High-Performance Cold Climate Heat Pumps for Toronto & GTA in 2024
Top Cold Climate Heat Pumps for 2024 in Toronto & the GTA
Choosing the right central heat pump for your home involves evaluating several key factors: capacity, efficiency, heating and cooling ranges, interface options, outdoor temperature tolerance, noise levels, and the manufacturer’s reputation.
Here’s a rundown of the top seven heat pump systems for 2024, rated on these criteria. Each of these models pairs well with existing high-efficiency gas furnaces or electric air handlers with a DX coil:
- KingHome ULTRANIXX (KU36UHO / KU60UHO) Notable Feature: Manufactured by Gree, the ULTRANIXX series excels in extreme temperatures and offers flexibility for harsh climates.
- Capacity: 24K – 60K (Field Configurable)
- Efficiency: Up to 20 SEER / 10.5 HSPF
- Heating Range: -22°F to 75°F
- Cooling Range: 5°F to 129°F
- 24VAC Interface: Yes (Factory Installed)
- Outdoor Unit Design: Horizontal
- Sound Level: As low as 45 dB(A)
- Manufacturer Track Record: Established in 2008 with a reputation for quality and innovation. Ratings:
- Capacity: 9/10
- Efficiency: 9/10
- Heating Range: 9/10
- Cooling Range: 8/10
- 24VAC Interface: 10/10
- Outdoor Unit Design: 10/10
- Sound Level: 10/10
- Track Record: 9/10 Overall Score: 74/80
Confidence Score: 10/10
- Carrier 40MBAAQ / 38MARBQ & 38MBRBQ Notable Feature: Carrier units are renowned for their efficiency and extensive operational range.
- Capacity: 24K – 48K (Individual Units)
- Efficiency: Up to 20 SEER / 11.6 HSPF
- Heating Range: -22°F to 86°F
- Cooling Range: 22°F to 130°F / -13°F to 122°F
- 24VAC Interface: Yes (Field Installed Option)
- Outdoor Unit Design: Horizontal
- Sound Level: As low as 62 dB(A)
- Manufacturer Track Record: Leading the market since 1902 with a strong legacy of innovation. Ratings:
- Capacity: 7/10
- Efficiency: 10/10
- Heating Range: 9/10
- Cooling Range: 10/10
- 24VAC Interface: 9/10
- Outdoor Unit Design: 10/10
- Sound Level: 6/10
- Track Record: 10/10 Overall Score: 71/80
Confidence Score: 9/10
- Mitsubishi PVA / PUZ-AH Notable Feature: Mitsubishi provides a balance of efficiency and quiet operation, suitable for various applications.
- Capacity: 24K – 42K (Individual Units)
- Efficiency: Up to 19 SEER / 11.2 HSPF
- Heating Range: -13°F to 75°F
- Cooling Range: 0°F to 115°F
- 24VAC Interface: Yes (Field Installed Option)
- Outdoor Unit Design: Horizontal
- Sound Level: As low as 51 dB(A)
- Manufacturer Track Record: Over 100 years of advanced technology and reliability. Ratings:
- Capacity: 6/10
- Efficiency: 8/10
- Heating Range: 7/10
- Cooling Range: 7/10
- 24VAC Interface: 9/10
- Outdoor Unit Design: 10/10
- Sound Level: 9/10
- Track Record: 10/10 Overall Score: 66/80
Confidence Score: 9/10
- Bosch Inverter Ducted Split System IDS 2.0 Notable Feature: Bosch’s IDS 2.0 system is known for its flexibility and factory-installed 24VAC interface, which simplifies service.
- Capacity: 24K – 60K (Field Configurable)
- Efficiency: Up to 20.5 SEER / 10.5 HSPF
- Heating Range: -4°F to 86°F
- Cooling Range: 15°F to 125°F
- 24VAC Interface: Yes (Factory Installed)
- Outdoor Unit Design: Vertical
- Sound Level: As low as 56 dB(A)
- Manufacturer Track Record: Over 130 years in home appliances with a strong HVAC market presence. Ratings:
- Capacity: 9/10
- Efficiency: 9/10
- Heating Range: 5/10
- Cooling Range: 6/10
- 24VAC Interface: 10/10
- Outdoor Unit Design: 5/10
- Sound Level: 8/10
- Track Record: 10/10 Overall Score: 62/80
Confidence Score: 9/10
- Fujitsu Halcyon MPAH Notable Feature: Fujitsu Halcyon units deliver robust performance across various climates.
- Capacity: 24K – 48K (Individual Units)
- Efficiency: Up to 19 SEER / 10.7 HSPF
- Heating Range: -5°F to 75°F
- Cooling Range: -5°F to 115°F
- 24VAC Interface: Yes (Field Installed Option)
- Outdoor Unit Design: Horizontal
- Sound Level: As low as 53 dB(A)
- Manufacturer Track Record: Innovating since 1936 with durable products. Ratings:
- Capacity: 7/10
- Efficiency: 8/10
- Heating Range: 6/10
- Cooling Range: 7/10
- 24VAC Interface: 9/10
- Outdoor Unit Design: 10/10
- Sound Level: 8/10
- Track Record: 9/10 Overall Score: 64/80
Confidence Score: 9/10
- Rheem Classic Plus RP17** Notable Feature: Rheem’s Classic Plus RP series offers reliable performance with robust construction.
- Capacity: 24K – 48K (Individual Units)
- Efficiency: Up to 19 SEER / 10.7 HSPF
- Heating Range: -5°F to 75°F
- Cooling Range: -5°F to 115°F
- 24VAC Interface: Yes (Field Installed Option)
- Outdoor Unit Design: Horizontal
- Sound Level: As low as 53 dB(A)
- Manufacturer Track Record: Since 1925, known for high-quality products. Ratings:
- Capacity: 7/10
- Efficiency: 8/10
- Heating Range: 6/10
- Cooling Range: 7/10
- 24VAC Interface: 9/10
- Outdoor Unit Design: 10/10
- Sound Level: 8/10
- Track Record: 9/10 Overall Score: 64/80
Confidence Score: 9/10
- Daikin Fit Series Notable Feature: Daikin Fit systems are designed for compact spaces, combining good performance with advanced technology.
- Capacity: 18K – 60K (Individual Units)
- Efficiency: Up to 18 SEER / 10.0 HSPF
- Heating Range: -20°F to 70°F
- Cooling Range: 0°F to 115°F
- 24VAC Interface: No (Proprietary Control Required)
- Outdoor Unit Design: Horizontal
- Sound Level: As low as 60 dB(A)
- Manufacturer Track Record: In the industry since 1924, known for cutting-edge technology. Ratings:
- Capacity: 9/10
- Efficiency: 7/10
- Heating Range: 8/10
- Cooling Range: 7/10
- 24VAC Interface: 0/10
- Outdoor Unit Design: 10/10
- Sound Level: 7/10
- Track Record: 9/10 Overall Score: 57/80
Confidence Score: 8/10
Conclusion
Based on our evaluation, the KingHome ULTRANIXX Series (KU36UHO / KU60UHO) stands out as the top performer with an overall score of 74/80, excelling in efficiency, sound levels, and operational range. Close behind is the Carrier 40MBAAQ / 38MARBQ & 38MBRBQ with an overall score of 71/80, noted for
