central air system. Rather than relying on an external compressor component and an inside furnace component, a heat pump combines both functions into one unit. In the summertime, these units will pump warm air indoors back out. In the winter, these units will force heat into the house. Heat pumps yet have compressors, heating elements, and in few cases, furnaces. This article reviews the different excellent heat pumps. We will be talking about what you require to know before committing to a heat pump and when a heat pump is extra valuable to the homeowner than the central AC unit.

Lennox Heat Pump Reviews - Consumer RatingsLennox XP25 Heat Pump | 12 Best Heat Pumps

The Lennox XP25 is a part of the Lennox Signature Collection. It was ranked by our reviewers and won the Energy Star Heat Pump Most effective title for 2018. The XP25’s Climate IQ technology and a variable-capacity inverter-controlled compressor let the unit precisely adjusting its output. It has a high-level efficiency rating with a 23.50 SEER and a 10.20 HSPF, and its Silent Comfort Technology aids keep the noise down to 58 decibels. The XP25 is solar-ready and dual fuel capable when paired with a compatible furnace.

Pros

  • Many reviewers stated that the pump is effective at climate control and that it consumed small electricity.
  • Many reviewers mentioned that it operates quietly.

Cons

  • One reviewer mentioned inadequate winter heating.
  • Many reviewers mentioned periodic part replacements.
  • Perfect installed by a highly trained installer.

Comfortmaker Performance Heat Pump | 12 Best Heat Pumps

The Comfortmaker Performance is a single-stage, split system heat pump. It’s Energy Star qualified and is available in efficiencies of 13, 14, and 15 SEER and up to an 8.5 HSPF. Dual-fuel capability may be enabled when the unit is paired with a compatible gas furnace. It uses a scroll compressor and aluminum fin coil for effective heat transfer. It comes with pressure-changing switch options and a solid-state control with a time-based temperature defrost capability. Comfort maker problems a 10-year warranty on all functioning parts.

Pros

  • Easily low-efficiency machine with high ratings
  • Dual-fuel capability
  • Many owners mentioned that they got many years of work out of these heat pumps

Cons

  • Contractors are not legally allowed to install 13 SEER heat pumps in a few parts of the U.S.

York 12 Best Heat PumpsYork Affinity YZH Heat Pump | 12 Best Heat Pumps

The York YZH is a 2-stage heat pump with a SEER efficiency rating of 18 and a 10.0 HSPF rating. It uses a Quiet Drive System, which utilizes a swept-wing fan and a composite base pan, which keeps the system’s sounds low than 68 decibels. The unit has an internal pressure relief valve, pressure control capabilities, and a filter drier to eliminate contaminants and moisture from the air. The unit is finished with powder coat paint that protects it from corrosion.

Pros

  • Many owners stated that it runs quietly
  • Many reviewers mentioned low electricity consumption
  • Many owners highlighted the best air filtration capabilities.

Cons

  • One owner complained of inefficiencies in climate control in severe weather
  • One reviewer stated that the Compressor had to be replaced many times
  • The YZH offers a ten-year warranty on the Compressor and other parts.

Coleman LX Heat Pump | 12 Best Heat Pumps

The Coleman LX is an energy-effective heat pump with a rating between 13 and 14.5 SEER and up to 9 HSPF. Choose models of the LX are Energy Star qualified, and each LX model features R-410A, an eco-friendly refrigerant. The LX uses a raised coil guard and improved compressor technology to let for quiet operation. It sorts a filter-drier and an automotive powder-painted exterior.

Pros

  • Many owners stated that it runs quietly
  • Environmentally-friendly features

Cons

  • Sub-par warranty with only five-year coverage on parts.
  • One reviewer stated that the Compressor is extra prone to needing replacement parts for this product than in other brands.
  • The Coleman LX comes with a ten-year warranty on the Compressor and a five-year warranty on the parts.

Coleman Echelon Heat Pump - 12 Best Heat Pumps

The Coleman Echelon is an Energy Star qualified heat pump with an energy efficiency rating between 16-18 SEER and 10.0 HSPF. The HC8B has a useful 2-stage compressor, and the fan guard offers quiet performance. The unit features a Whisper Drive comfort system and uses R-410A. It comes with a perfect warm-to-touch feature that works to prevent cold start-up drafts.

Pros

  • Mid-level sound ratings
  • Environmentally friendly features

Cons

  • Little minority of reviewers have warned of fan motor burnout.
  • Many owners complained of multiple repairs and part replacements.
  • Must be registered online within three months to receive the 10-year warranty.

Air Source Heat Pump Tips | Dual Fuel Heating

A dual fuel heat pump is a heat pump with a gas furnace for backup heating rather than electric heat strips.

Air source heat pumps have a backup heating source. In most installations, the backup heating source is electric heat strips. Electric heat strips are very cheap to install in most cases. However, while electricity is generally regarded as 100% efficient, producing it is more costly than other heating methods. For a more efficient heat pump, consider a dual fuel heat pump, or a heat pump with a gas furnace for the backup heat source. It will be more costly to install, but your monthly bills will be reduced.

York LX Heat Pump | 12 Best Heat Pumps

The York LX series comes in 3 different models, YHJR, YHJF, and YHJD. They all come equipped with the Diamond Defrost functions, which let for optimum winter performance. The LX series has a SEER rating of 13 and a 7.7 HSPF rating. The models come at an affordable price with high efficiency and lower monthly electrical costs.

The heat pumps use the R-410A refrigerant, which is an ecologically friendly choice for refrigerants. The York LX heat pump sorts a compact design, which raises installation flexibility. The compressor unit is protected by high and lower pressure switches and a liquid line filter drier, and swept-wing fan design, rigid top panel, and isolator mounted Compressor help keep sound levels low.

Pros

  • Many owners praised the efficiency of the pump during winters
  • Many reviewers mentioned that the LX was affordable

Cons

  • One reviewer complained of many electrical problems
  • Many owners believe that their heat pump came defective from the factory
  • Must be registered online within three months to receive the ten-year limited warranty on parts and Compressors.

Goodman DSZC18 Heat Pump

With an efficiency of up to 18 SEER and 9.5 HSPF, the Goodman DSZ18 heat pump model is a quiet, price-efficient model. The unit comes with a suction line accumulator, compressor crankcase heater, high capacity muffler, and filter drier to clean the air of contaminants. The perfect part of this model is the perfect steel cabinets with a baked-on powder paint finish that protects against natural and rust elements that cause decay and deterioration in metallic products.

Such as the models mentioned above uses the R-410A refrigerant. Goodman’s DSZC18 heat pump sorts a 2-stage UltraTech Copeland scroll compressor with short cycle protection. The unit is compatible with Goodman’s Comfort Net Communications System, which monitors the system and lets contractors to precisely troubleshooting problems. A high-density foam compressor sound cover, an efficient fan motor, and a wire fan discharge grille help offer quiet operation.

Pros

  • Lifetime limited warranty for the Compressor

Cons

  • Must be registered online within two months to receive maximum warranty coverage.
  • Many reviewers warned of the bad controller board.
  • One reviewer complained that the parts distribution is slow.

Trane Xi20 heat pump ratingTrane XR15 Heat Pump

The Trane XR15 heat pump is an energy-efficient heat pump with up to 16.0 SEER and 9.5 HSPF. The unit is equipped with a DuraTuff non-corrosive base pan, which allows for fast liquid drainage and galvanized panels with baked-on powder paint to prevent rust from forming. Every unit is equipped with the Climatuff compressor, which is known for its durability and the sound-reduction insulator that offers quiet operation.

The XR15 uses the environmentally friendly R-410A refrigerant. The XR15 heat pump from Trane sorts the company’s Climatuff Compressor and Spine Fin coil to ensure the unit’s durability and reach Energy Star qualifications when installed as part of a qualifying system. The unit is protected by weather-resistant components and louvered panels around all sides and has a corrosion-resistant DuraTuff base pan.

Pros

  • Moderately efficient
  • Extended warranty available

Cons

  • Reviewers have warned that the Trane XR15 has difficulty controlling humidity.
  • Must be registered online within two months to receive the warranty.
  • One reviewer complained that it was prone to loud noises when issues occurred.

Carrier Infinity Heat Pump | 12 Best Heat Pumps

Carrier Heat Pump Reviews - Consumer RatingsThe Carrier Infinity heat pump, having earned the Energy Star qualification, has an efficiency rating of up to 20.5 SEER and 13.0 HSPF. It’s available with single-stage, 2-stage, and variable-speed compressors and utilizes the Silencer System II to keep sound levels as low as 56 decibels, low than a normal conversation.

The Infinity Touch Control monitors the user’s preferences and the outside situations and has a Wi-Fi option, which allows the system to be managed remotely. The Infinity series is compatible with the Hybrid Heat system of Carrier, which increases efficiency by gauging the outside air temperature and deciding whether it is more effective to use the electric heat pump or another heat source like a gas furnace. All models and sizes of the Infinity heat pump have earned the Energy Star qualification.

Pros

  • The high-end Infinity 21 is very efficient.

Cons

  • Big physical footprint
  • One reviewer, a self-described HVAC Contractor, mentioned that the difficult start kits have to be replaced about every three years
  • Carrier problems a ten-year warranty on the parts and the Compressor, but the warranty reverts to a five-year warranty if no online registration is done.

Amana Condensing Units ReviewsAmana ASZ16 Heat Pump - 12 Best Heat Pumps

Amana ASZ16 is an energy-efficient heat pump with up to 16.0 SEER and 9.0 HSPF. The unit provides a quiet, 2-speed condenser fan motor, a 2-stage Copeland UltraTech scroll compressor, a filter-drier, and pressure switches. The unit has an efficient cooling capacity and uses the R-410A refrigerant. Insulation foam makes a sure quiet performance. The ASZ16 was built with the Comfort Alert diagnostics module.

This lets HVAC contractors monitor your heat pump remotely. This assists them to detect and fix issues that can arise very early. The Amana ASZ16 heat pump was designed with energy savings in mind with sorts like the high-efficiency Scroll compressor and copper tubing on the enhanced aluminum fin coil. The Smart Shift feature keeps the defrost mode quiet, while a sound control top makes sure the unit operates as noiselessly as possible.

Pros

  • Many owners remarked on the excellent efficiency in the summer

Cons

  • Many owners complained that distribution of parts is prone to be slow
  • Many owners complained that repair prices are high

Koldfront WAC12001W 12,000 BTU Heat/Cool Window Air Conditioner/Heat Pump

Window air conditioners do not come in an extra dynamic package than this latest entry in the HVAC field from Koldfront. Built to cool or heat small spaces in the 450 to 550 square-foot range, the Koldfront WAC1200 performs smoothly and effortlessly in summer, winter, and in between. Control choices for this appliance are plentiful and function impeccably. They give users the ability to determine room or place temperatures down to a fraction of a degree.

The Koldfront WAC1200 sets a formidable standard in the small-space cooling and heating category. It provides a plethora of programming options for advanced adaptability, maintaining a desirable temperature level on a daily, nightly, and 4-seasons basis. It’s fast and simple to install and well within the budget of the average homeowner or renter. The Koldfront WAC1200 combines performance with versatility, making it a winner in the window AC or heat pump type.

Pros

  • Lower Priced Unit in Comparison to the Competition
  • Remote Control Included for Hands-Free Operation
  • Comparatively Lightweight for a Window A/C at 88.4 Lbs.
  • 3 Separate Fan Speeds, Plus an Automatic Setting
  • 4-Way Directional Air Louvers make Even Air Distribution
  • One day Timer Allows for Enhanced Temperature Management
  • Eliminates Up to 60 Pints of Water Per Day in Dehumidifying Mode
  • Sleep Mode Modulates Temperatures Overnight to low Energy Consumption
  • Energy-Saver Mode Runs Fan at 2 mints Intervals and Limits Compressor Activation

Cons

  • Needs a 220-Volt Connection Instead of the Standard 115-Volt
  • Energy Efficiency rating slight Below the Energy Efficient Models
  • Great Suited for Single Rooms or Small Apartments Instead of Larger Spaces

Rheem RP-20 Heat Pump - 12 Best Heat Pumps

The Rheem RP-20 heat pump with a Copeland scroll variable speed compressor offers 20 SEER and 11 HSPF for efficiency in heating and cooling for a proper setup. A dual fuel heat pump setup for the RP-20 is also available when paired with a high-efficiency Rheem gas furnace.

High Performance HVAC Heating & cooling

12 Best Heat Pumps

 

How to Wire a Heat Pump for Control | Thermostat Wiring Guide

How to Wire a Heat Pump for Control How to Wire a Heat Pump for Control - There may be a time when you will want to change your old heat pump thermostat with a new heat pump thermostat. We have other articles here that will help you with thermostat wiring. These other articles help you with thermostat wiring colors and thermostat wiring diagrams. In this article, we will provide specific information for wiring a heat pump for control.

Wiring a heat pump is different than wiring an air conditioner with a gas furnace or boiler. There are extra controls in heat pumps that require extra attention and understanding to get the wiring correct. Additionally, changing an older mechanical thermostat to a newer digital thermostat will require some extra wiring that also may require you to pull new wire to the thermostat from the air handler.

Before doing any wiring for your thermostat or otherwise, always make sure you turn off the power at the breaker and the air handler/condenser. Furthermore, you can cause serious damage to your system for not doing so.

Variations for Heat Pump Thermostat Wiring | How to Wire a Heat Pump for Control

There are many variations to wiring a heat pump for control because there are many types of heat pumps. Heat pumps provide heating and cooling for a home or business. Heat pumps use the process of refrigeration to move heat in one direction or another depending on the season and the setting of the thermostat. Additionally, air-source heat pumps have backup methods of heating for two reasons. (more…)

Heat Pump Indoor Fan Runs Continuously

Heat Pump Indoor Fan Runs Continuously

Heat Pump Indoor Fan Runs Continuously – Richard, what would cause my heat pump indoor fan to run continuously? My indoor fan motor, on the heat setting, runs constantly and won’t cut off unless I lower the thermostat by 2° F. It is sometimes annoying for me to constantly change the setting just to get it to shut down plus trying to maintain a comfortable temperature without the fan running all the time. What could the problem be and is it something I can fix myself or do I need to call in a service company to make the repair? Thank you for your help!!

(more…)

Heat Pump Breaker Trips

Heat Pump Breaker Trips - Richard, my breaker keeps tripping for my heat pump. It seems to be a nuisance trip on occasion, and it usually happens at the most inopportune time. I am wondering what you think could be the problem to prevent these nuisance trips. I want it fixed so my heat pump is reliable. Thanks!!

This is a question sent in by one of the site visitors and is in a series of articles for heat pump troubleshooting and repair.

In this article, you will learn about heat pump main power circuits, including the reasons why heat pumps trip the breaker.

Heat Pump Breaker Trips

The Heat Pump Condenser Circuit

This is likely something you cannot repair yourself, and it could be dangerous (high voltage), so I recommend calling an HVAC contractor to look at the problem.
The typical split system heat pump (the most common type) have two separate circuits. One for the air handler and one for the condensing unit. Consequently, this means you will have two separate breakers in the main power panel, one for the air handler and one for the heat pump condenser.

Based on electrical code, these breakers, as with each breaker in your panel, should be labeled for the appropriate circuit location/appliance. That is not always the case. That is, the panels are not always labeled, and when they are labeled, they are not always labeled properly. It may be necessary for your HVAC technician to troubleshoot this issue to figure which circuit is tripping, the air handler, or the heat pump condenser.

Related Link: Check out our comprehensive article on “How Heat Pumps Work” and “Heat Pump Sequence of Operation” to help you better understand heat pumps.

Heat Pump Breaker Trips

heat pump breaker tripsA breaker trip for any appliance including a heat pump is usually caused by a dead short in the wiring or a motor. I usually say because there are some cases where the breaker was found to be bad or defective and would give nuisance trips. Once the breaker was replaced, everything worked fine according to normal specifications. A bad breaker can easily be replaced. However, this should be done by a trained professional, and a basic check of other components needs to be done to make sure these components did not cause the breaker to go bad.
.
.

Heat Pump Breaker Trips - NEC

The panel in the photo is an open electrical panel with breakers. The breakers installed must be sized properly for the amp load and wires size. Consult the NEC tables for proper wire sizing based on ampacity. Every electrical component in your electrical system is designed for a specific load or a specific number of amps.

A common residential heat pump condenser will have a number 10 wire which terminates in the main electrical panel to a breaker specifically sized for the ampacity of the condenser. This ampacity calculation is generally on the heat pump condenser on a label provided by the manufacturer.

Components from the termination at the condenser to the termination in the main electrical panel need to be sized according to the listed ampacity rating. The ampacity rating is usually list by the manufacturer. That includes wire size, breaker size, and fuse sizes with the fuses being special-purpose slow-blow fuses to take into account locked rotor amps (LRA) or starting amps for the compressor.

Troubleshooting electrical breakers should only be done by someone trained in electrical safety. Breakers are inside a high voltage panel and are very hazardous.

Reasons Why the Breaker Trips for a Heat Pump

Here are the basic reasons that will cause your heat pump breaker to trip along with basic explanations:

  • Bad breaker - this is described above. Can also be classified as a loose breaker (described below).
  • A dead short - this is when two wires touch and this could be a bad motor or a bad compressor. The windings in the compressor could go bad and when they do they cause a dead short in the windings. A heat pump condenser contains the compressor. If the condenser is fused, it can blow before it trips the breaker. However, it can also trip the breaker depending on the sizing of the fuses and the breaker. A dead short can occur in the air handler or the heat pump condenser.
  • Power supply. That can be caused by brown-outs in the summer or by a severe storm with lots of lightning. If some appliances in your home are working properly, then you need to call the power company to have them solve this issue for you.
  • Poor maintenance. A dirty clogged air filter or clogged condenser coils will cause the motors and compressor to operate at higher than normal amp draws. That creates a lot of heat from the extra electrical energy used. This not causes a higher power bill but can also lead to heat pump breaker trips. Make sure you properly maintain your heat pump not only to prevent nuisance breaker trips but also to save energy. HVAC preventive maintenance goes a long way in comfort and energy savings.

Never reset the breaker more than a few times. When a breaker trips continuously, it means you have a serious problem that needs to be addressed before the breaker is reset.

Heat Pump Breaker Trips

  • Mechanical lockup of a motor or compressor. A bad bearing or a rusted bearing can cause the motor or compressor not to start and run properly. That creates a lot of friction, keeping the motor or compressor from moving freely. That will cause the motor to work harder and create a higher amp draw and more heat.
  • A bad capacitor including start and run capacitors - Capacitors are essential to single-phase motors. Start capacitors and run capacitors are designed to help the motor run more efficiently and in the case of a start capacitor designed to help the compressor start. A bad capacitor can cause heat pump breaker trips.
  • Loose electrical connections - this can include connections to the heat pump itself or even a loose breaker. Loose connections cause a higher than normal power draw. That increases the heat and can lead to other problems that will eventually fail the heat pump.
  • Short cycling - Short cycling of a compressor can cause heat pump breaker trips.
Additional questions from our readers:
My heat pump breaker won't reset?

If you have reset the heat pump breaker and it continues to trip then you have an electrical problem. It could be the breaker that is bad or an electrical problem causing the heat pump breaker to keep tripping. It’s difficult to definitively answer this question if it’s an electrical problem. See the above list for possible problems that would cause the heat pump breaker to keep tripping.

Can my thermostat cause the heat pump breaker to trip?

The answer is no. The thermostat operates on an independent low voltage circuit. The heat pump breaker operates on high voltage.

What to do if the heat pump breaker keeps tripping?

The first recommendation is to call for service after checking some basic things. We have a checklist here before calling for service. If, after checking the basics and your heat pump breaker keeps tripping, call a professional. Replacing a breaker or troubleshooting a breaker problem can be dangerous.

Conclusion

Remember, safety is very important, and doing any of these things on your own is dangerous. It is best to call a professional to this work and troubleshooting the problem for you. Some people reset the breaker only to have it trip again when the issue recurs. Resetting a tripped breaker over and over again will not solve the root of the problem. Consequently, this needs the attention of a professional.

Heat Pump Breaker Trips

Heat Pump Breaker Trips

Payne Heat Pump Reviews | Consumer Ratings

Payne Heat Pump Reviews | Consumer RatingsPayne Heat Pump Reviews | Consumer Ratings. Payne offers heat pumps from 14 SEER up to 17 SEER. HSPF ratings from 8.2 up to 9.5. HSPF or Heating Seasonal Performance Factor is the way the HVAC industry measures efficiency for heat pumps. While Payne does not offer the highest rating in heat pumps, they still deliver a quality product.

A quality product that truly depends on the contractor’s installation. And that goes for any brand of heat pump or HVAC equipment you purchase. Payne offers these heat pumps in the 2 to 5-ton range for residential and light commercial applications. (more…)

Daikin Heat Pump Reviews | Consumer Ratings

Daikin Heat Pump Reviews | Consumer RatingsDaikin Heat Pump Reviews | Consumer Ratings. Daikin offers heat pumps for residential applications in the 2 to the 5-ton range for cooling capacity and heating capacity. From the Daikin heat pump economy model to the Daikin Top-tier heat pumps you can expect quality and efficiency.

Daikin is an innovative air conditioning and heating system manufacturer that now owns Goodman Manufacturing out of Houston, Texas. They were the innovators of the VRV or VRF systems that gave us a leap in efficiency for air conditioners and heat pumps.

VRV or VRF stands for Variable Refrigerant Volume or Variable Refrigerant Flow and adds to the efficiency of heating and cooling units including Daikin heat pumps. (more…)

ArcoAire Heat Pump Reviews – Consumer Ratings

ArcoAire Heat Pump Reviews - Consumer RatingsArcoAire Heat Pump Reviews - ArocAire offers several models of heat pump systems with various efficiency ratings. Their top-tier heat pump offers 19 SEER and 11 HSPF while their economy model offers 13 SEER and 7.7 HSPF. ArcoAire heat pumps offer cooling in the summer and heating in the winter.

ArcoAire heat pumps are also compatible with a dual fuel setup. Dual fuel, typically, is a heat pump with a gas furnace used as backup heat. Typically is used in the last sentence because it can also be set up with an oil furnace and methods of heating systems. (more…)

Carrier Versus Rheem Heat Pumps

Carrier Versus Rheem Heat Pumps - In this comparison matrix rundown we compare the mid-grade heat pump models from Carrier to Rheem. We selected similar models with similar efficiency ranges for comparison of the technical components side by side. This is not an exhaustive list of technical components or features from one manufacturer to the next. Instead, we offer basic features and components for a side-by-side comparison to help you understand. Detailed explanations for these items are listed below the comparison matrix table. (more…)

Lennox versus Carrier Heat Pumps

Lennox Versus Carrier Heat Pumps. Whenever we compare any type of equipment we need to compare similar models between the brands. In this case, we are comparing Lennox to Carrier which are major brands that compete for your business.

All the major manufacturers make similar models with various levels of efficiency. They also have various levels of bells and whistles. These bells and whistles make the equipment more efficient and easier to troubleshoot with advanced diagnostics.

Of course, there are more categories for bells and whistles and we will endeavor to explain everything here. This is written from the perspective of a licensed HVAC Master who has several years of field experience and not a journalist. I have also been to manufacturer’s training course and worked on these products. (more…)