Trane’s Best Heat Pumps

By Anne Fonda

When it comes to residential heating and cooling solutions, our heat pumps have your interests at heart.  

For some homeowners, the best value is the most important. For others, it’s energy efficiency or quiet operation. For many, it’s a mixture of those factors and others.  

This guide will explore Trane's best heat pumps, known for their energy efficiency, quiet operation, reliability, and value. We'll also share tips to help you find the best Trane heat pump for your home.  

So, if you're looking for a reliable and efficient home heat pump, read on to discover your next heating and cooling solution. Jump straight to a section that interests you or read our whole article. 

• What is a heat pump? 
• Benefits of heat pumps 
• Heat pump ranking factors 
• Best variable speed heat pump 
• Best multi-speed heat pump 
• Best single-stage heat pump 
• Quietest heat pump 
• Best heat pump for cold weather

Before finding your best heat pump, it's essential to understand the basics of heat pumps and why they are a popular choice for residential heating and cooling. A heat pump is a versatile HVAC system that can both heat and cool your home, making it a year-round comfort solution.  

For our purposes, we will be discussing air source heat pumps (ASHPs) since that is what we manufacture and install. They work by transferring heat between the indoor air and the outdoor air, making them highly energy efficient. 

ASHPs can extract heat from the air, even in cold winter weather, and distribute it throughout your home. This efficiency means that heat pumps can save money on energy bills while reducing your carbon footprint. 

Residential heat pumps are becoming more popular throughout the United States, as homeowners discover the benefits they have to offer. 

Top benefits include: 

With their high efficiency and energy-saving features, heat pumps help reduce your energy bills. According to the Department of Energy (DOE), depending on how large your home is, your climate, and your energy usage habits, you could save an average of $500 a year on your energy bills. By weatherizing your home and using a smart thermostat, you could increase those savings.  

Electric heat pumps offer year-round comfort, making them an excellent choice for homeowners looking to reduce their carbon footprint. By replacing an oil furnace or gas furnace with a heat pump system, you reduce carbon emissions. That’s better for your indoor air quality and the planet. 

Heat pumps are designed for easy routine upkeep. Because one system provides both heating and cooling, homeowners only have one primary comfort system to maintain. Many heat pumps are built with durable cabinets and components that support long-term reliability. They may also include easy-access filters and advanced controls that help simplify service. For homeowners, that can mean less hassle and easier seasonal upkeep while delivering dependable year-round comfort. 

Now that you know a little bit more about heat pumps, let’s move into our rankings. We chose the best of the best based on several ranking factors, including: 

• Energy efficiency ratings 
• Number of heating and cooling stages or speeds 
• Cold weather performance 
• Noise level 

Heat pump efficiency is another critical consideration when choosing the right unit for your home. The higher the efficiency, the more cost-effective and environmentally friendly the heat pump. You should also know that more energy-efficient heat pumps will cost more upfront but can save you on energy costs for the next 15 years or so. 

Due to their dual functionality, heat pumps are subject to assessment based on two key criteria: the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF2) when in heating mode and the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER2) when engaged in cooling mode. 

• The HSPF2, or Heating Seasonal Performance Factor, is an essential metric that quantifies the efficiency of heat pumps during the heating season. This rating encapsulates the heat pump's capability to effectively convert electrical energy into heat, ensuring your home remains warm during cold weather. 
• The SEER2, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, measures the energy efficiency of heat pumps while cooling your home in the warmer months. The SEER2 rating notes how well the heat pump can provide cool air on sweltering days. The higher the SEER2 rating, the better the cooling efficiency. 

“When choosing a heat pump, it’s helpful to consider both SEER2 and HSPF2. If you live in a warmer climate, SEER2 may matter more because it measures cooling efficiency over the season. If you live in a colder region, HSPF2 may be more important because it reflects heating efficiency. The best heat pump for your home depends on your climate, the comfort you want, and how you use your system throughout the year.”  

- Chelsea Hudson, Product Manager, Heat Pumps and System Ratings 

The number of heating and cooling stages or speeds a heat pump has can also impact its energy efficiency. 

For example, a single-stage unit is either off, or running at 100% capacity. It will come on when the thermostat says your home is too hot or too cold, run full-tilt, and turn off when it has reached the set temperature. Since a heat pump uses the most energy when it is starting up, a single-stage heat pump will have higher operating costs than multi-speed or variable-speed units. 

Our multi-speed units have up to 13 speeds and adjust compressor speed to minimize electricity usage in mild temperatures while extending capacity in more extreme temperatures. They may run longer at lower speeds but will use less energy while running. 

Variable-speed heat pumps, meanwhile, can run from 25-100% capacity for optimal energy efficiency and precise temperature control. Variable speed units will cost more initially, but can save you energy in the long run. 

For years, heat pumps have gotten a bad rap when it comes to heating your home in cold weather. There might have been an issue decades ago, but heat pump technology has advanced by leaps and bounds.  

There are also cold climate heat pumps (CCHPs) that are specifically designed and rated to not only provide exceptional cooling but also to provide heating at colder temperatures. To qualify for the ENERGY STAR® cold climate heat pump designation, a heat pump must undergo third-party testing (generally with AHRI) for performance at low temperatures, testing ASHPs down to 5°F.  

This is enough heating capacity for many of the homes in the US. But if you live in the northern tier of states where the winters are long and harsh, you can opt for a dual-fuel heating system where you pair a heat pump with a furnace. For most of the time, the heat pump can handle heating your home. In extreme cold temperatures, the furnace takes over. The switchover happens automatically based on your system settings. 

Noise level can be a critical factor when choosing a home heat pump. A loud heat pump can be disruptive and annoying, especially if installed near living spaces or bedrooms. Like any mechanical system, heat pumps involve moving components, such as fans and motors. Compressor cabinet insulation can be pivotal in reducing the noise level. 

Heat pump sound levels are evaluated and rated using a metric known as the nominal sound level, measured in decibels (dB). The lower the dB level, the quieter a unit is.  practice. 

To put this into perspective, consider the following reference points: 

• A sound level of 40 decibels is similar to the hushed ambiance of a library. 
• A level of 60 decibels is similar to a normal conversation. 
• At 70 decibels, a heat pump might emit a sound level comparable to that of a vacuum cleaner running at a distance of 10 feet. 

Trane offers a variety of heat pumps to cater to different heating and cooling needs. Finding the best Trane heat pump for your home depends on several factors, including your climate, the size of your home, and your budget. Let's explore some of the top Trane heat pump models to help you make an informed decision: 

 The 20 TruComfort™ Variable Speed Heat Pump with WeatherGuard™ is one of the flagship models in Trane's lineup. It’s our most efficient heat pump, and a great choice if you have long, hot, and humid summers. Pair it with an air handler in areas with mild winters or a gas furnace if you have colder winters. 

Notable features include: 

• Variable-speed compressor runs at 25-100% capacity for optimal energy efficiency  
• SEER2 rating of up to 22.4 for optimal cooling 
• HSPF2 of up to 10.5 for reliable heating 
• ENERGY STAR®-qualified for heat pump rebates with an appropriate indoor match 
• Precise temperature control within half a degree 
• Trane Link communicating technology for optimal system performance 
• 16 weeks/2,600 hours of continuous testing of a product before it goes into production to ensure you get only the best, most reliable HVAC equipment 
• Industry-leading warranty 

This newer product is a result of listening to our customers and using our innovation to create a heat pump that bridges the divide between a traditional two-stage heat pump system and a variable-speed heat pump system. Equipped with ComfortSeek™ technology, it dynamically adjusts compressor and fan speeds in response to outdoor temperature changes – working harder when you need it and conserving energy when you don't – ensuring optimal heating and cooling capacity even in extreme conditions.   

The 17 Multi-Speed Heat Pump offers maximum efficiency at the lowest cost. Some notable features include:  

• Up to 13 operating speeds for enhanced comfort   
• Up to 17.1 SEER2 for cooling efficiency  
• Up to 12.5 EER2 for performance in extreme heat  
• Up to 11 HSPF2 for reliable heating capabilities  
• Enhanced humidity removal for your comfort  
• Highest performance at the lowest cost   
• Meets requirements to be an ENERGY STAR®-qualified cold climate heat pump  
• 24V system compatible with your indoor unit and two-stage thermostat 
• 16 weeks/2,600 hours of continuous testing of a product before it goes into production to ensure you get only the best, most reliable HVAC equipment 
• Industry-leading warranty 

We’ve identified the Trane 16 Single-Stage Heat Pump as our best single-stage HP because of its high-efficiency ratings and more affordable price point. It replaces the 15 single-stage unit. This heat pump is also our best value.  

The best value does not always mean the lowest price tag. The best value means the heat pump provides a commendable level of energy efficiency and incorporates a myriad of industry-leading innovations.  

It strikes a balance by offering substantial benefits and advanced features while maintaining an upfront price point that is more affordable than our most cutting-edge and sophisticated units. 

Notable features include: 

• Lower price point 
• SEER2 up to 17.0 for reliable cooling 
• HSPF2 up to 8.5 for heating comfort 
• ENERGY STAR-qualified 
• All-aluminum SpineFin™ coil for durability 
• Single-stage compressor  
• 16 weeks/2,600 hours of continuous testing of a product before it goes into production to ensure you get only the best, most reliable HVAC equipment 
• Industry-leading warranty 

A single-stage heat pump is well-suited for regions with a mild climate.  

Along with being the most energy-efficient heat pump we offer, this does double-duty as the quietest.  

Some of our satisfied homeowners say it’s: 

• “Very quiet” 
• “So quiet we can’t even tell it’s running” 
• “A super-quiet efficient system” 
• “Exceptionally quiet” 

If the noise level of a heat pump is a critical factor for you, this is the unit for you. Why is it so quiet? 

• Runs at 51-75 decibels.  
• The variable-speed compressor runs at low speeds to maintain temperature and helps this heat pump run quietly.  
• It’s equipped with a compressor sound insulator. 

Our best heat pump for cold climates is the new 20 TruComfort™ Variable Speed Cold Climate Heat Pump with WeatherGuard™. It’s a field-tested cold climate heat pump (CCHP) built to perform in the harshest winter conditions that you might see in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, or Wyoming.  

Top features include: 

• Up to 20.2 SEER2 
• Up to 10.4 HSPF2 
• Can provide between 100%-107% of your heating needs at 5°F 
• Can provide between 67%-85% of your heating needs at -20°F, depending on size 
• Nominal heating capacity is one tonnage higher than cooling capacity for a heating-focused design 
• Available in 3, 4, and 5-ton capacities 
• Heating operation from -20°F to 66°F  
• Cooling operation from 55°F to 115°F 
• ENERGY STAR® Cold Climate Designation-qualified 
• Link™ Communicating Technology 
• Link™ Zoning capable when paired with an appropriate indoor unit 
• ClimaTuff™ variable-speed compressor runs at 25-100% capacity in heating and 30-100% in cooling for optimal energy efficiency, consistent within ½ of a degree 
• All-aluminum SpineFin™ coil   
• Durabase™ base pan 
• Compressor sound insulator 
• Nominal sound of 57-75 dBA 
• 12-year limited warranty on compressor, 10-year limited warranty on outdoor coil and functional parts with registration 

We also have several low-profile cold climate heat pumps. While not as efficient as this new CCHP, they are an option if outdoor space comes at a premium. 

It's important to note that while these models represent some of Trane's most popular heat pumps, there are many other options available, each with its own set of features and benefits. To determine the best Trane heat pump for your specific needs, contact a Trane HVAC Expert.  

They can assess your heating and cooling needs and help you choose the right model to achieve the desired comfort and efficiency levels. Whether you need a heat pump replacement or this is a new heat pump installation, be sure to ask about heat pump rebates. They can help you pay for your new heat pump system.  

Also, be sure to ask about 0% HVAC financing. It can help you spread the cost of a new system out over several years.  

Anne Fonda, Content Writer

LinkedIn

A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need.

She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism.

When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.

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