We hear it all the time: “What’s the best heat pump brand?”
The short answer? It depends on your home, your goals, and your budget.
In this guide, we break it all down: the best brands for cold climates, the most reliable models, and the most budget-friendly options. Whether you’re replacing a gas furnace or electrifying for the first time, we’ll help you compare your options and make the best decision for your home.
Just keep in mind: the brand you choose matters, but the installer matters more.
Whichever brand you pick, make sure your installer has the experience and expertise to get the job done right. If you’d like to talk about a heat pump for your home in Maryland, Washington D.C., or Virginia, just give us a call at (888) 532-0197, or send us a message:
Since 2006, EDGE Energy has installed more than 5,000 heat pumps and other energy-saving systems for homeowners in the DMV. We stand out as a six-time ENERGY STAR Contractor of the Year with a satisfaction guarantee for every project.
Heat pumps we recommend
There are lots of quality heat pumps available today, and new models hit the market all the time. Depending on your home and budget, we may recommend a different system that’s a better fit. That said, here are a few of our favorites:
- Best overall: Bosch IDS Premium
- Best for cold climates: Carrier Infinity 24 with Greenspeed®
- Best for reliability: Mitsubishi Hyper-Heating H2i®
- Best on a budget: Goodman GZV6SA3610
Heat pump brand comparison table
| Brand | Best for | Max SEER2 | Max HSPF2 | Noise (dB) | Cold Climate Ready | Warranty | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch | ✓ Overall performance | 20.0 | 9.5 | 60 | Yes | 10 years | Smart app, full inverter, quiet |
| Carrier | ✓ Cold climates | 22.0 | 10.5 | ~55 | Yes (to -22°F) | 10–12 years | Greenspeed® tech, DOE Cold Climate HP |
| Mitsubishi | ✓ Reliability | 23.0 | 12.0 | ~55 | Yes (Hyper-Heating to -13°F) | 10–12 years | Hyper-Heating H2i®, ducted & ductless options |
| Goodman | ✓ Budget | 17.5 | 8.2 | ~70 | Limited | 10 years | Affordable, solid core performance |
Best overall: Bosch IDS Premium
Bosch’s IDS Premium Connected delivers the best combination of comfort, quiet, and efficiency. With a full inverter compressor that modulates in 1% increments, it keeps your home at a consistent temperature without wasting energy.
The system is cold-climate capable, ENERGY STAR® certified, and one of the quietest on the market (as low as 60 dB). It also includes remote monitoring, diagnostics, and energy tracking through the Bosch EasyAir app.
Homeowners seeking year-round efficiency, smart features, and peace of mind.
Best for cold climates: Carrier Infinity with Greenspeed®
Carrier’s Infinity 24 with Greenspeed® Intelligence is built for deep winter performance. It operates efficiently down to -15°F and can maintain full capacity at 5°F with select models. That makes it one of the few air-source systems that can fully replace fossil fuel heating in colder areas.
Backed by Carrier’s long-standing reputation, this system also qualifies for federal tax credits and rebates under the Inflation Reduction Act.
Electrification projects and homes that need reliable heat in freezing temperatures.
Best for reliability: Mitsubishi Hyper-Heating H2i®
Mitsubishi has built a reputation for industry-leading reliability, especially in variable-speed heat pumps. Their Hyper-Heating H2i® systems deliver consistent performance even in freezing conditions, with efficiency ratings up to 23 SEER2 and 12 HSPF2.
These systems are cold-climate ready, ultra-quiet, and available in both ducted and ductless configurations, making them flexible for a wide range of homes. Mitsubishi’s nationwide support network also makes service straightforward if issues ever come up.
Homeowners who value reliability, cold-climate performance, and a trusted brand for long-term peace of mind.
Best on a budget: Goodman GZV6SA3610
Goodman heat pumps don’t have the bells and whistles of Bosch or Carrier, but they’re dependable and cost-effective. The GZV6SA3610 offers up to 17.5 SEER and solid HSPF ratings for mild to moderate climates.
You won’t get advanced app connectivity or the quietest operation, but for straightforward heating and cooling on a budget, Goodman gets the job done.
Rental properties, smaller homes, and homeowners focused on upfront cost.
Why the installer matters more than the brand
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: even the best heat pump won’t work well if it’s installed wrong.
Sizing, ductwork, airflow, and refrigerant charge all matter. Get those wrong, and you’ll end up with poor performance and higher bills.
Every EDGE install includes:
- Certified, trained technicians
- System design customized for your home
- Post-installation performance testing
- A satisfaction guarantee
Bottom line: Don’t just shop for equipment – choose an installer who knows how to do it right. Give us a call to talk about your project (888-586-3343), or reach out by sending us a message today:
How to choose the right heat pump for your home
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Here’s what to think about:
- Your climate: Do you need cold-weather performance? Some homeowners keep their existing furnace as a backup for the coldest days of the year.
- Your current system: Are you replacing gas, supplementing a gas system, or going all-electric?
- Ductwork: Do you have it, or do you need ductless?
- Noise levels: Will the unit be near bedrooms or living spaces?
- Incentives: Does the model qualify for rebates or tax credits?
We’ll help you weigh your options based on what matters most to you and how you use your home: (888) 586-3343,
Don’t forget the rest of the house
Even the best heat pump can’t fix poor insulation or air leaks. If your home is drafty or under-insulated, you’re wasting money no matter what HVAC system you install.
That’s where EDGE comes in. We’re not just an HVAC contractor.
If you haven’t had an energy audit, schedule one today. You’ll get a full picture of what your home needs to run more efficiently.
You may be able to go with a smaller, more efficient heat pump after sealing air leaks and adding insulation, because you won’t need as much heating and cooling capacity to feel comfortable at home. We’ll help you figure out the details.
Still have questions?
If you’re planning to electrify your home or replace an aging HVAC system, choosing the right heat pump is just the first step.
Schedule a free consultation with EDGE Energy to get expert guidance, custom sizing, and a clear estimate, including incentives and installation costs.
With our high-performance installation standards, we’ll make sure your heat pump works exactly as promised – for years to come. Book a free consultation today, or give us a call at (888) 617-6317.
