Heat Pump Ratings, A Repairman Ranks The Brands...

These heat pump ratings are for air source, ducted units. We have separated them into three categories. The first is basic heat pumps. These are the least expensive models but they also have the least amount of features. Their seer rating is at least 13. That is the minimum allowed in the U.S.A.

The second category is premium heat pumps. These units have a seer rating of at least 15 but their price is higher.

The final category is ultimate heat pumps. These units have a seer of at least 18 and have the most added features. Their price is also usually the highest.

If you do not have an air duct system, you can use our ductless ac ratings page. If you would like to compare ground source units, you can use our geothermal ratings page to assist you in your brand selection. For your convenience, we have included the web addresses for the manufacturers as well as our comments concerning the advantages/disadvantages of the brand.

If an NA appears in the place of stars, it means that brand does not have a unit available in that class. As always, more stars equals a higher rating!

BRAND--------------WEB ADDRESS------BASIC--PREMIUM--ULTIMATE

ACADIA-------------gotohallowell.com-<1*-----NA-----NA-- This brand is from Hallowell International. It is a heat pump that is designed for use in colder climates. It has four stages of heating and 2 stages of cooling using "OPTI CYCLE" technology. The system uses two compressors (a main compressor and a boost compressor). They warranty on the units is not as good as most other brands. They have a dealer locator for the United States and Canada. The unit is only able to achieve a SEER rating of 14.

AIRCO--------------olsenhvac.com-----<1*-----NA-----NA------- This brand is from ECR INTERNATIONAL. The units are 13 SEER and use R-22 which is not environmentally friendly and is being phased out. They offer only one model (H13) and the units are only available in North America. The standard warranty is not very good but a "Comfort Plus" extended warranty is available. They have a dealer locator by zipcode on their website but the website is outdated.

AIREASE------------airease.com--------4*-----1*-----2*------- This brand is from ALLIED AIR ENTERPRISES INC. which is owned by LENNOX INTERNATIONAL. The 13 seer units are available with either R-22 or R-410a refrigerant (the R-22 units are not recommended). The 413LE units are 13 seer units with a scroll compressor for durability and an insulated compressor for quiet operation. The 416LT units have a two stage compressor to more closely match the load requirement of the home. The 418T series units feature a swept wing fan for quieter operation and a two stage compressor for efficiency. They have a dealer locator by zipcode to help you to find an authorized installer but the units are only available in North America. They offer online financing for USA customers but the interest rate is outrageous.

AIREFLO------------aireflo-hvac.com--<1*-----NA-----NA------- This brand is from Lennox International. The units are 13 SEER and are available with R-22 (not recommended) or R-410a refrigerant. The standard warranty on the units is not very good but can be extended.

AMANA--------------amana-hac.com------4*------4*----5*------ This brand is licensed by GOODMAN. The 16 and 18 SEER units have a total unit replacement gaurantee if the compressor fails during the warranty period. They also have COMFORT ALERT onboard diagnostics. The ASZ13 models have a 13 seer energy efficiency rating and feature a reliable scroll compressor as well as an insulated compressor for noise suppression. The ASZ16 units feature a two speed condenser fan and a 16 seer efficiency rating. They have a dealer locator by zipcode on their website to help you to find an approved installer.

AMERICAN STANDARD-americanstandardair.com -4*----1*-----3*-- This brand is a part of TRANE which is owned by INGERSOLL RAND. The HERITAGE 13 models are basic models with a good warranty. The HERITAGE 15 models have an efficiency rating of 15 but they are only single stage and the warranty is not as good as many other brands. The HERITAGE 20 units can communicate with the other parts of your hvac system to enhance performance. They use two compressors instead of a two stage compressor which can lead to more maintenance and repair costs. They have a dealer locator by zipcode on their website.

ARCOAIRE-----------arcoaire.com-------2*------2*-----NA------- This brand is from INTERNATIONAL COMFORT PRODUCTS. They include a "no hassle replacement" gaurantee. If the compressor fails during the warranty period, the entire unit is replaced. They include COMFORT ALERT onboard diagnostics. They offer 13 seer units with either R-22 or R-410a but the R-22 units are not recommended. The DXT+ units feature a two stage compressor and a two speed condenser fan. The standard warranty on that model is not as good as many of the other brands. They have a dealer locator by city/state on their website to help you to find an approved installer.

ARMSTRONG AIR------armstrongair.com---4*------1*------2*---- This brand is from ALLIED AIR ENTERPRISES INC. which is owned by LENNOX INTERNATIONAL. The 13 seer units are available with either R-22 or R-410a refrigerant (the R-22 units are not recommended). The 413LE units are 13 seer units with a scroll compressor for durability and an insulated compressor for quiet operation. The 416LT units have a two stage compressor to more closely match the load requirement of the home. The 418LT units feature an efficiency of 18 SEER and have a swept wing fan blade for quieter operation. The units are only available in North America.

BRYANT-------------bryant.com---------4*------1*------2*---- This brand is a part of UNITED TECHNOLOGIES (UTC CORP). The LEGACY line features affordable 13 seer units with either R-22 or R-410a refrigerant but the units with R-22 are not recommended. The 223ANA model units are 13 SEER units with R-410a refrigerantand they are backed by a very good warranty. The 225ANA units have a 15 SEER rating but the warranty is not as good as many brands. The 288ANA model units feature a two stage scroll compressor and have an 18 SEER rating but the warranty is not as good as other brands.

CARRIER----residential.carrier.com---<1*------1*------2*---- This brand is a part of UNITED TECHNOLOGIES (UTC CORP). The COMFORT line features affordable 13 seer units with either R-22 or R-410a refrigerant but the units with R-22 are not recommended. The 25HBB3 units are basic 13 SEER units with a scroll compressor but the warranty duration is not very good. The 25HNA9 models feature a two stage scroll compressor and use the INFINITY control system but the warranty is not as good as many brands.

CENTURY------------heatcontroller.com--3*----NA-----NA------- This brand is from HEAT CONTROLLER. The units are available with either R-22 or R-410a refrigerant but the units with R-22 are not recommended. The HRG13 units are available with R-22 or R-410a and feature scroll compressors for reliability.

COLEMAN------------colemanac.com------4*------1*-------2*---- This brand is from JOHNSON CONTROLS. The COMFORTEER series units are 13 seer and available with either R-22 or R-410a but the units with R-22 are not recommended. Their LX series units use "microchannel" coil construction which results in a physically smaller unit. The ECHELON 5T (15 seer) & 8T (18 seer) units feature a swept wing fan, isolated compressor compartment, and composite base pan as part of their WhisperDrive system for quieter operation.

ComfortAire--------heatcontroller.com-3*------NA-------NA---- This brand is from HEAT CONTROLLER. The units are available with either R-22 or R-410a refrigerant but the units with R-22 are not recommended. The HRG13 units are available with R-22 or R-410a and feature scroll compressors for reliability.

COMFORTMAKER-------comfortmaker.com---4*------2*-----NA------- This brand is from INTERNATIONAL COMFORT PRODUCTS. They include a "no hassle replacement" guarantee. If the compressor fails during the warranty period, the entire unit is replaced. They also include COMFORT ALERT onboard diagnostics. The 13 seer units are available with either R-22 or R-410a refrigerant but the units with R-22 are not recommended. All of the units feature reliable scroll compressors. The SXT+ models feature a two stage scroll compressor as well as a two speed fan motor.

COMFORTSTAR--------comfortstarusa.com--4*-----NA-----NA------- This brand features basic models. The MHH models are part of their "eco smart" series but the warranty on them is not very good. The ADH2 models are a part of their "Quantum" series, have a 14 seer efficiency rating, and are backed by a very good warranty.

CONCORD------------concord-air.com-----4*-----NA-----NA------- This brand is from ALLIED AIR ENTERPRISES INC which is owned by LENNOX INTERNATIONAL. The 13 seer basic units are available with either R-22 or R-410a refrigerant but the units with R-22 are not recommended. The 4HP13 models use environmentally friendly R-410a refrigerant and feature a very good warranty.

DAY&NIGHT-----dayandnightcomfort.com---4*-----2*-----NA-- This brand is from INTERNATIONAL COMFORT PRODUCTS and is available in the United States. They offer 13 seer units with either R-22 or R-410a refrigerant but the units with R-22 are not recommended. The SX2300 units are 13 seer with a copeland scroll compressor, a two speed condenser fan motor, and COMFORTALERT onoard diagnostics. The SX2500 units have a 15 seer rating while the SXT+ units are two stage premium units with a two stage compressor and a 17 seer efficiency rating.

DUCANE-------------ducanehvac.com------4*-----NA-----NA------- This brand is from ALLIED AIR ENTERPRISES INC which is owned by LENNOX INTERNATIONAL. The 13 seer basic units are available with either R-22 or R-410a refrigerant but the units with R-22 are not recommended. The 4HP13 models feature a very good warranty. The Lseries features louvered panels for more protection of the condenser coils while the B series units have standard wire guard.

FEDDERS---------- airwell-fedders.com <1*-----NA-----NA------- This brand is now a part of the AIRWELL GROUP which is a French company owned by ELCO HOLDINGS. These units are 13 SEER and use R-22 which is not environmentally friendly and is being phased out. Their website is not much help.

FRIGIDAIRE---------frigidaire.net-----4*-------2*-----2*------ This brand is manufactured by NORDYNE. The "Very Good" line features basic 13 seer units with a very good warranty while the "Better" line features 15 seer models where the warranty is not as good as many brands. All of the units feature scroll compressors for reliability. Their ultra models feature IQ Drive (inverter compressor) technology and have a seer rating of up to 24 but the warranty is not as good as many brands.

GIBSON----------nordyne.com/Gibson----4*-----2*-----NA------- This brand is from NORDYNE and features very good warranties. They have a dealer locator by state or Canadian province on their website.

GMC--------------goodmanmfg.com/GMC--<1*------NA-----NA------ This brand is from GOODMAN MANUFACTURING and is their value line units. The VSH13 units have a 13 seer rating and are basically "builder grade" models with a warranty that is not very good.

GOODMAN------------goodmanmfg.com-----4*------4*-----4*------ This brand offers 13 seer units with either R-22 (GSH13) or R-410a (GSZ13) refrigerant but the units with R-22 are not recommended. The SSZ16 units are premium units with a 16 seer rating while the DSZ16 models have a two stage compressor. The DSZ18 models are two stage units with an 18 seer rating for energy savings. All of the units feature scroll compressors for reliability and offer very good warranties.

GRANDAIRE----------grandaireac.com----4*------1*----NA------- These units are manufactured by NORDYNE for BAKER DISTRIBUTING COMPANY which is a subsidiary of WATSCO INC. They offer 13 seer units with either R-22 or R-410a refrigerant but the units with R-22 are not recommended. The JT4BF units have a seer rating of up to 16 and feature a swept wing fan blade for quieter operation and COMFORT ALERT onboard diagnostics.

HAIER--------------haieramerica.com---4*-----NA-----NA------- The units are only available in 13 SEER with R-22 which is not environmentally friendly and is being phased out. The D1 models offer a very good warranty.

HEIL---------------heil-hvac.com------2*-----<1*-----NA------- This brand is from INTERNATIONAL COMFORT PRODUCTS. These units include a "no hassle replacement" guarantee. If the compressor fails during the warranty period, the entire unit is replaced. The units also include COMFORT ALERT onboard diagnostics. They have a dealer locator by city/state (Canadian province) or zipcode to help you to find an approved installer.

KEEPRITE-----------keeprite.com-------2*-----<1*-----NA------- This brand is from INTERNATIONAL COMFORT PRODUCTS. The units include a "no hassle replacement" guarantee. If the compressor fails during the warranty period, the whole unit is replaced. They also include COMFORT ALERT onboard diagnostics. They have a dealer locator by city/state (Canadian province) or zipcode to help you to find an approved installer.

KELVINATOR--nordyne.com/Kelvinator-----4*-----1*-----NA------- This brand is from NORDYNE. This brand offers a very good warranty that includes a 1 year quality pledge where the entire unit is replaced if the compressor fails within the first year. The premium units are two stage for enhanced comfort and energy savings.

KLIMAIRE----------klimaire.com-------4*--------NA-------NA-- These units are actually manufactured by GOODMAN MANUFACTURING. The brand features basic units that are backed by a good warranty. The units use R-22 refrigerant which is not environmentally friendly but the units may be purchased online for large savings.

LENNOX-------------lennox.com---------<1*----<1*------2*----- The 13HPD units are part of their MERIT SERIES and features scroll compressors but the warranty is not very good and they us eR-22 refrigerant. The XP16 units are part of their ELITE SERIES and feature a two stage scroll compressor for enhanced comfort and energy savings but the standard warranty is not very good. The XP19 unit which is part of the "DAVE LENNOX SIGNATURE COLLECTION" includes onboard diagnostics.

LINCOLN---------- lincoln-hvac.com ---2*-----NA-------NA---- This brand is from INTERNATIONAL COMFORT PRODUCTS and is sold in Canada. The SX2300 13 seer units are available with either R-22 or R-410a. The SX2400 units have a 14 seer and use R-410a. All of the models have a two speed condenser fan for quiet and efficient operation. They also have COMFORT ALERT onboard diagnostics to aid in diagnosing malfunctions. They have a dealer locator by Canadian province to help you to find an approved installer.

LUXAIRE------------luxaire.com---------1*----<1*-------1*---- This brand is from JOHNSON CONTROLS. The CLIMASURE THGD units are 13 seer units that are available in either R-22 or R-410a refrigerant but the units with R-22 are not recommended. The ACCLIMATE 5T units are 15 seer units and feature SilentDrive which consists of a swept wing fan blade, isolated compressor compartment, and a composite base pan for quieter operation. The ACCLIMATE 8T units are their ultimate units with an efficiency of 18 seer and with SilentDrive features. The standard warranty on all of their units is not very good but can be extended with their PERFORMANCE PROMISE extended warranties. They have a dealer locator by zipcode on their website to help you to find an approved dealer.

MAYTAG-------------maytaghvac.com------5*-----5*-------NA---- This brand name is licensed to NORDYNE. The M1200 PLUS series has the best warranty in the industry. They have a dealer locator by zip code, city/state, or full address on their website to help you to find the nearest authorized installer. The units also feature stainless steel cabinets that will not rust.

MERIDIAN--------texasfurnace.com------<1*-----NA------NA-- This brand is from TEXAS FURNACE LLC. The 2AC13 series units are basic units with a standard warranty that is not long enough. The 2AC14 series are 14 seer units and have a slightly better warranty. The units use R-22 which is not environmentally friendly and is being phased out.

NUTONE-------------nutonehvac.com-------4*-----2*------NA-- This brand is manufactured by NORDYNE. All of the units are backed by a very good warranty that includes a 10 year quality pledge. If the compressor fails within the first ten years, the entire unit is replaced under warranty. They have a dealer locator by zip code, city/state, or full address on their website.

OLSEN--------------olsenhvac.com------<1*-----NA-----NA------- This brand is from ECR INTERNATIONAL. The H13 units are 13 SEER units using R-22 which is not environmentally friendly and is being phased out. The units are only available in North America. The standard warranty is not very good but can be extended through their "COMFORT PLUS" program.

ONEIDA ROYAL-------oneidaroyal.com----<1*-----NA-----NA------- This brand is from ECR INTERNATIONAL. The H13 units are 13 SEER units using R-22 which is not environmentally friendly and is being phased out. The units are only available in North America. The standard warranty is not very good but can be extended through their "COMFORT PLUS" program.

PAYNE--------------payne.com-----------4*-----NA-----NA------- These units are only available in North America. Their 13 seer units are available with either R-22 or R-410a refrigerant but the units with R-22 are not recommended. They are backed by a good warranty. They have a distributor locator by zipcode on their website to help you to find an approved installer.

PHILCO-------nordyne.com/Philco--------4*-----1*-----NA------- This brand is from NORDYNE. This brand is backed by a very good guarantee that includes a 1 year quality pledge where the entire unit is replaced if the compressor fails in that first year. The 15 and 16 seer (premium) units are two stage for enhanced comfort and energy savings.

RHEEM--------------rheemac.com---------1*------2*----NA------- The 13 seer units are available with either R-22 or R-410a refrigerant but the units with R-22 are not recommended. The 13PJL units are part of their value line. The 16 SEER units are a part of their Prestige series and include a unit replacement gaurantee if the compressor fails during the warranty period. They also include COMFORT CONTROL SYSTEM onboard diagnostics and feature two stage operation for better comfort and energy savings. They have a dealer locator by zipcode on their website to help you to find an approved installer.

RUUD---------------ruudac.com----------1*------2*----NA------- This brand is from RHEEM MANUFACTURING. The features are the same but the model numbers are different.

TAPPAN-------------tappan.net----------4*------2*----NA------- This brand is from NORDYNE. They have a dealer locator by zip code, city/state, or full address to help you to find the nearest authorized installer.

TEMPSTAR-----------tempstar.com--------4*------2*-----NA------- This brand is from INTERNATIONAL COMFORT PRODUCTS. They include the "no hassle replacement" guarantee. If the compressor fails during the warranty period, the entire unit is replaced. They also include COMFORT ALERT onboard diagnostics. The 13 seer units are available with either R-22 or R-410a refrigerant but the units with R-22 are not recommended. The SmartComfort TX5300 units are 13 seer with R-410a and feature a very good warranty. The SmartComfort TXT+ units are premium units with a two satge compressor for enhanced comfort and energy savings (up to 17 seer).

TRANE--------------trane.com-----------1*-------3*-----3*----- This brand is owned by INGERSOLL RAND. The XB13 units are 13 seer units with either R-22 or R-410a refrigerant available. (The units with R-22 are not recommended.) The standard warranty on the XB13 units is not very good. The XL20i units are their ultimate units and feature two stages of heating/cooling but they use two compressors to achieve that which is not the best way to do it. The XL20i also features ComfortlinkII communicating features for enhanced comfort and diagnostics. They have a dealer locator by zipcode on their website to help you to find an authorized installer. (They can also be purchased at HOME DEPOT.)

WESTINGHOUSE-------westinghousehvac.com-4*------2*-----NA---- This brand is from NORDYNE. The 13 seer basic units feature R-410a refrigerant and a very good warranty that includes a ten year quality pledge where the unit is replaced if the compressor fails in those ten years. The 15 seer units are two stage for enhanced comfort and energy savings. They have a dealer locator by zipcode or coty/state on their website.

WHIRLPOOL----------whirlpoolhvac.com----1*-----<1*-----2*----- This brand name is licensed to TRADEWINDS DISTRIBUTING COMPANY and the units are available in North America. They offer 13 seer units with either R-22 or R-410a refrigerant but the units with R-22 are not recommended. The GOLD series 16 SEER units include COMFORT ALERT onboard diagnostics and a two stage compressor for enhanced comfort and energy savings. They also offer 18 seer (ultimate) units that are backed by a very good warranty. They have a dealer locator by zip/postal code on their website.

WINCHESTER----hamiltonhomeproducts.com-<1*-----NA-----NA------ This brand is from JOHNSON CONTROLS. They are 13 SEER and use R-22 which is not environmentally friendly and is being phased out. The warranty is only two years but you can order them online. The WPH units also feature quick connect fittings for easy do it yourself installation.

YORK---------------york.com------------<1*-----<1*------1*---- This brand is from JOHNSON CONTROLS. The THGD units are part of their LATITUDE line and are 13 seer units with either R-22 or R-410a refrigerant. (The units with R-22 are not recommended.) The warranty on them is not good but you can purchase an extended warranty. The AFFINITY series units are available in seven colors/college logos. They also feature Comfort Alert onboard diagnostics and a Quiet Drive fan system. They have a dealer locator by zipcode on their website to help you to find an authorized installer.