Heat pumps are an integral part of modern life at this time of the year when the air is cold and chilly. They are very efficient systems for air conditioning, heating, and ventilation for homes all year round.
Heat pumps do a great job of keeping the air inside warm as well as heating water for everyday use.
In fact, heat pumps are an investment for a long time, as they can last for 10-15 years after appropriate installation. Since there are so many options out there in the market, it is difficult to select the ideal one.
So, we’ve categorized some of the best cold weather heat pumps that will be excellent for this winter season.
As winter approaches, homeowners take drastic measures to ensure they stay warm. Heavy sweaters, winter boots, and most importantly, heat pumps help you keep warm in your house.
A properly-installed heat pump can last you through extreme cold weather for 15 years on average.
Best Heat Pumps For Cold Weather Comparison
Name | Image | Editors Reviews | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Pioneer Mini Split Heat Pump |   | ||
Whynter ARC-14SH |   | ||
Stiebel Eltron Tankless Water Heater |   | ||
Hayward HP21404T |   | ||
18k BTU 19 SEER MrCool |   |
What is a Heat Pump, and Why is It Necessary?
A heat pump is a component of a cooling and heating system usually installed outside the house. During the cold season, the heat pump directs heat from outside and pulls it indoors. In warmer seasons, it directs heat outside to cool your household.
A heat pump is necessary to maintain normal temperatures in the house. Excessive cold atmospheres can result in respiratory problems, and excess heat can cause skin conditions and breathing problems.
6 Best Cold Weather Heat Pumps Reviews 2023
1. Pioneer Minisplit Heat Pump 12000 BTU-208/230 V
This heat pump features a cost-saving design and mighty cooling and heating. It has 12000 BTUs of energy, making it suitable for cooling basements and rooms up to 500 square feet.
It features an impressive 13 EER and a 21.5 SEER, thus being efficient at maintaining the set temperature. It has a heating capacity of 11,800 BTU/H and 9.0 hspf efficiency.
It comes with a wireless digital remote controller that enables you to choose between four modes; heating, cooling, ventilation, and dehumidification.
There is also an automatic switchover mode to allow for complete automatic operation. The heat pump comes with a timer to program it to start and stop at a specific time. It comes with a night mode feature that automatically adopts your temperature settings to match the varying body temperatures at night.
In case of a power outage, the pump is programmed to memorize all settings and resumes function at the previously set temperatures.
It creates minimal sounds of up to 39 dB indoors even while running at its highest speeds. At high fan speed, the heat pump delivers a strong 306 CFM for adequate air. The compressor is located outside.
Therefore the only sound produced is when air is being blown inside. It has a wide setting range that allows you to set temperatures anywhere between 62° to 90° F. Its wall-mounted unit and compact design helps save space for other equipment.
Its tubes are made from grooved copper that allows for more effective operation. It has an inverter technology, regulating energy output. The pump's components are made from high-grade materials for durability. The outdoor unit is heavily coated with enamel, and metal parts are galvanized for long-term protection.
Additional Features
Pros
Cons
Aside from it requires professional installation, this heat pump is one of the best heat pumps for cold weather made from money-saving designs, is durable, powerfully effective, and a good investment for your home temperatures.
2. Whynter ARC-14SH Dual Hose Portable Air Conditioner
The Whynter ARC-14SH dual-hose unit is one of the best environment-friendly heat pumps in the market. It features lead-free RoHS-compliant parts and an eco-friendly CFC Green R-32 refrigerant, which makes it eco-friendly.
It also has a patented-advanced auto-drain technology working to recycle moisture within the air. It has three operational modes; dehumidifier, air conditioner, and heating and cooling, which allows you to set the preferred atmosphere.
It has a fully programmable timer that works all day and night, starting and stopping whenever you set it to do so.
It has a 9000BTU (SACC) / 14,000 BTU (ASHRAE) cooling capacity. The pump produces noise levels of 56 dB, which is extremely quiet during operation.
Its dual hose operation feature allows it to cool and heat up to 500 square feet of space. It has a 71 pints per day dehumidifying capacity and a 253 FCM airflow at high speed. You have complete thermostatic control with a digital readout. The temperature ranges from 61°F to 89°F.
It comes with a protective cover for securing your portable AC unit. It also comes with pockets for storing your remote control, window kit, exhaust hose, and other items when not in use.
Additional Features
Pros
Cons
The Whynter dual-hose pump is eco-friendly, and if that is a selling point for you, then the price is also a good deal if you are in the market for a good cold weather heat pump.
3. Stiebel Eltron Tankless Tempra 15 Plus Water Heater
This water heater is one of the best efficient heating solutions for icy conditions. This water heater has Advanced Flow Control that maintains constant temperatures by lightly reducing flow automatically whenever hot water demand surpasses functioning capacity.
It has intelligent and smart technology that progressively ensures the lowest energy amounts are used to heat your water.
It has a true microprocessor-controlled temperature regulation and an appropriate digital temperature display and selector. These features allow you to program the favorable output water temperature anywhere between 86 and 140 F.
It also has true thermostatic temperature control and full total power-modulation depending on the incoming flow rate and the water temperature. This enables it to maintain the output temperature desired.
It needs 208 or 240 V electric service to function. At 208 Volts, it has a maximum output of 10,800 watts, and at 240 Volts, its maximum output is 14,400 watts. It needs a minimum of 100amp complete service to a residence.
It also has two distinct runs of 10-gauge copper wires and two distinct dedicated 30amp DP breakers for the heater itself.
It is tall and compactly designed to save space while efficiently providing the house with hot water. It has an electronic flow sensor that switches the solid copper inner heating system. The heater uses 15-20% less energy, unlike traditional electric tank water heaters.
Pros
Cons
The Stiebel Eltron water heater is 99% energy efficient. It is best suitable for areas with extremely cold incoming water temperatures. Overall, it is a good investment and ultimately worth a try if you are looking for a quality water heater for the cold weather.
4. Hayward HP21404T HeatPro 140,000 BTUs Heat Pump
The Hayward top-performance energy-efficient heat pump is an economical and quiet machine that helps maintain desired temperatures every time.
This HeatPro features the standard Ultra Gold corrosion-immune evaporator fin, delivering impressive durability, especially if you live in coastal areas.
It features an acoustic compressor cover that lowers noise for a quiet operation. Its body panels are UV-resistant and injection-molded, making them immune to deterioration and corrosion.
It has a compact design that is practical for an easy installation. The compactness is also good for servicing a new or used pool. The HeatPro pump also has a counter-flow titanium heat exchanger, allowing for chemical and saltwater corrosion resistance and maximum heat transfer.
It has a 140,000 BTU heating capacity to ensure your pool stays warm even past your swim season. It features a polyethylene screen that secures the evaporator coil, thus maintaining its peak efficiency.
Pros
Cons
Generally, Hayward HeatPro is a good water heater for your cold during cold weather. It constantly functions, thus translating to a never-ending swim season.
If you are looking to buy the best and a reasonably-priced cold weather heat pump for your swimming pool, then this water heater is your best option. It is best installed by a professional to avoid extensive damage.
5. MRCOOL Advantage 3rd Generation Heat Pump
The MRCOOL heat pump is one of the best digital heat pumps that incorporate different technological features to give you desired temperatures in your home.
It has an enhanced control-from-anywhere feature, which allows you to control your device anywhere with your Android or Apple smart gadget and an internet connection.
It has a SmartHVAC Wi-Fi control feature that enhances functionality. It is compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa.
It has a Follow Me function, a modern state-of-the-art personalized performance. As long as you have your remote close by, MRCOOL Advantage will keep track of your surrounding temperature to ensure you achieve maximum comfort.
MRCOOL Advantage has a leakage detection feature that detects low coolant and alerts you on the phone, thus avoiding compressor damage and protecting your investment.
MRCOOL Advantage has the Low Ambient Cooling feature, which makes it the ideal system for greenhouses, server rooms, and other applications requiring all-year cooling. It cools down to as low as 5°F. This device has an auto-restart feature that will ensure your air conditioning resumes operation when the power goes out and returns.
It requires 230 volts to function, which is a friendly power usage for its functions and uses 18,000 BTUs capacity. It has a Gold Fin condenser that makes it corrosion-resistant and durable even if you live in coastal areas. Its louvers are programmed to its previous position the last time the system was turned on.
This 3rd Generation Advantage Series elevates efficiency ratings up to 19 SEER and delivers top performance comfort from the minute it is turned on. The condenser features a top-performance compressor with chlorine-free environment-friendly R-410A refrigerant.
Pros
Cons
MRCOOL Advantage heat is a smart-functioning device that keeps temperatures at home moderate as desired. The best feature is the ability to control it from anywhere. It is a safe, efficient, and price-worthy heat pump for your home.
6. Goodman 14 SEER Heat Pump
The Goodman heat pump condenser is one of the best standard efficient solutions for a fully-electric house when paired with an appropriate air handler and heat pump coil.
The Goodman condenser weighs 3 tons, and in an ideal climate, the weight takes up almost the size of a medium-sized house. Coils or air handlers associated with this condenser may be purposely bigger in weight to maintain the pump's overall efficiency.
At 14 SEER, the condenser has the industry-standard minimum, enabling it to remain affordable upfront compared to higher SEER ratings.
The Goodman condenser is made with a long-lasting cabinet, having paint endorsed for 500 hours of salt spray. This assures its compliance with the 2010 Florida Building Codes Unit Integrity needs for harsh weather once well anchored to your area codes.
It features a built-in dual-flow liquids filter drier that secures the system from impurities in the refrigerant, thus elevating the unit's reliability.
It has easily accessible service valves with sweat connections and gauge ports, making the installation process easier and faster. It has SmartShift technology, and sound control top-insulation for quiet and efficient defrost cycles.
Pros
Cons
The Goodman Heat pump compressor is an industry-standard compressor that is built to function effectively and heavily. It is a good fit for your large house. If you are willing to spare the money, it will turn out to be the best investment in your house.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Heat Pumps
Before you purchase a heat pump for your cold weather, there are several things you should consider for an effectively-functioning heat pump.
1. Sizing
If the heat pump is oversized or undersized, it may not cool or heat efficiently and may increase your energy bills drastically.
2. Climate
New heat pumps function effectively in places with zero wide temperature swings and average cooling and heating needs. However, if you live in extremely cold climates, you may require an auxiliary heating system.
3. Energy efficiency
For homes in the Midwest, Pacific Northwest, Mountain States, and Northeast, 13 SEER is the federal minimum standard. For the remaining parts of the country, 14 SEER is the minimum standard. 7.7 is the minimum HSPF rating for every unit.
A higher SEER is vital in warmer climates, while a lower SEER is important in colder climates. Therefore, to make an informed choice, you should know that the cost of a heat pump system will be high as long as the rating is high.
Ensure your home is as energy-efficient as possible before purchasing a new heat pump. This enables you to get a smaller, more affordable system.
Who Needs a Heat Pump and Why?
A cold weather heat pump is essential for people living in cold weather conditions. It is also for that homeowner who is allergic to cold and tries to keep the home warm.
Generally, a heat pump is essential for everyone since winter happens almost everywhere. It is important to stay ahead of the cold by purchasing and installing a cold weather heat pump.
FAQs about Your Heat Pumps
Q: What are the different types of heat pumps?
A: The three main kinds of heat pumps include; split-ductless, geothermal, and air sources.
Q: What is SEER?
A: SEER is the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio is the measurement unit of the cooling effectiveness for ductless split systems and air source. The standard SEER for heat pumps is either 13 or 14.
Q: What is HSPF
A: Heating Seasonal Performance Factor is the heating effectiveness measurement unit for ductless split systems and air sources.
Q: How can I boost my pump’s effectiveness?
A: Heat pumps work effectively only by ensuring your home is equally energy efficient. To do so, consider doing the following;
Bottom Line
Summing it up, it can be said that heat pumps are very essential for every home in winter to stay warm. As the days get colder, it becomes impossible to stay indoors without a heat pump to keep you comfortable.
So, if you’re struggling with selecting a good heat pump for your home, you can check our reviews and buying guide. Our thorough discussion on individual features of the best cold weather heat pumps will help you make a smart choice for your home.
A properly-installed heat pump will ensure your home stays warm and cool, depending on your needs. If you are new to this, consider hiring a qualified technician to help you install your heat pumps.