Mar. 03, 2025
Choosing the best heat pump manufacturer to work with on your project can really make a difference in the long-run.
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Most heat pumps last for 15-20 years with the most durable brands reaching 25 years of operation or more. The maintenance, management, support and ownership experience of a heat pump over the years varies from brand to brand, and picking the manufacturer that suits your needs best will make all the difference.
This article doesn't outline the most energy-efficient heat pump systems, or which brand offers the best heat pumps in the industry. We won't compare heat pump options in specific. We will look at how you should determine the best heat pump manufacturer for your specific needs.
Most well-known brands that have good reviews online are a pretty safe bet. The top brands are typically European, Japanese, Korean and American. This doesn't mean that there aren't any great heat pumps made in other countries, but it's less likely to have trouble down the road with one of these ' if they are commonly available in your country.
Each brand may have a reputation for leading a specific type of heat pump product. For instance, Mitsubishi dominates the cold weather heat pump market with their excellent reliability when operating in extremely low temperatures.
How long a manufacturer is in business is important. Heat pumps have been around for many years despite the technology only recently seeing increased adoption. A heat pump manufacturer with a long track record can be a solid choice compared to a relatively new manufacturer whose units have not been around enough to stand the test of time.
While we're on the subject, TermoPlus has been manufacturing heat pumps for more than 30 years and has contributed to more than '1b in total energy savings to more than 60.000 happy customers. More importantly, many of our first heat pumps are still working even after 30 years.
Each heat pump manufacturer has top, mid and lower tier product ranges. Some manufacturers treat these product ranges differently in terms of quality management, while others try to maintain a high standard for all product lines.
Sometimes you can come across a top heat pump manufacturer's model that was a total disaster. Sometimes you can also come across a specific unit that seems to last for years despite the poor design and quality standards of the manufacturer. These are the exceptions that prove the rule.
To be safe, after you have picked the heat pump brand you want to use, it's worth looking up individual product reviews online to make sure you don't end up with a lemon. Going with a reputable brand will save you a lot of hassle 90% of the time.
How do you know if heat pump's long-term performance will be above average?
A heat pump manufacturer that develops high quality products will use top shelf components.
For instance, Mitsubishi Electric is renowned for their legendary inverter-driven compressors. They have perfected this technology over the years and this is one of the reasons they make the most reliable air-source heat pumps.
Not only does the variable speed compressor match the heating or cooling requirement more precisely (resulting in excellent efficiency), it also reduces the current strain during start-up and produces a more stable temperature.
Copeland scroll compressors are another great example. These have fewer moving parts and exceptional sealing against leakages. They also don't have any valves ' which often fail. This contributes to significantly improved durability and efficiency. They have longer service intervals since they are not so prone to wear and tear. In addition to all of this, they use a high pressure ratio valve which reduces under compression losses, improving COP at high condensing and low evaporating conditions up to 20%. Their heating optimization and the Enhanced Vapor Injection allows efficient operation even in very cold climates.
TermoPlus heat pumps almost exclusively use Mitsubishi inverter-driven compressors for the air-source heat pumps and Copeland scroll compressors for the geothermal and commercial heat pumps.
Aside from the compressor (which is often the key determinant of a heat pump's lifespan), high quality heat pump manufacturers pay attention to other details too.
Large surface heat exchangers (the evaporator and condenser) mean the heat pump doesn't get overworked ' contributing to a longer lifespan.
Low vibration fans are not only less noisy, they also last longer. Brushless motors in fans also last longer.
The use of Electronic eXpansion Valves (EXVs) not only offers greater efficiency compared to Thermostatic eXpansion Valves (TXVs) but they also don't get clogged with impurities that can damage them.
Quality assurance systems, facility conditions and component supply chains vary from country to country. Most importantly, quality control cultures and traditions vary. It is hard to challenge the expectations established over the years for the quality standards of Japanese manufacturers or the innovation and engineering precision of European manufacturers. Of course this is a biased perspective but there is some truth to it.
The country of origin for a particular heat pump unit is certainly a factor to consider. Some Chinese manufacturers for instance, have made great strides in quality and meeting quality standards. However, compared to let's say a Japanese manufacturer with decades of tradition in quality control and innovation it is hard to dismiss the fact that Japanese heat pump brands are at the top of the quality game, and have been for ages.
Many of the top manufacturers in Europe have a long tradition in innovation and quality management.
Some specific countries have a long-standing history of expertise in producing heat pumps: Japan, the US, South Korea, Germany, Slovenia and Sweden are just some of these.
This also brings us to the next point.
Whether your heat pump was built to an excellent standard of quality is pointless unless it is well supported in your region.
To ensure access to spare parts and manufacturer-certified engineers and technicians your best bet is to pick a brand that is well-supported in your country. As the saying goes, when in Rome, do as the Romans do.
The European market is mostly a mix of European brands, with some Japanese and South Korean brands:
Mitsubishi Electric (Japan), LG Electronics (South Korea), Panasonic (Japan), Vaillant (Germany)
NIBE (Sweden), Hitachi (Japan), Samsung (South Korea), Carrier (US), Daikin (Japan), and of course, TermoPlus (Slovenia). Many new manufacturers from China are now exporting to Europe too.
The North American market is mainly saturated with US brands, with a few Japanese and European exceptions:
Carrier (US), Trane (US), Mitsubishi (Japan), Lennox (US), Rheem (US), Bryant (US), York (US), American Standard (US), Goodman (US), Daikin (Japan), Fujitsu (Japan). TermoPlus doesn't currently have a subsidiary or official sales network in the Americas,
In Asia, the market is almost exclusively dominated by Japanese, South Korean and Chinese brands:
Mitsubishi Electric (Japan), LG Electronics (South Korea), Panasonic (Japan), Toshiba (Japan), Hitachi (Japan), Samsung (South Korea), Daikin (Japan), Gree (China), Midea Group (China), Haier (China). TermoPlus doesn't currently have a subsidiary or official sales network in Asia.
Air conditioners are technically air-to-air heat pumps that (in most cases) can heat and cool. An air conditioning system will capture and transfer heat from the outside in exactly in the same way an air to water heat pump would except that they deliver it through hot or cold air instead of radiators or underfloor heating.
Over the years many air conditioning brands moved into the production of heat pumps. That includes well-established brands such as Mitsubishi Electric, Daikin, Panasonic, Samsung and LG.
Despite lacking product-specific advantages in other heat pump technologies such as large commercial systems or geothermal heat pumps, they produce excellent residential and commercial air-source heat pumps.
Some technological know-how from experience in air-conditioning has transferred into heat pumps. Mitsubishi's pioneering technological advancements in air-source heat pumps are well known across the industry. So, for air-source heat pumps in specific, choosing a manufacturer that used to be an air conditioner manufacturer in the past should not be considered a disadvantage.
Although at TermoPlus we have been manufacturing air-source and geothermal heat pumps for more than thirty years, we have adopted Mitsubishi's external units for our air-source range. We only work with these units as we recognize that Mitsubishi is the best heat pump brand for air source heat pump external units ' and is by far superior to any other.
Each type of heating and cooling system has manufacturers that stand out in the category. That is because innovation and technological experience are to a large extent product-specific.
There is great variation in product quality in the market for air-source heat pumps as they are the most ubiquitous type of heat pump. There are many manufacturers, many of which are relatively new to the market.
The quality of the manufactured product is a key factor that affects its lifespan. Product lifespans range widely with some lower end brands only lasting 15 or even 10 years and others on the higher end between 25 and even 30 years. The quality of the components used is a good predictor of the product's lifespan.
Support is generally widespread but varies in responsiveness based on the service provider.
With air-source heat pumps you have more choices to pick from. It is advised that you conduct your own research to pick a manufacturer that suits your needs instead of relying on an installer to recommend the brand they work with. You should, of course, take into consideration any issues pointed out by potential installers.
In any case, it is best to get the heat pump installed by an installer experienced with that specific brand.
There are fewer manufacturers of ground and water-source heat pumps as there are also fewer installations. This part of the market is not yet saturated with cheaper, less-reliable products. It is important to consider the experience of the installer with these types of heat pumps as the majority of installers work with air-source units only.
If you have limited choices, it may be best to pick the best installer you can find and go with the brand that they find most suitable ' so long as it ticks all the right boxes and the installers are experienced with it.
Commercial heat pumps are more complex to install and you need more experienced engineers to design the system. Especially if you wish to take advantage of applications such as heat capture, large pool heating, district heating, heat pump cascading etc.
With commercial installations you should not only consider the heat pump brand but the design and installation team that will also maintain the system in the future. It is advisable that you consider a few installer proposals and make a decision as you would for a long-term service package.
That said, if you consider working with a TermoPlus heat pump you will also get system design input from our product design engineers and the ability to get a heat pump custom-built for your needs.
One of the distinct advantages offered by TermoPlus heat pumps is the support we offer for system customization. We offer engineering support directly to installers so that your heat pump installation is optimized for efficiency by design. Even if this is offered by intermediaries instead of the manufacturer directly, it is an important to be able to reach out and get the right support you need to have your installation optimized by expert engineers and HVAC system designers.
Commercial environments represent some of the most challenging HVAC deployment conditions that you can encounter. There is a constant balance between equipment capability, automation and a variety of potential unique requirements within each individual facility. Adding to this complexity are emerging requirements for cleaner and more efficient energy usage which can challenge existing industry practices and methods.
There are a vast amount of HVAC equipment manufacturers in today's market and it has never been easier to source your systems and components from just about anywhere. One of the best ways to find the best options for your unique needs is to evaluate the offerings from the industry leaders.
Here is a list of the top 25 commercial HVAC manufacturers that will give you a comprehensive overview of the equipment and systems that are available. With this info, you can more easily sift through quality, service, and locations to find the right partner(s) to support your facilities. Please note, the following HVAC manufacturers are organized alphabetically and by category, thus they are not ranked or rated in any way.
@AAONHVAC
Tulsa-based AAON Heating and Cooling Products is a company that delivers a range of equipment to its many commercial customers including heating, cooling, dehumidification, air movement, and energy recovery elements. In addition to its popular product line, AAON also runs the AAON Technical Academy, a series of courses for educating technicians on AAON products. This specialized curriculum is designed to ensure that all AAON commercial units are installed and maintained properly.
Key facts about AAON Heating and Cooling Products:
@addisonHVAC
Addison HVAC is yet another leader in the HVAC industry that has, over the years, proven itself to be an expert in the treatment of ventilation air. Its diverse product lines are designed to be flexible so that commercial customers purchase only the systems that meet their demands. Addison ensures that all of its systems meet all industry standards, codes, and requirements upon purchase and/or installation.
Key facts about Addison HVAC:
Allied Commercial is known for designing and manufacturing some of the most heavy-duty commercial HVAC solutions on the market today. Currently, Allied's line includes a wide range of packaged rooftop units, split systems, unit heaters, and industrial furnaces. The company also works with a large network of over 900 independent wholesale distributors across North America for convenient installation and maintenance support.
Key facts about Allied Commercial:
The company is the world’s best Commercial Heat Pump Manufacturer supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
@Amana_HVAC
Amana is a top name in the electronics world, and it brings with it an enviable reputation in the HVAC industry. All of its products are engineered and assembled in the USA in its $440 million Texas facility. The company prides itself on manufacturing energy-efficient products including air conditioners, gas furnaces, heat pumps, packaged units, and more. Amana also offers some of the most comprehensive warranty plans available, such as the Asure' Extended Service Plan which requires signature labor coverage.
Key facts about Amana Heating & Air Conditioning:
@AS_HVAC
American Standard Heating and Air Conditioning is a popular commercial and residential HVAC manufacturer owned by parent company Ingersoll Rand. American Standard boasts one of the largest and most diverse product lines available including heating and cooling elements, air conditioners, air handlers, coils, and heat pumps, as well as a range of packaged light commercial options.
Key facts about American Standard Heating and Air Conditioning:
@BoschHVAC
The Bosch Group has been in operation for over 100 years and in North America, Bosch Thermotechnology is an industry leader for top quality water heaters and HVAC solutions. They offer sustainable commercial HVAC systems with a product list featuring tankless water heaters, heat pump water heaters, wall-hung boilers, Buderus boilers, and FHP geothermal systems.
Key facts about Bosch Thermotechnology:
@CoolingBryant
Bryant has been in the HVAC business for a very long time and they have an extensive product line for residential customers along with a few that are well-suited for light industrial applications. Their rooftop, line split, and ductless systems are all great options in the light commercial space.
Key facts about Bryant Heating and Cooling Systems:
@casrecruiter1
CaptiveAire is a leading manufacturer of commercial kitchen ventilation systems in the United States. They offer a complete line of fans, heaters, ductwork, and HVAC equipment and maintain a network of over 90 sales offices throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Key facts about CaptiveAire:
@CarrierAtHome
With its roots in modern air conditioning since , Carrier has been a global leader in energy efficient heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration systems. The business operates within the Climate, Controls & Security unit of United United Technologies Corp and carries a wide range of products and parts for commercial air conditioning, heating, and building controls.
Key facts about Carrier Heating and Cooling:
@ColemanHVAC
The Coleman brand is well-recognized in America and their HVAC commercial equipment is known for its lasting quality and reliability. Coleman Heating and Air Conditioning manufactures their equipment locally within the U.S. and provide gas furnaces, packaged cooling and heating units, split systems, evaporator blowers, heat pumps, and smart controls for commercial use.
Key facts about Coleman Heating & Air Conditioning:
@DaikinApplied
As a leader in industrial HVAC, Daikin Applied continues to innovate and find new sustainable solutions. A division of Daikin Industries, Ltd., Daikin Applied offers a complete line of HVAC components including air hangers, rooftop systems, fan coils, modular central plants, and condensing units.
Key facts about Daikin Applied:
@EDPACINT
Ireland based Edpac is an expert in precision environmental control, data-hall pressurization, HTM compliant air conditioning systems, cinema air management, and general air conditioning. They support customers throughout the world and have a unique knowledge of the critical applications needed to meet specific site requirements.
Key facts about Edpac International:
@ECRintl
EnviroMaster International Corp, better known as EMI, is a leading manufacturer of ductless split air conditioning systems. Included in their extensive product portfolio is the RetroAire product line of vertical packaged air conditioning systems which are an economical replacement unit for hotels, motels, healthcare, and institutional facilities.
Key facts about EMI Retroaire:
@Frigidaire
Frigidaire is a leader in HVAC throughout North America known for its impressive line of high-end appliances. Their product line includes air conditioners, ductless split systems, PTAC, and HVAC. You can find a local contact through their website to discuss your specific commercial applications.
Key facts about Frigidaire HVAC:
@LennoxAir
Lennox Commercial is a leader in advanced, energy-efficient HVAC systems for light commercial buildings. They offer a full line of rooftop units, split systems, and heating solutions. Their Lennox VRF product line utilizes the energy advantages of variable refrigerant flow and is suitable for a wide variety of building and workplace environments.
Key facts about Lennox Commercial:
@LGHVACUSA
LG Air Conditioning Technologies, a division of Korea based LG Electronics, is an industry leading commercial HVAC provider. Their platform is built upon the Multi V Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) series system that connects multiple indoor units to a single outdoor unit and offers superior control of the configuration.
Key facts about LG Air Conditioning Technologies:
@lux_products
LUX is an innovator in thermostat and HVAC control solutions for residential and light commercial applications. They offer detailed training and support to their extensive team of contractors, wholesalers, and builders who expertly install and service their equipment.
Key facts about Lux Products:
@MitsubishiHVAC
In , Mitsubishi Electric and Ingersoll Rand (the parent company of popular HVAC manufacturer, Trane), joined forces to create a dynamic line of heating and cooling products. Mitsubishi's Light Commercial line includes fuss-free, flexible systems such as an efficient ducted air handler, wall-mounted heating and cooling units, and ceiling suspended systems.
Key facts about Mitsubishi Electric Cooling & Heating:
@Nortek_HVAC
Nortek Global HVAC has been making waves in the industry for years; the manufacturer made the first-ever heater for manufactured housing and residential gas/electric housing system. These days, Nortek is continuing to innovate in the commercial market, designing HVAC systems that are built to last for a range of climates and needs.
Key facts about Nortek Global HVAC:
@rheem
In operation for nearly 100 years, Rheem is North America's largest manufacturer of water heating products and also has a full line of commercial high-efficiency HVAC products. Options include package air conditioners, heat pumps, split air conditioners, and air handlers. They also offer a series of specification tools on their website specific to particular industries.
Key facts about Rheem:
@SeeleyInternat1
Seeley International is Australia's largest and most award air conditioning manufacturer, known for its line of rooftop evaporative coolers. These evaporative coolers are known to be quieter and more efficient than traditional refrigerated air conditioners while providing clean, fresh air. They are a suitable HVAC solution for large open spaces and ideal in a number of commercial applications including manufacturing plants, warehouses, and recreational centers.
Key facts about Seeley International:
@Siemens
Siemens is a global leader of HVAC control systems that enable building automation. Their product offering includes useful hardware such as sensors, valves, meters and actuators for measuring and adjusting your HVAC equipment settings. These components are designed for communication with their centralized tools and apps for adjustments to maximize efficiency.
Key facts about Siemens:
@SPXCoolingTech
Award-winning SPX Cooling Technologies, Inc. is a century's-old HVAC leader based in Overland Park, Kansas. The company has a comprehensive commercial catalog, boasting technologies including cooling towers, air cooled heat exchangers, condensers, controls, and water management systems. SPX customizes components to fit business' needs and even offers rental options for its signature cooling towers.
Key facts about SPX Cooling Technologies, Inc.:
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