These are free-standing, easy to move air conditioners that you can move from room to room. Because they need to vent hot air somewhere else, portable air conditioners are generally set up in windows and come with their own window kit. These are ideal for people who live in small spaces and/or only use air conditioning sporadically. They can be the most cost-efficient option since they only cool off one particular area instead of an entire home space. Some options even work double-duty by including heat so you can use it year-round. Traditionally found in college apartments and dorm rooms, today’s window air conditioners are energy efficient, quiet and overall easy on the eyes. They can be installed in any room with a window that leads to the outside and works by filtering hot air from inside outside through the window. Window air conditioners tend to feature a fan option, heater and programmable timer. They are an efficient and economical option for small spaces. Wall air conditioners look similar to window units with the exception that they are mounted on an outdoor wall and therefore filter hot air outside through the wall instead of a window.

They tend to be more energy efficient than window units because they create an airtight seal that keeps hot air outside. One main difference is that these units are actually built into the wall, whereas window units can be installed and taken down. They are therefore a more permanent option than window units. Unlike portable, window or through the wall units, the ductless mini-split model is not an actual unit that can be installed in one room or another. They are capable of cooling more than one room at a time, similar to central units, but they don’t require ductwork. They are made up of two main parts: a large condenser unit that needs to be installed outside and one (or more) compact blower units that can be mounted on the wall or ceiling. These mounted units are placed strategically inside the rooms or zones you want and can be controlled separately, so you can only cool the spaces you are using to save energy costs. Central air conditioning units are popular for homeowners who need to cool several rooms at the same time.

These systems are fully ducted, making them a more expensive option than portable or split units but can be the best choice overall for larger homes. They work by first extracting warm air from all over your house to cool at a central point and then distributing that cool air to your house through a series of vents and ducts. The hot air is then filtered outside. Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner (PTAC) Commonly found in hotel and motel rooms, senior living facilities, hospitals, condominiums and apartment buildings, PTACs are an all-in-one air conditioner/heating unit. They are commonly installed in walls and windows.Split-System Heating & Cooling Products A split-system home comfort system uses an outdoor (air conditioner or heat pump) and indoor (gas furnace, air handler or oil furnace) to deliver comfortable air to a living environment.In 2012, Goodman Manufacturing became a member of Daikin. Daikin Industries, Ltd. (DIL) is a global Fortune 1000 company.  It is a worldwide leader in residential and commercial HVAC. 

The company provides innovative, premiuim quality and energy-efficient indoor climate management, commercial, and industrial customers. “We will revolutionize the Heating and Air Conditioning Industry with the highest-quality equipment, manufactured by the best-producing workforce and sold for the best value in the market.”auto shops in miami fl In 1954, Harold V. Goodman, founder of Goodman Manufacturing Company, L.P., became an air conditioning contractor in the rapidly growing city of Houston,Texas. how much does it cost to have ac unit cleanedAs the steamy Gulf Coast city grew, so did Harold’s business, and by the late 1960s, he was one of the most successful HVAC contractors in the United States.air conditioner units wall

In 1975, Harold entered HVAC manufacturing with the formation of Goodman Manufacturing Company, L.P. The company began as a maker of flexible air duct and plastic blade registers. As this business grew successfully, however, Harold turned his sights to building HVAC equipment, recognizing the industry’s need for a high-quality, low-cost producer of central air conditioning systems. As luck would have it, Harold learned that another HVAC manufacturer was closing its doors and selling off its manufacturing equipment. He quickly stepped in to purchase the shuttering company’s machinery, transported it to a large warehouse in Houston, and in 1982, Goodman entered the market as a manufacturer of central air conditioners and heat pumps. In 2012,  Goodman was purchased by Daikin Industries, Ltd and became a member of Daikin Group.  Daikin is a global Fortune 1000 company and is a worldwide leader for residential and commercial heating, ventilation and air conditioning.

The combination of Daikin+Goodman created a very strong company which provides innovative & environmentally sound solutions for human comfort. Daikin Texas Technology Park Construction begins on a State-of-the-Art campus near Houston, TX. This facility represents one of the largest and most technologically advanced HVAC facilities in the world.  Reflecting Daikin's global commitment to local, in country, manufacturing the facility represents the largest investment made during Daikins 90-year historyCompared to what the market had to offer in the HVAC department several years ago, heat pumps today are significantly more efficient in terms of energy consumption. In fact, the technology advancement recently has even made it possible for typical systems to keep preserving heat during colder weather. What’s more fascinating, however, is the fact that such systems can also be used to heat water for daily household use as well as radiant floor heating. If you’re looking to replace your old HVAC system with the new one, this best heat pump review will sure be of a good use for you.

Generally speaking, a heat pump is a system that works exactly the opposite of an air conditioner. Instead of cooling down the air, it raises the air temperature by pulling heat from certain sources and channeling it right into your house. These sources could be the outdoor air, underground chamber, ground water, and other typical sources that can preserve heat during winter. The parts it consists of are pretty much identical to those of an air conditioner. It has a fan, a compressor, a heat exchanger, and a few others. Now what makes a heat pump a more interesting deal than an air conditioner is you can reverse its workflow and turn it into a cooling system. There are many types of heat pumps to suit every need. So, to make it short and quick, let’s begin by looking at the heat source. In this matter, heat pumps are distinguished into three different models: air-source, ground-source, and water-source. The majority heat pumps used in typical households are the air-source. However, there is a growing trend lately that water-source begin to take the shift.

Since air-source heat pumps “stop” functioning in extreme cold weather (under 40F), manufacturers begin to offer hybrid heat pumps also known as dual fuel. In normal weather, it uses the outdoor air as usual but during extreme winter, it relies on the gas furnace that it’s equipped with. You think that’s pretty smart? Well, there’s another type that’s even smarter. It’s called solar heat pumps. Instead of using electricity, it runs on solar power. Anyway, in terms of the sizes, you can either opt for a central heat pump or a window heat pump. The former heats the air way faster and may be sufficient for an entire house. Meanwhile, the latter is only good for one room but uses much less energy. Last but not least, there is a certain type called ductless heat pumps. Some people prefer to call it mini split heat pumps. It uses just one outdoor unit to pull heat from then transfer it to a number of indoor units via branch box. It is far more energy efficient than conventional heat pumps.

As opposed to combustion-based heating systems, heat pumps benefits are quite apparent. First, it’s safer since it doesn’t involve any fire to make the heat. Most heat pumps today are way more efficient at consuming energy. You will hardly notice a huge spike on your annual electricity bill. Additionally, it doesn’t create any harmful byproduct, in this case, it’s carbon dioxide. Moreover, heat pumps can also function as air conditioning system. Basically, it’s two devices in one package. Lastly, even though there is some extent of maintenance to be done to ensure its longevity, it’s nowhere near the hard work you have to endure to take care of a combustion chamber. The cost you need to afford to get yourself a nice heat pump installation varies, depending on what type of heat pump you want. A small window heat pump is generally sold in $500-$700 price range. A huge central heat pump, however, can easily cost you well over $2,000. Heat pump prices also vary with the brands.

Japanese brands like Sanyo, Mitsubishi, and Fujitsu are popular for their affordable mid-range heat pumps. Most of them are ductless, so you will probably need to buy more than one. In contrast, top-tier heat pumps made by premium brands like American Standard for example are sold in $2,700-$3,000 price range. Among the most important think you have to consider is your location. If you live on an area where winter’s cold can be very challenging, you will at least need a hybrid heat pump. If you can afford the high price, geothermal heat pump works the best against extreme cold weather. In contrast, if you live in a warm climate area, an air-source heat pump should be adequate. On to the next matter, consider hire a professional installer. It may be a considerable extra cost but if you don’t know your way around and still insist on installing the system by yourself, you will absolutely end up spending more money; As for the system itself, here are the most essential features you have to pay attention to get the best heat pump:

If there were one thing that makes Trane heat pumps so dearly favored, it would be their longevity. The heat pumps Trane manufactures are not simply a bunch of different parts put together, but thoroughly engineered systems which are built to last a long time. They are divided into four different lines: Standard efficiency, High efficiency, Super efficiency, and Ultra efficiency. Their SEER / cooling efficiency rating starts from 10.00 up to 17.65. Meanwhile, the HSPF / heating efficiency is rated from 6.8 to 9.85. Many of these systems have Energy Star rating, especially the highest end models such as XL20i and XV18. Speaking of Trane’s most advanced heat pumps, they are well known for having variable speed compressors. Compared to typical one or two stage compressors, these specially engineered compressors are more energy efficient and produce the least noise; not to say that they have the least chance to deviate while controlling the temperature. Being the second largest HVAC systems manufacturer in the entire USA, Goodman has been keeping a strict quality control over its products to ensure customers satisfaction.

Goodman heat pumps are particularly known to be not only of premium grade but also more affordable, as opposed to the competing units. On average, their units cost $1,400 at wholesale price. The sum can go as high as $3,600 if you choose to have it installed due to extra parts and fee for the labor works.  As for their efficiency, the SEER rating starts from 13 on the lowest end model up to 18 on the highest end model. The lowest HSPF rating is 8 – which meets Energy Star minimum requirement – while the highest is 9.5. Noise is barely noticeable, thanks to the application of discharge gas muffler combined with sound blanket. The most interesting feature, however, is the lifetime warranty for all compressors. Carrier is not necessarily the largest brand in HVAC industry but it’s certainly one of the oldest. The company had been in the business since 1902 and always popular for the systems’ unmatched efficiency. Carrier heat pumps are broken down into three series with the INFINITY being the most advanced units and PERFORMANCE as well as COMFORT following right behind them.

The highest SEER rating on Carrier’s INFINITY heat pumps is 20.5 with HSPF rating of 13. Such efficiency can only be achieved with the Company’s Greenspeed technology. It’s almost identical to the variable speed compressors offered by Trane, only this one is more quiet and more efficient. Unfortunately, like all amazing things, these heat pumps don’t really come with low price tag. As a matter of fact, heat pumps by Crane are one of the most expensive in the market today. The average cost complete with the installation is $5,875 while the wholesale price is $2,350. Let’s get you excited with the fact that York has handled the installation of heating and cooling systems on several major projects. By major I mean the company has ever been in contract with a number of leading country’s government and public facilities like Sydney Opera House, Paris Pompidou Center, and even the iconic Kremlin in Moscow. York heat pumps are well known for their durability against harsh weather.

The fact of the matter is its highest end unit, the Affinity heat pump series, has the highest HSPF rating (10.1) in the entire industry. In layman’s term, that’s the same with the most prominent heat pump when it comes to heating the air. The SEER rating on its highest is 18. With such records, no wonder York’s Affinity heat pump is awarded as the Most Efficient Energy Star 2015. Anyway, prices vary depending on which series (Affinity, LX, or Latitude) you want to buy but on average the wholesale cost is $1,900. Like most brands, Lennox heat pumps are categorized into three series: the Signature Collection, Elite series, and Merit series. Its highest models, the Signature Collection heat pumps, have been awarded as Energy Star Most Efficient Heat Pump for two years in a row (2012 and 2013). Perhaps, it’s because they are compatible with the company’s SunSource technology that can significantly cut down users’ electricity bill by adding sun power to the mix. Another impressive feat is their heat pumps are one of the least noise-emitting units.