How to Find the Best Heat Pump for Your Home

Are you thinking about getting a heat pump for the first time or maybe upgrading the one you have? It’s important to know what features, capacity, and efficiency to look for so you can choose a system that keeps your home comfortable and your energy bills in check. Check out this comprehensive guide to help you find the best heat pump for you and your family.

What Is a Heat Pump?

A heat pump is an all-in-one heating and cooling system. In the summer, it operates similarly to a central air conditioning system by using refrigerant to pull heat from inside the home and transfer it outside through the system’s compressor.

During the colder months, heat pumps use a reversing valve to seamlessly switch from cooling to heating mode. During the winter, heat pumps extract heat from the outdoors and transfer it indoors. Even when it’s cold outside, there’s enough heat in the outside air to provide adequate heating.

Since heat pumps simply move heat in and out of the home depending on the season, they don’t require fossil fuels such as natural gas to create heat. This makes them energy efficient and environmentally friendly.

Many traditional heat pumps don’t operate as efficiently once the temperature drops below 40 degrees. However, with new technology, some newer models are incredibly efficient; many cold climate heat pump models can operate efficiently in temperatures below zero.

Homeowners who live in far northern states such as Minnesota, North Dakota, and Alaska often choose a dual-fuel system that consists of a heat pump and gas furnace. The gas furnace takes over when the temperature drops below what the heat pump can efficiently handle.

Different Types of Heat Pumps

Air-source heat pumps are the most common type, with an estimated 17 million American homes operating them. The other two heat pump options to consider are geothermal systems and ductless mini-split units.

Geothermal Heat Pumps

Geothermal heat pumps are the most efficient HVAC systems on the market. Like air-source heat pumps, they operate by moving heat in and out of the home. But instead of exchanging heat with the outside air, geothermal systems, also referred to as ground-source heat pumps, use the constant temperature 6 feet underground, where it’s 55 degrees on average.

During the warmer months, a geothermal heat pump’s heat exchanger extracts indoor heat and transfers it underground to cool a home. During the colder season, geothermal they work in reverse, by taking heat from underground and moving it indoors.

Geothermal systems use a ground loop, which is a series of pipes buried underground. The ground loop serves as a heat source during the winter months and a heat sink during the warmer months.

Geothermal heat pumps are more expensive than other HVAC systems, costing an average of $15,000. Factors such as your home’s size and the need for ductwork upgrades affect the price. You can recoup the higher costs over time through lower energy bills, as geothermal systems are 300-600% efficient on cold winter nights.

Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pumps

Ductless mini-split heat pumps are also a popular alternative to forced-air heating and cooling systems. As their name suggests, they don’t require the use of ductwork to distribute conditioned air to your home’s living areas.

Ductless mini-splits consist of an outdoor compressor/condenser unit and one or more indoor air handling units that are installed on ceilings or walls across the home. They are connected by a conduit that contains the refrigerant and power lines.

Each indoor unit provides heating and cooling to just the room or area of the house it’s installed in. Ductless systems are most commonly used to provide supplemental heating or cooling to areas that are difficult to keep comfortable such as bonus rooms over garages and sunrooms. They can also be used to convert garages, attics, and basements without ductwork into workable or livable areas. Some homeowners install mini-splits throughout their entire home to create temperature zones, as each unit can be controlled separately with a remote control.

Without the use of ductwork, mini-split heat pumps are highly efficient. Ductwork can lose 20-30% of conditioned air through leaks and poor insulation, according to ENERGY STAR.

How Long Do Heat Pumps Last?

Air-source heat pumps last about 15 years on average. However, some may stop working efficiently after 10 years, while others can run efficiently for up to 20 years. Some of the most significant factors that affect a heat pump’s longevity include the climate, usage, make and model, and maintenance history.

If your heat pump is used as a heating and cooling system, maintenance should be performed twice a year; once before the heating season and again before the cooling season.

Aside from being incredibly energy efficient, another advantage of geothermal heat pump systems is their longevity. Regular maintenance can help a ground-source heat pump last 20-25 years, while the ground loop can last 50 years or more.

Are Incentives Available for Heat Pumps?

As part of the federal government’s Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, homeowners are eligible for a 30% tax credit on the purchase and installation of a qualified heat pump, up to a maximum credit of $2,000. But you’ll need to act fast. The credits, originally available through 2032, are now set to expire on December 31, 2025, after Congress passed legislation in July 2025 known as the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (OBBBA).

Finding the Best Heat Pump for Your Home

Choosing the right heat pump can feel a bit overwhelming with so many models and features on the market. The key is to focus on factors that affect comfort, efficiency, and long-term value so you get the best fit for your home. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Efficiency Ratings

Check for efficiency labels like SEER2 (cooling) and HSPF2 (heating). Higher ratings mean lower energy bills and more consistent comfort year-round. While high-efficiency models may cost more upfront, they often pay off in long-term savings.

Proper Sizing

A heat pump needs to be matched to your home’s square footage, insulation levels, and climate. Undersized units will struggle in extreme weather, while oversized systems cycle on and off too often, wasting energy. A professional HVAC load calculation helps you get the sizing just right.

Variable-Speed Technology

Air-source heat pumps with variable-speed or inverter-driven compressors adjust their output instead of running at full blast all the time. This creates more stable indoor temperatures, boosts efficiency, and can make the system last longer. You’ll also pay more upfront for variable-speed technology but will benefit through increased comfort and lower energy costs.

Noise Levels (Decibels)

Since the outdoor unit usually sits near living spaces, noise can be a big factor. Look for decibel ratings in the low 50s or less if quiet operation matters to you. Many brands now include sound-dampening technology to keep things whisper-quiet.

Brand Reputation and Warranty

Well-known brands often offer stronger reliability and wider service networks. Check warranties closely, especially on the compressor, since it’s the heart of the system. A good warranty can save you thousands down the line.

Comfort-Enhancing Features

Some heat pumps pair with smart thermostats so you can control your comfort from an app and fine-tune energy use. Others can integrate with indoor air quality add-ons like advanced filtration or dehumidification. These extras can make a noticeable difference in your daily comfort.

Cost and Incentives

Pricing depends on system size, efficiency, and installation complexity, but higher-end systems often pay for themselves with energy savings. Be sure to look into local rebates and federal tax credits, which can make a premium model more affordable.

Installation and Maintenance

Even the most advanced heat pump won’t perform well without expert installation. Choose a contractor with experience in heat pump systems and ask about maintenance plans to keep the system running efficiently for years to come.