Which Heat Pump Brand Should You Go With?
We know there’s a lot to consider when choosing a heat pump — from system types to rebates and efficiency ratings. With so much information out there, it can be tough to sort through it all. That’s why we’ve put together the key facts, data, and insights in one place — to help you make a confident, informed decision that’s right for your home or business.
What to look for in a heat pump
HSPF2
HSPF2 stands for Heating Seasonal Performance Factor 2. It’s the updated standard for measuring how efficiently a heat pump provides heat, introduced by the Department of Energy in 2023. HSPF2 ratings go up to a maximum of 14.6—the higher the number, the more efficient the unit. A higher HSPF2 can mean lower heating costs and better real-world performance.
SEER2
SEER2 stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating 2. It’s the updated way to measure how efficiently an air conditioner or heat pump cools your home. Introduced to better reflect real-world conditions, SEER2 replaced the older SEER system in 2023. The scale goes up to 42—the higher the number, the more efficient the unit. A higher SEER2 means better cooling performance and potential energy savings. No heat pump is higher than a 34 SEER2 value.
Breaker Size
Breaker size can tell you a lot about how much electricity a heat pump uses. In general, the higher the breaker size, the more energy the unit is likely to consume. For example, if a smaller unit like a 9,000 BTU heat pump requires a 20-amp breaker, it could be less efficient than other models of the same size that run on a lower amperage. Paying attention to breaker size is one more way to spot which systems are truly energy-efficient.
BTU's in Colder Weather
In Maine’s long, cold winters, it’s essential to choose a wall-mounted mini-split heat pump that can maintain strong BTU output even in freezing temperatures. Many units lose efficiency as temps drop, but cold-climate models are built to deliver reliable heat—even at -5°F or lower. This means better comfort, fewer backup heating needs, and lower energy costs all winter long.
Brass Tacks
We know choosing the right heat pump can feel overwhelming with so many brands out there. That’s why we’ve gathered performance and efficiency data from the manufacturers and distributors of four of the biggest names in the industry: Fujitsu, Mitsubishi, Daikin, and Samsung.
Let’s take a look at what the numbers say. The results might just surprise you.
