The Federal Heat Pump Credit Is Over, but These 2 Models Still Stand Out

Heat pumps are no longer eligible for a $2,000 federal tax credit after the benefit expired at the end of 2025. Even so, experts from the Good Housekeeping Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab still say the technology is a smart choice for homeowners looking to upgrade heating and cooling.

Our top picks:

• Best overall: Trane 20 TruComfort Variable Speed Heat Pump with WeatherGuard
• Best value: York YH2F 1 & 2-Stage Heat Pump

Heat pumps remain one of the most efficient ways to manage both heating and cooling in a home. One system can provide hot and cold air, which means you do not need separate equipment such as a furnace or boiler and a central air conditioner. Compared with conventional HVAC setups, they can also improve comfort by keeping temperatures steadier and operating more quietly. That is especially true of the Trane 20 TruComfort Variable Speed Heat Pump with WeatherGuard, which earned the top test results.

The upfront cost is still higher than many traditional systems, even though a heat pump handles two jobs at once. However, many states and utilities offer rebates, and homeowners can search for those incentives through the Database of State Incentives.

Learn More About Choosing a Heat Pump

• What You Need to Know Before Buying a Heat Pump

Trane 20 TruComfort Variable Speed Heat Pump

Trane 20 TruComfort Variable Speed Heat Pump

Why it’s our top performer

Its extremely energy efficient

What testers say

York YH2F 1 & 2-Stage Heat Pump

York YH2F 1 & 2-Stage Heat Pump

Great versatility for the price

Not the most efficient, but it can still help you save

What testers say

How we test the best heat pumps

What to look for in the best heat pump

After deciding that a heat pump makes sense for your home, the next step is choosing the right system from an expanding market.

✔️ Size: As with conventional HVAC equipment, proper sizing is essential for strong performance and efficiency. Heat pump capacity is measured in tons, with 1 ton equal to 12,000 British thermal units per hour (Btu/hr.). Smaller units start at 2 tons, while the largest reach 5 tons. Square footage matters, but insulation and air sealing also affect the right fit, so a certified professional should perform a load calculation before you buy.

✔️ Efficiency: Although all heat pumps are efficient, some perform better than others. For cooling, look at SEER2, short for Seasonal Energy-Efficiency Rating. Heating efficiency is measured by HSPF2, or Heating Seasonal Performance Factor. In both cases, higher numbers mean greater efficiency. SEER2 ratings typically range from 13 to 25, while HSPF2 ratings range from 7 to 13. More efficient systems cost more upfront, but lower utility bills can help offset the difference over time.

✔️ Compressor design: The compressor functions as the engine of the heat pump. Basic models use single-speed compressors that switch on and off, similar to a refrigerator cycling throughout the day. Newer variable-speed systems run continuously and make small adjustments to hold a precise temperature. Along with better comfort and efficiency, variable-speed compressors are also quieter because they are not constantly starting and stopping.

✔️ Temperature performance: Newer heat pumps can handle severe weather, but not every model includes the upgrades needed for very cold conditions, such as low-boiling-point refrigerants and advanced compressors. Standard models without those features can struggle once outdoor temperatures fall below 25° F. In colder regions, look for an Energy Star-certified unit with cold-climate certification. Manufacturers may also list performance claims such as “100% heating capacity at –5°F and 70% to 81% heating capacity at –13°F.” Cold-climate heat pumps cost more, but they can reduce energy bills enough to pay off over time.

✔️ Connectivity: Because heat pumps are a relatively new category, many models include Wi-Fi connectivity, app-based controls, and advanced scheduling. That lets you manage the system remotely, such as turning the heat or AC off if you leave for a long trip and forget to do it before you go. In some cases, you can also give a service technician access to the app so they can track maintenance and watch for unusual changes, such as sudden temperature swings.