Best heat pumps in 2026: Which one should you choose?

A heat pump isn't just a heater—it's also your air conditioner. The same system that keeps your home warm in January reverses direction in July to keep it cool and dehumidified. That's one of the biggest selling points: One piece of equipment handles both jobs, usually more efficiently than the separate furnace-and-AC setup it replaces.

That dual role also means there's more to evaluate than just heating specs. When comparing heat pumps, you want a system that performs well in both seasons. To help you sort through the options, we reviewed hundreds of the top heat pump models, comparing key metrics like heating efficiency (HSPF2), cooling efficiency (SEER2), cold-weather performance, warranty coverage, and cost.

Five brands stood out: Mitsubishi, Carrier, Daikin, Trane, and Quilt.

Based on our analysis of the top heat pump models quoted on the EnergySage Marketplace, Mitsubishi, Carrier, Daikin, and Trane offer the best heat pumps available today, with Quilt as an honorable mention outside our marketplace. Each scored well overall on both heating and cooling metrics, but one of the five may be the best fit depending on your climate, budget, and setup.

Top heat pumps compared

*Installation costs are based on EnergySage Marketplace data and reflect an average across all heat pump system types and sizes. The quote you receive for your heat pump system installation may vary widely.

**Quilt pricing is shown per-unit and is based on third-party data. It is not quoted through the EnergySage Marketplace.

1. Mitsubishi: Most reliable; best for ductless systems

• Cost: $8,564 per ton (installed)

• HSPF2: Up to 12.5 (ductless mini-split); top ducted models reach 10+

• SEER2: Up to 23+ (ductless); up to 18.6 (ducted)

• Minimum operating temperature: -13°F

• Warranty: Up to 12 years (parts and compressor) with Diamond Contractor installation

Mitsubishi is one of the most popular brands on the EnergySage Marketplace, likely due to its reputation for reliability and efficiency. It’s one of the strongest performers on both sides of the heating-and-cooling equation—with Hyper-Heating (H2i) technology that keeps the system running reliably down to -13°F in the winter. In the summer, Mitsubishi's ductless mini-split line shines particularly bright, with some single-zone models reaching SEER2 ratings above 23—among the highest of any residential system available.

Mitsubishi's biggest drawback is price—it's the most expensive brand on our list. But for homeowners in cold climates, those without ductwork, or anyone who wants maximum all-season efficiency, the performance credentials and industry-leading reliability make the premium worth considering.

2. Carrier: Best overall cold-weather performance

• Cost: $4,350 per ton (installed)

• HSPF2: Up to 12.5

• SEER2: Up to 20.5

• Minimum operating temperature: -23°F

• Warranty: 10 years (parts)

Carrier's Infinity series leads our list for cold-weather performance, but it's a strong all-season system, too. On the cooling side, its Infinity 24 reaches up to 20.5 SEER2, making it a capable hot-weather performer as well. Carrier's variable-speed inverter technology adjusts automatically in both modes, so the system is just as smooth and efficient in keeping you cool in August as it is in keeping you warm in February.

What makes Carrier especially compelling is the price: It's the most affordable brand among our top five, and is currently the most popular heat pump on the EnergySage Marketplace. Its 10-year parts warranty is standard for the industry, but doesn't match Mitsubishi and Daikin's more comprehensive coverage.

3. Daikin: Best warranty coverage

• Cost: $6,187 per ton (installed)

• HSPF2: 10

• SEER2: Up to 22.5

• Minimum operating temperature: -13°F

• Warranty: 12 years (parts and unit replacement)

Daikin earns its spot largely on the strength of its warranty, but its cooling performance deserves attention, too. Daikin’s DZ9VC model reaches up to 22.5 SEER2, making it one of the most efficient cooling systems on our list and a standout option for homeowners in hot climates. Its HSPF2 of 10 and minimum operating temperature of -13°F keep its heating credentials competitive, even if they don't match the extremes of Carrier or the ductless efficiency peaks of Mitsubishi.

At $6,187 per ton, Daikin sits in the middle of our price range. The 12-year coverage for parts and unit replacement is the best in our ranking, providing homeowners meaningful long-term protection on a major investment. If you live somewhere with hot summers, value high cooling efficiency, and plan to stay in your home for many years, Daikin is a strong contender on multiple fronts.

4. Trane: Best durability

• Cost: $5,352 per ton (installed)

• HSPF2: 9.2

• SEER2: Up to 21.5

• Minimum operating temperature: -13°F

• Warranty: 10 years (parts)

Trane has built a decades-long reputation for HVAC equipment that simply doesn't quit, with a design engineered for durability. It offers a genuinely strong cooling efficiency rating that holds its own against the competition.

Where Trane falls short is heating—it has the lowest HSPF2 rating on our top five list. For homeowners in moderate climates, or those who prize long-term durability and a wide service network over maximizing heating efficiency, Trane is a workable option. But if you face harsh winters regularly and want to minimize heating costs, one of the models above will serve you better.

5. Quilt: Best smart technology 

• Cost: $6,499 per room*

• HSPF2: 12 (2-zone and 3-zone)

• SEER2: 25 (2-zone); 25.3 (3-zone)

• Minimum operating temperature: -13°F 

• Warranty: Up to 12 years (parts and compressor)

*Price based on third-party data—check with the installer for accurate pricing.

Founded by alumni of Google, Nest, and Apple, Quilt is the only heat pump on this list built from the ground up as a software-forward, design-first product. Its 2-zone system hits SEER2 25 and HSPF2 12, and the 3-zone system—launched in early 2026—reaches SEER2 25.3 at the same HSPF2 12, approximately 20% more efficient than comparable ductless systems. Each indoor unit is less than 8 inches tall, fits above doors and windows where traditional mini-splits can't, and includes occupancy sensing that automatically reduces conditioning in empty rooms. Plus, its sleek, customizable design allows for what some view as an eyesore to blend well with your space.

However, Quilt comes with a few shortfalls: It’sa ductless-only system, available in just 17 U.S. states through about 65 certified installers, and has been shipping products only since 2024. It doesn't have the reliability track record of the established brands on this list, but we’ll be watching it closely to see if it rises in the ranks as it establishes its spot in the market. For homeowners in a supported region without ductwork who want the most efficient, tech-forward system available, it's worth a look.

Our team reviewed dozens of heat pump models from major manufacturers quoted through the EnergySage Marketplace. Here's how we compared them.

Cooling efficiency (SEER2)

SEER2—Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2—measures how efficiently a heat pump cools your home over an entire season. Think of it like miles per gallon for your air conditioner. The minimum allowed for new heat pumps is 14.3 SEER2; high-efficiency models score 18 or above, and the best inverter-driven systems exceed 20. Every brand on our list offers models well above the minimum. For homeowners in hot climates, SEER2 may be the most important number on the spec sheet.

Heating efficiency (HSPF2)

HSPF2—Heating Seasonal Performance Factor 2—measures heating efficiency over an entire season. The minimum for new heat pumps is 7.5; top inverter models score 10 or above. Keep in mind that HSPF2 testing standards don't fully capture how variable-speed models perform in practice. That said, all inverter heat pumps are dramatically more efficient than a furnace—the differences between these brands are real, but they're incremental rather than dramatic.

Minimum operating temperature

This is the lowest outdoor temperature at which a heat pump can still function. Standard heat pumps struggle below 30°F; true cold-climate models maintain heating capacity well below zero. The best model on our list operates down to -23°F. If you live somewhere that regularly sees single-digit temperatures, this spec matters a lot.

Warranty

A heat pump is a five-figure investment that protects your home through the hottest and coldest days of the year. Product warranties typically cover parts for 10 years, though some brands extend to 12 years and also cover unit replacement. Labor warranties vary by manufacturer and installer—always ask what's included before you sign.

Price per ton

We compare upfront installed costs on a per-ton basis to allow for apples-to-apples comparisons across different system sizes. Prices reflect average quotes from the EnergySage Marketplace and will vary based on your home's size, location, and installation complexity.

The best heat pump on paper might not be the best heat pump for your house. A few key factors should shape your decision.

The easiest way to find the best heat pump for your home? Compare quotes from multiple pre-vetted local installers on the EnergySage Marketplace. You’ll even be connected to a free, dedicated Energy Advisor to help you make sense of it all—including equipment, efficiency, installer reputation, total cost, and more.