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. We’re updating our list of the best Trane heat pumps for a few reasons.

First, our newest heat pumps utilize a low global warming potential refrigerant, R-454B. This makes electric heat pumps an even more sustainable heating and cooling solution.

Second, we have some brand-new heat pumps, and we’ve upgraded the efficiency on other models and renamed them to make it easier to understand exactly what the product is and what the SEER2 rating is.

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 specific needs.

So, if you're looking for a reliable and efficient home heat pump, read on to discover your next heating and cooling solution. 

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 ease of maintenance, with features that make it simple to keep your system in top condition.

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
• 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. Energy efficiency = cost savings.

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

The number of heating and cooling stages 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.

Multi-speed units have up to six speeds to 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.

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 testing by a third party (generally 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 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. Notable features include:

• R-454B-compliant for a more sustainable future
• 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 and tax credits with an appropriate indoor coil
• 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 brand-new heat pump 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.

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

• R-454B-compliant for a more sustainable future 
• Up to 6 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 furnace 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 15 Single-Stage Heat Pump as our best single-stage HP because of its high-efficiency ratings and more affordable price point. 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 a price point that is more affordable than our most cutting-edge and sophisticated units.

Notable features include:

• R-454B-compliant for increased sustainability
• SEER2 up to 17 for reliable cooling
• HSPF2 up to 8.5 for heating comfort
• 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.

We have several heat pumps that meet the requirement for the ENERGY STAR® cold climate heat pump designation (when paired with specific indoor units). Still, the best-performing heat pump in cold weather in our current product lineup is the 20 TruComfort™ Variable Speed Heat Pump with WeatherGuard™. Yes, this heat pump is the most efficient, quietest, and best in cold temperatures, making it a triple threat. 

It’s our top-tier heat pump and the variable-speed compressor means it can heat your home at temperatures as low as 5° F. This heat pump is tested to provide a 70% heating capacity ratio at 5° F and delivers 100% heating capacity down to 32° F.  You may still want to pair this heat pump with a furnace for a hybrid heat system for those really cold days.

In addition, we have a true cold climate heat pump in the pipeline. This CCHP successfully completed the Department of Energy (DOE)’s Residential Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge.

The DOE challenge to HVAC manufacturers was to develop new cold-climate heat pumps that deliver 100% heating capacity without the use of auxiliary heat and with significantly higher efficiencies at 5°F. 

When tested at the DOE’s lab, Trane’s CCHP prototype performed in temperatures as low as -23° F, surpassing the mandatory -20° F DOE requirement. After completing the challenge, Trane’s prototype underwent testing in the field as part of the challenge.

The redesigned unit is undergoing further field trials in Texas, New York, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Montana. The new design is expected to produce 100% heating capacity down to 5° F and will keep working down to -20° F. This is a big improvement on current designs that will result in a reduction of fossil fuel consumption for home heating.

If all goes as planned, this as-yet-unnamed CCHP will be available to homeowners in 2026.

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 Comfort Specialist.

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 tax credits and heat pump rebates. They can help you pay for your new heat pump system.

Anne Fonda, Content Writer

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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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