What are the best performing cold climate heat pumps in 2024?
Well when choosing a central heat pump system for your home, several critical factors need to be considered: capacity range, efficiency rating, heating and cooling range, 24VAC interface availability, outdoor operating temperature range, sound level, and the manufacturer’s track record.
Below, we rank seven leading HVAC systems based on these criteria and provide detailed, specific information about each product. All the products below can be paired with your existing high efficiency gas furnace or electric air handler with a DX coil.
1. KingHome ULTRANIXX (KU36UHO / KU60UHO)
Specific Highlight: Powered by Gree Manufacturing for flexibility and extreme temperatures, ULTRANIXX models are ideal for regions with harsh weather conditions.
- Capacity Range: 24K – 60K (Field Configurable)
- Efficiency Rating: Up to 20 SEER / 10.5 HSPF
- Heating Range: -22°F to 75°F
- Cooling Range: 5°F to 129°F
- 24VAC Interface: Yes (Factory Installed)
- Outdoor Unit Discharge Design: Horizontal
- Sound Level: Down to 45 dB(A)
- Track Record: Established in 2008, ULTRANIXX has built a reputation for quality and innovation in the HVAC industry.
Ranking:
- Capacity Range: 9/10
- Efficiency Rating: 9/10
- Heating Range: 9/10
- Cooling Range: 8/10
- 24VAC Interface: 10/10
- Outdoor Unit Design: 10/10
- Sound Level: 10/10
- Track Record:9/10
- Overall Score: 74/80
- Confidence Score: 10/10
2. Carrier 40MBAAQ/ 38MARBQ & 38MBRBQ
Specific Highlight: Known for its exceptional efficiency and wide operational range, Carrier’s units are top performers in both heating and cooling.
- Capacity Range: 24K – 48K (Individual Units)
- Efficiency Rating: Up to 20 SEER / 11.6 HSPF
- Heating Range: -22°F to 86°F
- Cooling Range: 22°F to 130°F / -13°F to 122°F
- 24VAC Interface: Yes (Field Installed Option)
- Outdoor Unit Discharge Design: Horizontal
- Sound Level: Down to 62 dB(A)
- Track Record: Carrier has been a leader in the HVAC market since 1902, renowned for innovation and quality.
Ranking:
- Capacity Range: 7/10
- Efficiency Rating: 10/10
- Heating Range: 9/10
- Cooling Range: 10/10
- 24VAC Interface: 9/10
- Outdoor Unit Design: 10/10
- Sound Level: 6/10
- Track Record: 10/10
- Overall Score: 71/80
- Confidence Score: 9/10
3. Mitsubishi PVA / PUZ-AH
Specific Highlight: Mitsubishi’s units offer a balance of efficiency and quiet operation, making them suitable for residential and commercial applications.
- Capacity Range: 24K – 42K (Individual Units)
- Efficiency Rating: Up to 19 SEER / 11.2 HSPF
- Heating Range: -13°F to 75°F
- Cooling Range: 0°F to 115°F
- 24VAC Interface: Yes (Field Installed Option)
- Outdoor Unit Discharge Design: Horizontal
- Sound Level: Down to 51 dB(A)
- Track Record: Mitsubishi Electric has been in the market for over 100 years, recognized for its advanced technology and reliability.
Ranking:
- Capacity Range: 6/10
- Efficiency Rating: 8/10
- Heating Range: 7/10
- Cooling Range: 7/10
- 24VAC Interface:9/10
- Outdoor Unit Design: 10/10
- Sound Level: 9/10
- Track Record: 10/10
- Overall Score:66/80
- Confidence Score: 9/10
4. Bosch Inverter Ducted Split System IDS 2.0
Specific Highlight: Bosch’s IDS 2.0 system is praised for its flexibility and factory-installed 24VAC interface, simplifying troubleshooting and service.
- Capacity Range: 24K – 60K (Field Configurable)
- Efficiency Rating: Up to 20.5 SEER / 10.5 HSPF
- Heating Range: -4°F to 86°F
- Cooling Range: 15°F to 125°F
- 24VAC Interface: Yes (Factory Installed)
- Outdoor Unit Discharge Design: Vertical
- Sound Level: Down to 56 dB(A)
- Track Record: Bosch has been a reliable name in home appliances for over 130 years, with a strong presence in the HVAC market.
Ranking:
- Capacity Range: 9/10
- Efficiency Rating: 9/10
- Heating Range: 5/10
- Cooling Range: 6/10
- 24VAC Interface: 10/10
- Outdoor Unit Design: 5/10
- Sound Level: 8/10
- Track Record: 10/10
- Overall Score: 62/80
- Confidence Score: 9/10
5. Fujitsu Halcyon MPAH
Specific Highlight: Fujitsu Halcyon units are known for their robust performance in both heating and cooling, suitable for various climates.
- Capacity Range: 24K – 48K (Individual Units)
- Efficiency Rating: Up to 19 SEER / 10.7 HSPF
- Heating Range: -5°F to 75°F
- Cooling Range: -5°F to 115°F
- 24VAC Interface: Yes (Field Installed Option)
- Outdoor Unit Discharge Design: Horizontal
- Sound Level: Down to 53 dB(A)
- Track Record: Fujitsu has been in the market since 1936, known for its innovative technology and durable products.
Ranking:
- Capacity Range: 7/10
- Efficiency Rating: 8/10
- Heating Range: 6/10
- Cooling Range: 7/10
- 24VAC Interface: 9/10
- Outdoor Unit Design: 10/10
- Sound Level: 8/10
- Track Record: 9/10
- Overall Score: 64/80
- Confidence Score: 9/10
6. Rheem Classic Plus RP**17
Specific Highlight: Rheem’s Classic Plus RP series combines robust construction with good efficiency, ideal for home environments needing reliable performance.
- Capacity Range: 24K – 48K (Individual Units)
- Efficiency Rating: Up to 19 SEER / 10.7 HSPF
- Heating Range: -5°F to 75°F
- Cooling Range: -5°F to 115°F
- 24VAC Interface: Yes (Field Installed Option)
- Outdoor Unit Discharge Design: Horizontal
- Sound Level: Down to 53 dB(A)
- Track Record: Rheem has been in the HVAC market since 1925, known for its quality and reliability.
Ranking:
- Capacity Range: 7/10
- Efficiency Rating: 8/10
- Heating Range: 6/10
- Cooling Range: 7/10
- 24VAC Interface: 9/10
- Outdoor Unit Design: 10/10
- Sound Level: 8/10
- Track Record: 9/10
- Overall Score:64/80
- Confidence Score: 9/10
7. Daikin Fit Series
Specific Highlight: Daikin Fit systems are engineered for compact spaces, offering good performance and energy efficiency with advanced technology.
- Capacity Range: 18K – 60K (Individual Units)
- Efficiency Rating: Up to 18 SEER / 10.0 HSPF
- Heating Range: -20°F to 70°F
- Cooling Range: 0°F to 115°F
- 24VAC Interface: No (Proprietary Control Required)
- Outdoor Unit Discharge Design: Horizontal
- Sound Level: Down to 60 dB(A)
- Track Record: Daikin has been in the HVAC industry since 1924, known for its cutting-edge technology and high-quality products.
Ranking:
- Capacity Range:9/10
- Efficiency Rating: 7/10
- Heating Range: 8/10
- Cooling Range: 7/10
- 24VAC Interface: 0/10
- Outdoor Unit Design: 10/10
- Sound Level: 7/10
- Track Record: 9/10
- Overall Score: 57/80
- Confidence Score: 8/10
Conclusion
From our evaluation, KINGHOME ULTRANIXX SERIES (KU36UHO / KU60UHI) emerges as the top performer with an overall score of 74/80, boasting excellent efficiency, sound level, and operational ranges. The Carrier 40MBAAQ/ 38MARBQ & 38MBRBQ follows closely with an overall score of 71/80, primarily driven by its impressive efficiency and operational ranges.
These rankings reflect a comprehensive analysis of each unit’s capacity, efficiency, heating and cooling ranges, interface availability, outdoor unit design, sound level, and manufacturer’s track record, making it easier for homeowners to make an informed decision based on their specific needs and priorities.
