Your Guide to the Best Heat Pumps for 2022 and 2023
As a Lennox Premiere Dealer, Miller's Heating & Air is committed to providing our customers with the most efficient and reliable heating solutions. With the changing seasons, it's crucial to have a heating system that not only keeps you warm but also operates efficiently. Heat pumps have become a popular choice for many homeowners due to their energy efficiency and versatility. In this blog, we will explore the best heat pumps for 2022 and 2023, helping you make an informed decision for your home comfort needs.
Understanding Heat Pumps
Before diving into the best models, let's understand what makes heat pumps so efficient. Heat pumps work by transferring heat from one place to another.
During winter, they extract heat from the outside air and transfer it inside your home. Conversely, in summer, they remove heat from your home to cool it. This process is not only environmentally friendly but also reduces your energy bills.
Best Heat Pumps of 2022
As we look back at 2022, several heat pumps stood out for their performance, efficiency, and reliability:
1.Lennox Signature Series XP25: Known for its Precise Comfort® technology, this model adjusts in tiny increments. This ensures consistent and efficient heating. In fact, it's the most efficient and precise heat pump that you can buy in the market. Other top of the line specifications include:
Energy Efficiency Rating: Up to 23.50 SEER/10.20 HSPF
Variable speed
Sound as low as 58 dB
Energy Star certified
Includes SilentComfort Technology
Solar ready
10-Year Limited Warranty: On compressor and components
If you switch from a 10 SEER heat pump to a the XP25 heat pump, which is 23.5 SEER, you will save on average 56% a year in your cooling savings. It breaks down further by year:
5-Year Savings: $915 on average
10-Year Savings: $1,830 on average
15-Year Savings: $2,745 on average
2.Lennox Elite Series XP20: A great option for those looking for a balance between performance and budget. It offers a high-efficiency heat pump with a two-stage compressor for enhanced comfort.
Energy Efficiency Rating: Up to 20.00 SEER/10.40 HSPF
Variable speed
Sound as low as 65dB
Energy Star certified
10-Year Limited Warranty: on compressors
5-Year Limited Warranty: on components
3.Lennox Merit Series 14HP1: An excellent choice for cost-effectiveness without compromising on quality. A single-stage heat pump that provides reliable performance.
Energy Efficiency Rating: Up to 16 SEER/8.2 HSPF
Single-stage
Sound as low as 76dB
Energy Star certified
Solar ready
5-Year Limited Warranty: on compressors
5-Year Limited Warranty: on components
Please note that Lennox no longer produces this unit in 2023. Lennox, like many other brands, are focusing on the higher efficiency equipment. They do this so that their equipment to qualify for federal rebate efficiency standards.
Looking Ahead: Best Heat Pumps for 2023
As we move into 2023, the focus on energy efficiency and smart home compatibility continues to grow. Here are some top contenders for the best heat pumps in 2023:
Lennox Signature Series XP26: Set to be a game-changer, this model is expected to offer unparalleled efficiency and smart home integration, making it a top choice for tech-savvy homeowners.
Lennox Elite Series XP21: Building on the success of its predecessors, the XP21 is anticipated to offer improved energy efficiency and quieter operation, making it ideal for residential use.
Lennox Merit Series 15HPX: Aiming to provide better efficiency at an affordable price, this model is perfect for those looking to upgrade their heating system without breaking the bank.
Why Choose a Lennox Heat Pump?
As a Lennox Premiere Dealer, Miller's Heating & Air recommends Lennox heat pumps for several reasons:
Energy Efficiency: Lennox is known for its high-efficiency models, which can significantly reduce your energy bills.
Innovative Technology: With features like solar compatibility and smart home integration, Lennox stays ahead in the technology curve.
Reliability: Lennox heat pumps are built to last, providing reliable comfort year after year.
Quiet Operation: Many models are designed for quiet performance, ensuring your home comfort doesn’t come with noise.
Heating, Cooling, and Beyond
When it comes to maintaining a comfortable home environment, understanding your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system is key.
At Miller's Heating & Air, we specialize in providing top-notch heating and cooling solutions, including a variety of heat pumps and air conditioners.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the different aspects of HVAC systems, focusing on heating systems, the efficiency of heat pumps, and the benefits of various types of heat pumps.
Understanding HVAC Systems
An HVAC system is designed to maintain indoor air quality and thermal comfort. It typically includes components like air conditioners for cooling, furnaces or heat pumps for heating, and ventilation equipment for air circulation. The right HVAC system can efficiently heat or cool your home, ensuring comfort in every season.
Heating Systems: From Gas Furnaces to Heat Pumps
Heating systems come in various forms, including gas furnaces and heat pumps. A gas furnace is a traditional heating method, known for its ability to produce heat through burning natural gas. On the other hand, heat pumps offer a more versatile solution, capable of both heating and cooling your home.
Air Source Heat Pumps
Air source heat pumps are popular due to their efficiency and dual functionality. They transfer heat between your home and the outside air, providing heating or cooling as needed. These systems are known for their energy efficiency, often reflected in their Energy Star ratings.
Geothermal Heat Pumps
Geothermal heat pumps, or ground source heat pumps, take advantage of the stable temperature underground. They are incredibly efficient for both heating and cooling. Though the initial installation can be more costly due to the need to bury the heat exchange system underground, the long-term savings and environmental benefits are significant.
Mini Split Heat Pumps
Mini split heat pumps are a versatile option, especially for homes without ductwork. They consist of an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units, providing targeted heating or cooling to specific areas of your home. This setup allows for greater control and efficiency.
Heat Pump Brands and Efficiency
At Miller's Heating & Air, we offer a range of heat pump brands, each with unique features and benefits. When selecting a heat pump, consider factors like the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) and the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). These ratings indicate how efficiently a heat pump can heat and cool your home.
How Heat Pumps Work
Heat pumps work by transferring heat rather than generating it directly. In heating mode, they extract heat from the outside air or ground and transfer it indoors. In cooling mode, this process is reversed, removing heat from your home. This method of transferring heat is typically more energy-efficient than traditional heating methods.
The Long-Term Benefits of Heat Pumps
Investing in a heat pump can offer long-term benefits, including:
Reduced Energy Bills: Heat pumps are known for their efficiency, which can translate to lower energy costs.
Environmental Impact: By using less energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, heat pumps are a more environmentally friendly option.
Versatility: With the ability to both heat and cool your home, heat pumps offer a versatile solution for year-round comfort.
Improved Air Quality: Many heat pumps come with filtration systems that improve indoor air quality.
Clean Energy & Green Homes
The United States government and also local jurisdictions are pushing for clean energy and "green" homes. This is in an effort to battle climate change as well as save consumers money on energy bills.
One of the biggest steps forward for this Clean Energy unit is the recent signing of the Inflation Reduction Act. On August 16, 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) became law with President Biden's signature.
According to the IRA Guidebook, the law includes two dozen tax provisions, tax credits and rebates. These tax provisions focus on driving clean energy consumption versus traditional energy. Specific tax credits and rebates exist for high efficiency HVAC units, specifically heat pumps.
Heat Pump Rebates
As previously mentioned, the Inflation Reduction Act offers tremendous heat pump rebates. The amount of the rebate for home owners depending on their household income.
Locally, both Clark Public Utilities and the Energy Trust of OR offer rebates on high efficiency heat pumps. Here is some more detailed information:
Clark PUD offers up to $1,200 in rebates for a ducted heat pump and up to $800 for a ductless heat pump
Energy Trust of Oregon offers up to up to $1,000 in rebates (owner occupied)/ up to $1,800 in rebates (rental) for ductless heat pumps. For ducted heat pumps they offer Up to $3,000 (owner occupied)/ up to $3,000 in rebates (rental).
In addition, brands such as Lennox have seasonal promos with manufacturer rebates. The more efficient the heat pump the higher the qualifying brand rebate.
At Millers, we submit all available rebates on behalf of our customers. The goal is for you to have home comfort as quickly and easy as possible.
Routine Maintenance
Having your heat pump installed by a professional is crucial for optimal performance. At Miller's Heating & Air, our team installs your heat pump correctly and efficiently. Regular maintenance is also key to keeping your system running smoothly and extending its lifespan.
At Miller's, we provide an extremely thorough heat pump maintenance. During a heat pump maintenance, our service technicians:
Test the super heat and subcool modes
Check the Indoor/outdoor metering device
Check the capacitor and contactors
Check the compressor
Check the defrost board and sensors
Test the defrost cycle in heating and cooling modes
Clear and clean the condensate drain
After completing all those tasks, they will fill out an easy to read digital diagnostic checklist. This checklist will show you overall how your system is doing and any parts of it that need your attention. The technician will use a checklist to make 1-5 suggestions to maintain your system's optimal performance.
At no extra cost, our service technicians will perform a safety inspection during an annual maintenance. It can bring peace of mind to have a professional check your unit once a year for any safety concerns. They will bring up any parts or components that could be dangerous based on their condition.
During a safety inspection a technician will:
Test for any carbon monoxide leakage
Do a visual inspection to check combustion (only for gas furnaces)
Check air flow and static pressure
Do a visual inspection of wear on mechanical components
Do a visual inspection of all electrical components
Test and check heat exchanger for any cracks and/or failures
Major Takeaways
Whether you're considering an air source heat pump, a geothermal system, or a mini split heat pump, understanding your options is crucial.
At Miller's Heating & Air, we're committed to helping you find the best HVAC solution for your home. With our expertise in various heating systems, air conditioners, and heat pump brands, we can guide you in choosing a system that will efficiently heat or cool your home for years to come.
