Highest SEER Rated Heat Pumps of 2016
Is a super-efficient heat pump a good choice for your home? It might be if:
- Summers are long, hot and possibly humid too where you live
- You’re committed to cutting energy use and carbon emissions
How Much Can You Save with an Efficient Heat Pump?
The 2016 most efficient heat pumps cost 20% to 100% more than less efficient heat pumps, depending on which models you’re comparing them to. You can determine whether buying one is a cost-effective choice by knowing the SEER rating of the old unit, dividing it by the rating of the replacement heat pump and multiplying by your energy usage from previous years. For example:
A 20 SEER heat pump—
- Uses 50% of the energy of a 10 SEER model
- Uses 65% of the energy of a 13 SEER model
If you spent $2,000 last year on heating and air conditioning, a 20 SEER heat pump will reduce that figure to $1,000 if replacing a 10 SEER model or $1,300 if replacing a 13 SEER heat pump.
If you spend $2,000 more to purchase a high-efficiency heat pump than a standard-efficiency unit, it will take you two to three years to recoup the extra money, given our example.
Our similar post, the Most Energy Efficient Heat Pumps for 2016, includes a wealth of additional information about heat pump performance (single-stage, two-stage, variable-capacity), dual fuel heat pumps that include a gas furnace in the system and more. It includes heat pump prices too.
Note: SEER is the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating, a measurement of cooling efficiency; HSPF is Heat Seasonal Performance Ratio, a measurement of heating efficiency. The higher the ratings, the more efficient the unit is.
2016 Most Efficient Heat Pumps
Here’s a list of heat pumps that will help you conserve energy and reduce heating and cooling costs.
1. Dave Lennox Signature Series XP25 Heat Pump
This unit really is the entire energy-saving package, especially if you add on the Lennox SunSource PVC solar modules that can further reduce energy use by 50% of more in sunny climates. Add a dual fuel furnace in very cold climates, and you’ll dramatically reduce energy consumption and utility costs. It’s a variable-capacity heat pump.
- 23.5 SEER
- 10.2 HSPF
2. Carrier Infinity 20 25VNAO Heat Pump & Bryant Evolution Extreme 280A Heat Pump
These are essentially the same unit sold by two different United Technologies brands. They boast the highest heating efficiency available, so they’re ideal for long, cool winters. These are variable-capacity models.
- SEER: 20.5
- HSPF: 13.0
3. Maytag iQ Drive PSH4BI Heat Pump
This is an award-winning heat pump due to its intelligent design and excellent performance. It’s a variable-capacity heat pump, so indoor climate control is outstanding. Maytag protects this unit with a 12-year parts warranty that includes replacement of the entire unit if the compressor fails in that time. Maytag is a Nortek Global brand, and this unit is also sold regionally under additional Nortek brands including Tappan, Westinghouse, Broan, Frigidaire and NuTone.
- 22 SEER
- 10.0 HSPF
4. Daikin DZ20VC Heat Pump and Amana AVZC20 Heat Pump
Daikin owns Amana (and Goodman too) and has introduced this variable-capacity heat pump under both brand names. Goodman doesn’t yet offer a variable-capacity heat pump. These units are well-made and backed by a 12-year parts warranty.
- 21 SEER
- 10.0 HSPF
5. Armstrong Air 4SHP20LX Heat Pump & Air Ease 4SHP20LX Heat Pump
These variable-capacity heat pumps are also dual fuel models, so they can be included in a split system with a gas furnace where winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing. Armstrong Air and Air Ease are both Lennox brands but have product lines independent of Lennox products.
- 20 SEER
- 10.0 HSPF
6. American Standard AccuComfort Platinum 20 Heat Pump & Trane XV20i Heat Pump
These are Ingersoll-Rand brands, and both are variable-capacity heat pumps for consistent temperatures and better humidity control whether heating or air conditioning your home.
- 20 SEER
- 10.0 HSPF
7. Heil HCH9 Heat Pump & Comfortmaker CCH9 Heat Pump
Heil and Comfortmaker are International Comfort Products brands, and ICP is now owned by Carrier parent company United Technologies. These are two-stage heat pumps with communicating technology that optimizes climate control.
- 19 SEER
- 10 HSPF
8. Rheem Classic RP17 Heat Pump & Ruud Achiever Series UP17 Heat Pump
Rheem and Ruud are Paloma Group brands, and the product lines are identical. These heat pumps are unique to the market in that they are three-stage models.
- 18.5 SEER
- 10.5 HSPF
Quality Installation Protects your Investment
An expensive HVAC system is an investment in climate control and a hedge against high energy costs. However, the quality of the installation is just as important as the heat pump you select. If the unit isn’t installed properly, its efficiency, performance and durability might all suffer.
The key to finding a qualified contractor to install your heat pump system is to discuss the job with several in your area. Our Free Estimates service allows you to receive written estimates from three of the top HVAC installers in your area, and they know they’re competing for the work. The form takes just a moment to fill out, and it saves you the hassle of contacting a list of HVAC companies and waiting to hear back from them. There is no cost to use the service, and there is no obligation to accept any of the estimates.