The Best Heat Pumps of 2024 for Cold Climates
Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about The Best Heat Pumps of 2024 for Cold Climates and hope the blog can help you.
Heat pumps are increasingly popular because of the energy-saving way they can heat or cool a home.
I started installing heat pumps around 11 years ago and have developed a certain bias toward them. Compared with traditional heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems that use a furnace for heat and an air conditioner for cooling, heat pumps can offer significant energy savings that results in lower household energy bills.
Heat pumps are sometimes also called heat exchangers because that’s effectively how they condition a space. Home heat pumps use a refrigerant and a compressor to extract heat from outside—even when it feels quite cool—and pump that warmth into your home. In the summer, they provide effective air conditioning and help reduce humidity. Other types of heat pumps are specifically designed for household hot water or pool heating.
To compile this in-depth heat pump guide, I researched more than three dozen products to curate a list of top picks based on customer satisfaction, product efficacy, and value. I also did a deep dive into heat pump types, capacities, and efficiency ratings before choosing the Senville 24,000-BTU Mini-Split Heat Pump as my top pick for its efficiency, powerful output, and quiet operation. For some circumstances, however, another model may be a better option. Keep reading for a full breakdown of 10 of the best heat pumps on the market.
- BEST OVERALL: Senville 24,000-BTU Mini-Split Heat Pump
↓ Jump to Review - RUNNER-UP: Pioneer 18,000-BTU Mini-Split Heat Pump
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Klimaire 12,000-BTU Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump
↓ Jump to Review - BEST WITH FILTER: Cooper & Hunter 18,000-BTU Mini-Split Heat Pump
↓ Jump to Review - BEST MULTIPLE-SPACE: Senville 36,000-BTU Tri-Zone Mini-Split Heat Pump
↓ Jump to Review - BEST SMALL-SPACE: Pioneer Diamante 9,000-BTU Mini-Split Heat Pump
↓ Jump to Review - BEST WI-FI COMPATIBLE: MrCool DIY 36,000-BTU Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR POOLS: Hayward HeatPro 90,000- BTU Inground Pool Heat Pump
↓ Jump to Review - MOST EFFICIENT: Friedrich 18,000-BTU Single-Zone Mini-Split Heat Pump
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR SMART HOMES: Senville 12,000-BTU Mini-Split Air Conditioner
↓ Jump to Review
Our Top Picks
To help you in your search for a suitable option, we gathered the best heat pumps for a variety of categories. After our list of top picks, we cover the types of heat pumps and their various features to make it easier to accurately assess the best heat pump for the room and purpose you have in mind.
Best Overall
Senville 24,000-BTU Mini-Split Heat Pump
Photo: Amazon
Product Specs
- Type: Split-ductless
- Heating power: 24,000 BTUs
- Coverage: 1,000 to 1,250 square feet
- Noise level: 35 to 45.5 decibels (indoor unit), 60 decibels (outdoor unit)
What We Like
- DC inverter reduces energy consumption
- Powerful output for heating and cooling
- Produces just 35 decibels of sound on low
What We Don’t Like
- Airflow only goes up and down
Those looking to combine powerful heating and cooling with efficient operation will appreciate this 24,000-BTU heat pump from Senville. Its DC inverter heat pump technology minimizes energy consumption, giving it a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) of 18. It’s also super quiet, with the indoor portion operating at just 35 decibels on low and 45.5 decibels on high. A decibel reading of 60 for the outdoor heat pump portion means its maximum volume is still only as loud as a normal conversation.
This unit comes with everything you need for DIY installation, though beginners may prefer hiring a professional since mini-split installation can be tricky. Once the heat pump is in, it’s easy to adjust via the included remote or with Alexa for voice-control commands. Just be thoughtful about where you choose to place it: Airflow adjustments move up and down only, not side to side.
Get the Senville 24,000-BTU heat pump at Amazon, Walmart, or Senville.
Runner-Up
Pioneer 18,000-BTU Mini-Split Heat Pump
Photo: Amazon
Product Specs
- Type: Split-ductless
- Heating power: 18,000 BTUs
- Coverage: 400 to 650 square feet
- Noise level: 30 to 43.5 decibels (indoor unit), 57 decibels (outdoor unit)
What We Like
- Meets AHRI independent testing and certification standards
- Quiet operation, even on high settings
- Includes electrical wiring and copper pipe for installation
What We Don’t Like
- As with all mini-splits, DIY installation may be tricky
Pioneer is one of the top names in ductless mini-split heat pumps, and this model offers 18,000 BTUs, making it great for a large bedroom or even a small studio apartment. Its SEER rating of 19 and a class-leading 10 HSPF (heating seasonal performance factor) meet independent testing and certification standards set forth by the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI). The appliance is also very quiet, with the indoor unit producing just 30 to 43.5 decibels and the outdoor unit reaching only 57 decibels.
We especially love this heat pump’s clever “Follow Me” feature that uses feedback from a sensor in the remote control to adjust heating or cooling in that location rather than at the air handler itself. The well-thought-out installation kit includes electrical wiring and copper pipe, and the company also offers free technical support. Given its high performance and comprehensive feature set, this unit from Pioneer is a remarkably good value.
Get the Pioneer wall-mount heat pump at Amazon.
Best Bang for the Buck
Klimaire 12,000-BTU Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump
Photo: Amazon
Product Specs
- Type: Split-ductless
- Heating power: 12,000 BTUs
- Coverage: Up to 550 square feet
- Noise level: 24 to 38 decibels (indoor unit), 55 decibels (outdoor unit)
What We Like
- Affordable option for spaces up to 550 square feet
- AHRI certified with SEER rating of 19 and 9.5 HSPF
- Quiet and nondisruptive; indoor maximum of 38 decibels
What We Don’t Like
- Lower BTUs won’t be enough for big rooms
The 12,000-BTU Klimaire is designed for rooms up to 550 square feet. Besides suiting smaller spaces, it’s an ideal cost-effective extension option for an existing HVAC system. The SEER rating is 19 with 9.5 HSPF, and the air handler runs as low as 24 decibels, so it won’t disturb sleepers.
Although very competitively priced for this type of electric heating, the AHRI-certified Klimaire is not short on features. Its built-in compressor heater allows it to operate when the outdoor temperature is as low as 5 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, its “Home Away” setting ensures the room maintains a constant 46 degrees Fahrenheit while the house is unattended.
Get the Klimaire heat pump at Amazon or Klimaire.
Best With Filter
Cooper & Hunter 18,000-BTU Mini-Split Heat Pump
Photo: Amazon
Product Specs
- Type: Split-ductless
- Heating power: 18,000 BTUs
- Coverage: 258.33 square feet to 376.74 square feet
- Noise level: 30.5 to 43 decibels (indoor unit), 57.5 decibels (outdoor unit)
What We Like
- Both AHRI certified and ETL listed
- Wi-Fi compatibility (with purchase of USB adapter)
- Filter helps remove dust and harmful airborne particles
What We Don’t Like
- Smaller coverage area than other 18,000-BTU models
Not only are the 18,000-BTU Cooper & Hunter ductless mini-split system’s SEER of 19 and HSFP of 10 well in excess of federal recommendations, but its pricing is competitive, too. At 57.5 decibels, the outdoor unit isn’t the quietest ductless mini-split system on our list, but the noise level isn’t excessive. The indoor unit runs at a reasonable 30.5 to 43 decibels, depending on its setting.
Like other options, the Cooper & Hunter heat pump is AHRI certified and Electrical Testing Laboratories (ETL) listed. What makes this unit unique is its cold catalyst filter, which helps remove dust particles and absorbs harmful airborne benzene and ammonia. The appliance is also Wi-Fi ready with the purchase of a USB adapter. While everything is provided for DIY fitting, professional installation is required for warranty compliance.
Get the Cooper & Hunter heat pump at Amazon.
Best Multi-Space
Senville 36,000-BTU Tri-Zone Mini-Split Heat Pump
Photo: Amazon
Product Specs
- Type: Split-ductless
- Heating power: 36,000 BTUs total, 12,000 BTUs per unit
- Coverage: 1,150 to 1,350 square feet per unit
- Noise level: 23.5 to 38 decibels (indoor unit), 63 decibels (outdoor unit)
What We Like
- High capacity provides heat for multiple spaces
- Each air handler allows customized control
- Features self-cleaning, leak detection, and diagnostics functions
What We Don’t Like
- Professional installation is strongly advised
While generally used as a single-room solution, more powerful split-ductless heat pumps like this 36,000-BTU model from Senville can supply three different air handlers at the same time, giving it the capacity to heat (or cool) multiple spaces. Each wall-mounted unit has its own remote control, allowing you to use completely independent settings for each room.
Simply because it’s powerful and customizable doesn’t mean it’s inefficient. It boasts an impressive 23 SEER and 11.3 HSPF. You can control it via the Alexa app or, if you have an Amazon Echo device, through voice activation. While this tri-zone model is technically similar to single-room mini-splits and comes with a full DIY installation kit, the manufacturer does professional fitting for this unit.
Get the Senville 36,000-BTU heat pump at Amazon.
Best Small-Space
Pioneer Diamante 9,000-BTU Mini-Split Heat Pump
Photo: Amazon
Product Specs
- Type: Split-ductless
- Heating power: 10,000 BTUs
- Coverage: 100 to 350 square feet
- Noise level: 32 to 38 decibels (indoor unit), 50 decibels (outdoor unit)
What We Like
- Ideal for extra bedrooms or other home extensions
- Straightforward DIY installation and comprehensive accessory kit
- Automated sweeping louvers
What We Don’t Like
- Some older reviews mention operational issues
At 9,000 BTUs, the Pioneer Diamante is intended for additions like bedrooms above a garage or small guesthouses built in yards. The unit comes with a budget-friendly price tag, and running this small heat pump will typically be far more economical than extending existing HVAC.
The Pioneer Diamante is described as 9,000 BTUs, but its heat output is actually 10,000 BTUs. It’s rated at 20 SEER and 10.5 HSPF and has low indoor and outdoor noise levels. Unlike other options on our list, the Diamante is intended for DIY installation and includes a full fitting kit. A Wi-Fi module is available, though this costs extra.
Get the Pioneer Diamante heat pump at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Pioneer.
Best Wi-Fi Compatible
MrCool DIY 36,000-BTU Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump
Photo: Amazon
Product Specs
- Type: Split-ductless
- Heating power: 36,000 BTUs
- Coverage: Up to 1,500 square feet
- Noise level: 35 to 52 decibels (indoor unit), 63 decibels (outdoor unit)
What We Like
- Connects to Alexa and Google Assistant
- Comprehensive installation kit included
- Retains previous settings after a power outage
What We Don’t Like
- DIY installation requires some electrical know-how
MrCool produces a range of split-ductless heat pumps, and this powerful model is rated for a 36,000-BTU output. As one of the more DIY-friendly models on our list, it includes a comprehensive installation kit with 25 feet of cable, connectors, and a charged air handler. That said, some reviewers still mention that you need some electrical experience if you don’t have a dedicated circuit.
The standout feature of the MrCool is its compatibility with Wi-Fi control in addition to its standard remote. Its free app lets you monitor and control heating or cooling via smartphone, and it also integrates with Alexa and Google Assistant smart-home systems. We also really like that this unit remembers previous settings and restarts after a power outage.
Get the MrCool heat pump at Amazon