A noisy or inefficient heat pump raises bills all year long. Consumer Reports tested heat pumps for efficiency, noise and reliability
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A whole-house heat pump runs year-round, heating in winter and cooling in summer, so weak efficiency or a noisy compressor adds up fast on both utility bills and everyday comfort. Installation flexibility and warranty coverage matter too, since these systems represent a major investment meant to last for years.
Consumer Reports tested whole-house air-source heat pumps for heating efficiency, cooling efficiency and noise, so homeowners can find a system suited to their home and budget.
Credit: Frigidaire
The Frigidaire 3T Heat Pump Split System costs around $4,000 and earned the top overall score among whole-house air-source heat pumps Consumer Reports tested. CR rated this fixed-speed system's heating and cooling efficiency top-notch and found it ran quietly as well. The B65BMMX36K air handler includes a multispeed blower that can be set up for upflow, downflow or horizontal installation and carries a 10-year parts warranty, while the 3-ton FSH4BE5M1SP36K condenser adds side panels that come off for maintenance, a coil that wipes clean easily, and an exterior finish that resists scratching. CR noted it doesn't yet have the survey numbers needed to rate Frigidaire on predicted reliability or owner satisfaction.
Credit: AC Direct
The Goodman 3T R32 Heat Pump Split System costs around $4,306 and came in just behind the Frigidaire system in Consumer Reports' overall ratings. CR rated its heating and cooling efficiency excellent and found it ran quieter than any other whole-house air-source heat pump CR recommends. The AMST36CU1300 air handler offers multiple speeds and installation positions along with a 10-year parts warranty, while the recommended 3-ton GLZS4BA3610 condenser includes two maintenance access panels, one on top and one on the side. Goodman earned midrange scores for both predicted reliability and owner satisfaction in CR member surveys.
Credit: HVAC Direct
The Trane 3T Heat Pump Split System costs around $3,836, priced lower than every other system in this lineup, and earned solid heating and cooling efficiency scores from Consumer Reports. CR rated its noise level moderate, similar to the Frigidaire system, and found the A5AHC003A1B3 air handler's blower motor, which runs at four speeds and drives directly instead of through a belt, supports upflow, downflow or horizontal installation just like the other systems tested here. Coverage extends to 10 years across both the coil and parts. Trane earned very good marks for reliability and excellent marks for how satisfied owners feel, based on CR member surveys.
Credit: Lennox Pros
The Lennox 3T Single Stage Heat Pump System costs around $5,000, pricier than every other system in this lineup, and earned excellent scores from Consumer Reports for both heating efficiency and noise. CR rated its cooling efficiency very good, just a step behind its heating performance, and found it supports upflow, downflow or horizontal installation like the other systems tested. The warranty runs 10 years, though only if the product gets registered after installation. Lennox earned top marks for reliability as a brand, alongside moderate owner satisfaction scores in CR member surveys.
