The 9 Best Heat Pumps of 2023

Best Whole House

Goodman 3.5 Ton Heat Pump and Air Handler System

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Picking the Goodman 3.5 Ton Heat Pump and Air Handler System provides more control over comfort and humidity levels for your whole house rather than a single space when compared with a ductless heat pump option.

A whole house heat pump consists of two parts: a heat pump installed outdoors, and an air handler installed indoors. The two work together to distribute warm air throughout your house during cold weather or to remove heat and humidity during hot weather. The Goodman 3.5 Ton Heat Pump and Air Handler System is a capable choice for this double-duty job, backed by a 10-year warranty. It has a SEER rating of 14, with a range of 13.6 to 15.5, depending on installation, climate considerations, and usage habits.

This complete heat pump system includes the externally mounted Goodman GSZ140421 Heat Pump Air Conditioner Condenser, which has sound-dampening technology to keep operating noise to a minimum. Since energy efficiency is a hallmark of heat pumps, it’s worth noting that Goodman equips this condenser with refrigeration-grade copper tubing and aluminum fin condenser coils—a combination of materials recognized for outstanding heat transfer properties. 

Inside the home, the modular blower ensures that warm or cool air is distributed. The Goodman ARUF43C14 Air Handler Electric Furnace features multiple fan speeds for increased energy efficiency, compared with air handlers with single-speed fans. While this air handler doesn’t include a supplemental heat source for extremely cold conditions, it’s a feature that an HVAC installer can add.

Price at time of publish: $3,288

_{Dimensions: 35.5 x 35.5 x 39.75 inches | Type: Ducted | Heating BTU: 40,000 | Noise Level: Not listed | Coverage Area: Whole house}

Best for Single Space

Pioneer Diamante Series WYT018GLFI19RL Ductless Mini-Split with Inverter Heat Pump

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The Pioneer Diamante Series is an excellent choice for homeowners who are looking for a capable heating and cooling solution for a single living space such as a tiny home, a workshop, a garage, or an addition. (For a whole house solution, see below.) It combines value, efficiency, and versatility into one package. Our recommended 18,000-BTU model for cooling is suitable for spaces up to 650 square feet. (For larger or smaller spaces, there are models with capacities of 9,000 to 36,000 BTU available.) 

While some heat pump heating systems give out under extremely cold weather, the manufacturer rates this model for heating functions as low as minus-13 degrees Fahrenheit, and cooling as high as 122 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes it a great option for a heat pump, whether you live in a warm or cold climate.

One of the key reasons to choose a heat pump is its multiple functions. The Pioneer Diamante heats, cools, dehumidifies, or runs in fan-only mode. You control the system using the included remote control, but there is no wall thermostat or Wi-Fi connection. Even without those conveniences, the settings are easy to adjust. Built-in modes include Timer, ECO, Freeze Protection, and Sleep.

Although heat pump manufacturers recommend professional installation, we believe this ductless system has minimal needs. It ships to your door with an outdoor condenser, indoor air handler, remote control, and 16-foot line set, with installation accessories. The Diamante series carries a five-year warranty for the compressor and parts.

Price at time of publish: $1,070

_{Dimensions: 30.75 x 13.75 x 23.89 inches | Type: Ductless | Heating BTU: 18,000 | Noise Level: 32 dB | Coverage Area: Up to 650 square feet}

Best Budget

Senville LETO Series Mini Split Air Conditioner Heat Pump, 9000 BTU 110/120V

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The Senville Leto Series prioritizes affordability. This budget mini-split system starts at less than $800 for a 9,000-BTU unit that can heat or cool rooms up to 400 square feet. Nor does it skimp on user-friendly features—most notably, Wi-Fi. This means you can adjust the settings using an app on your smartphone or Amazon Alexa. However, it’s not compatible with all smart home assistants, including Google Home. 

As a heating system, you can count on the Leto series to function in temperatures as low as 5 degrees. It also offers cooling and dehumidifying functions for making warm weather more comfortable. It carries a 19 SEER energy efficiency rating, which is lower than that of many mini-split systems. But what it lacks in efficiency, it makes up for in value and quiet operation, which is something to appreciate if you’re accustomed to noisy window air conditioning units.

The system includes all major components: an indoor air handler, outdoor condenser, remote control (but no wall thermostat), and an installation kit, with a pre-charged refrigerant line set and communication wire. 

A five-year warranty, requiring professional installation, covers the compressor, while other parts are covered for two years. Some other heat pumps have the perk of longer-lasting warranties—between seven and 10 years—but for the lower initial investment cost, the Senville is still a solid choice. 

Price at time of publish: $720

_{Dimensions: 37 x 9 x 12 inches | Type: Ductless | Heating BTU: 9,000 | Noise Level: Not listed | Coverage Area: Up to 400 square feet}

Best Ductless

MrCool DIY18-HP-230B25 DIY Ductless Mini-Split, 3rd Gen

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Instead of being connected to existing ductwork, a ductless heat pump—sometimes referred to as a mini-split system—can be installed on just about any exterior wall. One popular choice is the third-generation DIY Ductless Mini-Split by MrCool. It provides heating and cooling functions in homes with non-ducted heating systems, such as baseboard radiant heat or space heaters. It also can be a cost-effective choice if you’re looking to heat and cool an addition to your home without extending existing central HVAC ductwork. 

This Wi-Fi-capable model includes a single-zone outdoor condenser, and an air handler that is mounted inside, on one of your home's exterior walls. A line set, pre-charged with refrigerant, is included to simplify installation. Since it is ductless, it doesn't include a wall thermostat.

The MrCool DIY Ductless Mini-Split is available in different configurations, depending on your heating or cooling needs. Our recommended 18,000-BTU model can cover up to 750 square feet, according to the manufacturer. It heats in temperatures as low as 5 degrees Fahrenheit, so it doesn’t match the performance of other mini-split heating systems, some of which which are rated for as low as 22 degrees below zero.

Still, its simple, effective design makes it a practical choice. It has a 20 SEER rating and is Energy Star certified.

Price at time of publish: $1,859

_{Dimensions: 33.27 x 14.29 x 27.64 inches | Type: Ductless | Heating BTU: 18,000 | Noise Level: 32 dB | Coverage Area: Up to 750 square feet}

Most Efficient

MRCOOL Ductless Heat Pump Split System 4th Generation - Wall Mounted

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Energy efficiency is one of the foremost reasons to consider a heat pump system. The fourth-generation MrCool Ductless Mini-Split is one of the most energy-efficient heat pumps available. It’s Energy Star certified and has a 22 SEER rating for cooling and an 11.5 heating efficiency rating (HSPF). 

MrCool is one of the most recognizable brand names in the heat pump industry for the manufacturer's ease of installation and reliability. We specifically recommend the fourth-generation product line, since it offers increased efficiency compared to previous generators, longer warranty terms, and a stronger electrical conduit for better protection of the cables.

This is a complete single-zone system for heating or cooling up to 500 square feet—somewhat larger than a two-car garage. It includes a 12,000-BTU condenser for outdoor installation, and a 12,000-BTU air handler that mounts on the wall inside your home. (Larger, more powerful models up to 36,000 BTU are available.)

The fourth-generation MrCool Ductless Mini-Split includes a 25-foot line that is pre-charged with R-410A refrigerant and equipped with quick connectors that are compatible with basic home tools, rather than requiring specialized equipment. If a 25-foot quick-connect line is too long for your installation setup, you may be able to order the kit with a 16-foot line option. Otherwise, you’ll have to coil up any excess line behind the outdoor condenser, since the quick-connect line cannot be cut. This is about the only complaint to be found for this reliable, affordable, and energy-efficient heat pump system. 

Price at time of publish: $1,888

_{Dimensions: 16 x 30 x 22 inches | Type: Ductless | Heating BTU: 12,000 | Noise Level: 23.5 dB | Coverage Area: Up to 500 square feet}

Best for Cold Climates

Senville SENA-09HF-16 Aura Mini Split Air Conditioner and Heat Pump

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Heat pumps are often considered better choices for heating homes in mild-to-moderate climates rather than places where the temperatures commonly plummet. This energy-efficient Senville Aura model stands out as the best option for a heat pump for cold climates. the manufacturer rates it as low as minus-22 degrees Fahrenheit, one of the lowest ambient operating temperatures we've found on popular heat pump models.

At the same time, it offers a cooling function for keeping your space comfortable during warm weather conditions, plus a built-in dehumidifier. It’s equipped with Wi-Fi, giving you control over all functions using the app or Amazon Alexa. However it does not support Google Home. 

The Senville Aura uses a high-efficiency inverter that gives this mini-split system a 28.1 SEER rating. This qualifies it for a Tier 3 CEE rating and Energy Star certification. It has a 9,000-BTU compressor and a single air handler for wall-mounted installation.

Keep in mind that it’s best suited for small spaces up to 450 square feet (somewhat larger than a two-car garage), so it’s designed for very cold weather but not very large rooms. If you keep that in mind, this model is a great choice if you need a heat pump for supplemental heating in cold weather and for keeping your space cool in warmer weather. 

Price at time of publish: $1,200

_{Dimensions: 31.69 x 12.99 x 21.81 inches | Type: Ductless | Heating BTU: 9,000 | Noise Level: 23.5 dB | Coverage Area: Up to 400 square feet}

Best Floor Mount

Blueridge BMHH12Y23LW S4 SERIES Low Wall Ductless Mini Split System

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A floor-mount heat pump is optimized for heating functions. Since hot air rises, this style outputs heat closer to the floor and furniture, where you’re most likely to feel it. But you still want to be comfortable as outdoor temperatures rise, which is why selecting a unit with reversible airflow makes the most sense.

The Blueridge S4 Series is a great choice for a floor mount heat pump, offering reversible airflow and a low-profile, wall-mounted air handler. It’s a good choice if you want to maximize heating benefit, or if a wall-mounted heat pump would be a nuisance or a hazard in rooms with low ceilings.

The air handler of a floor mount heat pump must still be installed on an exterior wall, but it’s designed to be in close proximity to the floor rather than the ceiling, as you find with most other mini split systems. The low wall console of this Blueridge model means warm air is distributed from the front of the air handler, giving you more opportunity to benefit from the heat before it rises toward the ceiling. When you activate the heat pump’s cooling mode, the airflow is reversed, and cool air emerges from the top of the console to displace hot air in the room.

Besides its inherent floor mount advantage, the Blueridge S4 Series is quiet and efficient. The indoor air handler registers sound levels from 37 to 50 decibels, in the range of a quiet library or average home noise. It has a 23 SEER rating and functions in temperatures from minus-22 degrees to 122 degrees.

You get an included remote control, but this model doesn’t have Wi-Fi capabilities.

Price at time of publish: $1,399

_{Dimensions: 31.69 x 21.81 x 12.99 Inches | Type: Ductless | Heating BTU: 12,000 | Noise Level: 37 dB | Coverage Area: Not listed} 

Best Multiple Zones

Blueridge Four Zone Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump System w/ WIFI

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When you combine a heat pump with several mini-split units, you can efficiently heat multiple rooms. For that situation, we recommend the Blueridge Ductless Mini-Split AC System. Its built-in Wi-Fi allows you to control each air handler independently. This means you have four heating zones you can adjust to suit your needs or preferences rather than having to settle on one temperature setting for multiple rooms. With this setup, you may be able to replace or simulate the comfort and climate control of a central HVAC unit, especially if you live in a small home or a condo.

It pairs a 30,000 BTU outdoor condenser with four 9,000 BTU wall-mounted air handlers and operates effectively in temperatures ranging from minus-4 to 118 degrees. At the same time, it’s a very energy efficient choice, with a 21 SEER rating. 

The Blueridge Ductless Mini-Split AC System includes some of the latest innovations in HVAC technology. You can make temperature adjustments using the included remote control or on your smartphone. Other handy features include an intelligent sleep mode, to maximize comfort while conserving energy; an automatic defrost mode; and sensors in the remote that enable the unit to redirect air flow and automatically adjust the temperature to optimize the comfort of room occupants.

We have noted that the manual can be obscure in places, since it’s written to accommodate several different models. Once installed, though, you can expect easy, reliable indoor climate control with the help of the Blueridge Ductless Mini-Split AC System. 

Price at time of publish: $3,299

_{Dimensions: 38.625 x 31.175 x 16.8125 inches | Type: Ductless | Heating BTU: 30,000 | Noise Level: Not listed | Coverage Area: Not listed}