Window unit heat pumps use AC technology to supply both air conditioning and heating to a room or zone. These units are quite new but are growing in popularity because they provide cost-effective heating in single rooms and zones. It is much cheaper to heat with a window heat pump than it is with a space heater.

What Is a Window Unit Heat Pump?

A window unit heat pump is a window AC that does double duty. It cools as usual in hot weather. In cool weather, the work of the refrigerant is reversed and heat is captured outside and brought into the house.

Some window air conditioners include a heating coil similar to those used in space heaters. These units are not the same as window unit heat pumps. The heat they create is much more costly. When shopping for a unit that both cools and heats, make sure it is a window heat pump and not just an AC with a heater if you want to keep your utility bills as low as possible.

How Does a Window Heat Pump Work?

These units contain refrigerant that has the ability to capture heat, carry it somewhere else and release it. In a window unit heat pump, it travels a short distance, unlike in a central heat pump system.

When cooling, the refrigerant captures heat from the inside air and releases it in a coil at the back of the unit. The coil is not the same type of heating coil mentioned above, but more like a radiator. You’ve probably noticed the sharp, narrow fins on the back of a window air conditioner. Their role is to maximize surface area and speed up the transfer of hot air.

The technology is reversed for cooling. Heat is drawn from the outside air and released at the front of the unit where the fan blows it into the room.

What are the Most Common Brands of Window Unit Heat Pump?

The leading brands of window unit heat pumps are Amana, American Comfort, Carrier, Comfort-Aire, Crosley, Danby, DeLonghi, Friedrich, General Electric, Soleus Air and Sunpentown (SPT).

How Much Does a Window Heat Pump Cost?

The price is determined by the capacity of the heat pump – they range from about 8,000 BTU to 25,000 BTU—and the features it offers. The smallest window unit heat pumps cost $500-$700 and the largest models cost more than $2,000. Units in the popular 12,000-18,000 BTU range cost $800-$1,400.

Window Unit Heat Pumps

The top rated heat pump brands for 2012 share many common factors. They make high-efficiency models that reduce energy use and utility bills. Their product lineups offer diverse products for a range of customers. And they have excellent service records for quality. Here are the 2012 top rated heat pump brands.

Carrier: This highly-rated brand takes top honors this year in part for the introduction of the newest Carrier heat pump the Carrier Infinity 25VNAO, also called the Carrier Greenspeed. This dynamic new heat pump delivers 22 SEER cooling and 13.0 HSPF that is the highest in the industry. Quality is found throughout the entire lineup, demonstrated by the fact the least expensive series, the Carrier Base heat pumps, are backed by the same 10-year warranty the top of the line Infinity heat pumps carry.

Trane: This brand has one of the best service records in the industry. All Trane heat pumps are durable and very reliable. The top of the line Trane XL heat pumps offer excellent efficiency and indoor comfort. They are also dual fuel models that can be used in a split system with a gas furnace, making them an ideal choice for northern climates. Trane’s other lines, the XR and the XB heat pumps, offer more affordable options in a range of efficiency levels.

Lennox: Top of the line Lennox Signature Series XP models are efficient and dependable. Fans of green technology appreciate the Lennox SunSource solar modules that can produce enough power to run the entire HVAC system in sunny climates. XP modules are also dual fuel for greater versatility. Elite Series and the Merit Series of Lennox heat pumps offer a range of performance and efficiency choices that are more affordable.

American Standard: One of the HVAC industry’s oldest brands, American Standard continues to develop energy-efficient heat pumps that offer excellent climate control. The American Standard Platinum Series delivers efficiencies up to 19 SEER and 9.0 HSPF along with 2-stage performance. American Standard Gold and Silver Series products offer good choices for homeowners depending in their climate and need for energy efficiency.

Rheem: For excellent value, Rheem heat pumps are hard to beat. Rheem’s 3 lines are the Prestige, Classic and Value Series, with a range of efficiency levels for different needs. There is good quality found throughout the lineup and Rheem heat pump prices are very competitive for a brand with their track record of reliability.

Take time to browse products from all of these brands. You’ll find quality models with the efficiency and performance you want in your next heat pump. When you make the decision to purchase a new heat pump, you will want to get several estimates from HVAC contractors. It will be helpful to know the average heat pump installation cost so you are knowledgeable when speaking with each company.

2012 Top Rated Heat Pump Brands