2011 Heat Pump Ratings Guide

Our goal at WebHVAC.com is to give you the information you need to take control of your HVAC buying decisions.  You’re here because you would rather research brands, models, features and efficiencies yourself so you can decide what you need, not be told what you need by an HVAC salesman with an agenda.  We consider it part of our purpose to help by giving our readers some starting points for sorting through the hundreds of models we review on our site.  With that thought in mind, we offer our 2011 Heat Pump Rating Guide that offers the top 3 heat pumps for 2011 as well as some other quality models that are worth a look.

We’ve divided these up into 3 categories: High price, High efficiency / Mid price, Mid efficiency / Low price, Low efficiency.  While high efficiency models tend to cost more than low efficiency models, it doesn’t always mean they are better.  All the models we feature in this article are made with similar – in some cases the exact same – high quality materials and components. The level of efficiency is what divides those in our guide, and each consumer makes their own decision about the initial cost of the heat pump vs. the cost of operating the heat pump.  Here are our top 3 heat pumps for 2011

High Price, High Efficiency: Dave Lennox Signature Collection XP21 Heat Pump

Lennox is one of the Cadillacs of the HVAC industry and the XP21 heat pump is their top of the line.  It delivers 19 SEER which will dramatically reduce heating and cooling costs when it replaces models even 10-12 years old.  It’s a pricey unit, so keep that in mind.  But with energy costs savings up to 50% in many homes, you’ll start recouping the expense fairly quickly and reaping the rewards in just a few years.

What Sets the Dave Lennox Signature Collection XP21 Heat Pump Apart?

If you are a fan of perfectly balanced temperatures, devoid of fluctuation, this unit will keep you very comfortable.  The iComfort technology coordinates system components for optimal, consistent performance.  We’re fans of hybrid technology, and the Dave Lennox Signature Collection XP21 heat pump works with a gas furnace so those in cooler climates have the ability to switch over to the furnace when the temperature gets too cold to make electricity a cost-effective way to heat.

Consider the Dave Lennox Signature Collection XP21 Heat Pump If:

If lowering energy consumption and utility bills is your highest HVAC priority, this heat pump, combined with a high-efficiency compatible furnace in cool climates, will let you accomplish that goal.  And if reducing the humidity during the cooling season is also important to you, this one does it better than most.  The Lennox XP21 heat pump gives you outstanding control over your indoor climate in every season.

Other Top High-Efficiency, High-Price Heat Pumps

• Ducane Model 4HP18 High Efficiency 18 SEER Heat Pump
• Bryant Evolution Model 289B 19 SEER Heat Pump
• American Standard Platinum ZM Heritage 20 Heat Pump

Mid Price, Mid Efficiency: Trane XL15i Heat Pump

This is a best-selling heat pump for a reason.  It offers a very attractive balance between good efficiency and an affordable price tag, making it an especially good deal in moderate and warm climates.  It offers 16 SEER and 9.0 HSPF, easily exceeding Energy Star requirements.

What Sets the Trane XL15i Heat Pump Apart?

Most mid-priced heat pumps don’t offer the top of the line communicating technology, but this one does.  You’ll enjoy balanced, comfortable heating and cooling without blasts of untreated air at the beginning of the cycle.  The ClimaTuff compressor has been a winner for Trane with a proven track record of reliability and longevity.

Consider the Trane XL15i Heat Pump If:

A couple of “if’s” stand out.  If you are looking for a very quiet unit, it is one of the quietest in its class.  That’s important when the condensing unit sits next to your patio or outside the baby’s bedroom.  Also, the CleanEffects option offers enhanced indoor air filtration for reducing allergens and pollutants from your home.

Other Top Mid-Efficiency, Mid-Price Heat Pumps

• American Standard Silver XI 14 Heat Pump
• Carrier Performance Series Model 25HPA5 Heat Pump
• Coleman Comforteer Series Model THGF 14.5 SEER Heat Pump

Low Price, Standard Efficiency: Goodman 14 SEER R-410A  — SSZ14 Heat Pump

The Goodman SSZ14 offers much more than just affordability.  It’s 14 SEER for cooling and 9.0 HSPF for heating are very respectable, and should lower energy costs in most homes.  High- and low-pressure switches protect the compressor from operating before conditions are right, extending the life of the compressor.

What Sets the Goodman 14 SEER R-410A Refrigerant — SSZ14 Heat Pump Apart?

The Goodman SSZ14 heat pump uses the top-rated scroll compressor in the industry from Copeland.  When this heat pump is installed with a variable speed compatible Goodman air handler, the SEER rating is boosted to 15.  The 9.0 HSPF is very high for a 15 SEER heat pump.  Finally, this is also one of the most affordable heat pumps in the standard efficiency range.

Consider the Goodman 14 SEER R-410A Refrigerant — SSZ14 Heat Pump If:

If you live in a moderate climate and don’t need high-efficiency cooling, the SSZ14 heat pump will save on equipment costs. We also think this heat pump would be outstanding in a cold-climate home that used an alternate source of heat such as a wood pellet stove to do most of the heating.  Contractors select this heat pump often, but that doesn’t mean it’s builder-grade.  It means it offers good value.

Other Top Standard-Efficiency, Low-Price Heat Pumps

• Dave Lennox Merit Series 14HPX Heat Pump
• Trane XB14 Heat Pump
• Payne PH15NB Heat Pump

These are the highest rated heat pumps for 2011.  For pricing information and complete reviews, follow the links to the main page for each heat pump in our list.