As we approach the end of 2025, now is an excellent time to look into a new heat pump system so it can be installed between the necessary heating of winter and the air conditioning of summer. Massachusetts still has massive rebates available for all types of homes and families, but these won't last much longer as they are starting to be phased out over the next few years.

But this post isn't about rebates, it's about the pros and cons of the most popular cold climate heat pumps. All of these brands offer heat pumps that are designed for cold climates, and so this will mostly cover the other differences between the various brands. This list is not ranked.

What is a Cold Climate Heat Pump?

Heat pump systems did not work below freezing when they were first invented. Mitsubishi was the first brand to crack the problem and ever since, many other brands have followed. Most models have a minimum temperature that is now around -15 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat pumps that can work below freezing are called cold climate heat pumps. If it drops below the minimum, the system will just work sub optimally, not break.

Mitsubishi

Pros

• Many models that range from small single room systems to large systems designed for the whole home
• All systems meet Energy Star requirements
• Works at 100% efficiency up to -15 degrees, and can function into the -30's
• Offers warranty coverage of 5-12 years for all models
• Reputation of being very reliable
• Widely available
• Some of the quietest heat pumps on the market

Cons

• Customer service can have long wait times

Fujitsu

Pros

• Models range from small single room systems to large systems designed for the whole home
• Most systems meet Energy Star requirements
• Has continued to push the efficiency window down to -17 degrees
• Offer ducted, ductless, whole home, and mini split systems
• Offer 2-12 year warranty with some exclusions for certain systems
• Reputation of being very reliable
• Widely available

Cons

• To get a labor warranty, the system has to be installed by a company that Fujitsu approves of. Depending on your area this can be a hassle. This can lead to high costs if there is a problem

Bryant

Pros

• Models range from small single room systems to large systems designed for the whole home
• Very reliable systems and several meet Energy Star requirements
• Newer models are especially quiet
• Very efficient systems
• Widely available
• Reputation of being very reliable

Cons

• Bryant used to have the most efficient systems, but in the last five years, several other brands have caught up
• Offers up to a 10 year warranty, which is less than others
• While in the mid range of price, systems tend to cost more than the equivalent made by some other brands

Carrier

Pros

Carrier is the sister company to Bryant. Several heat pumps are identical between the two brands and are made out of the same parts and often in the same factories. There are a few that are unique to each company, with Bryant making some more affordable models and Carrier making some higher end.

• Models range from small single room systems to large systems designed for the whole home
• Very reliable systems and several meet Energy Star requirements
• Newer models are especially quiet
• Very efficient systems
• Widely available
• Reputation of being very reliable

Cons

• Has some of the highest prices in the industry
• Warranties are not as comprehensive as other competitors

LG

Pros

• Models range from small single room systems to large systems designed for the whole home
• Several systems meet Energy Star requirements
• Very efficient systems
• Widely available
• Reputation of being reliable
• Because LG has no certified contractors, it can be significantly easier to find an installer/repairman in less populated areas
• Cheaper price compared to equivalent systems
• Systems tend to be smaller than equivalent systems

Cons

• It is confirmed to work down to -13 degrees on specific systems but most systems go down to around 0
• While the reliability is good, they do not have the same reputation as other brands
• Offers up to a 10 year warranty, which is less than others

Gree

Pros

• Models range from small single room systems to large systems designed for the whole home
• Some systems meet Energy Star requirements
• Widely available
• Because Gree has no certified contractors, it can be significantly easier to find an installer/repairman in less populated areas. Especially because the Gree heat pumps are designed to be easy to install
• Cheaper price compared to equivalent systems

Cons

• A newer company that has not had time to gain a reputation for reliability, and there are questions about the reliability of their systems. However, this company is a current rising star in the industry
• Lower energy efficiency compared to other brands
• Certain dealers can get a warranty for up to 10 years. The standard warranty is 6 years but it does include labor costs

Midea

Pros

• Models range from small single room systems to large systems designed for the whole home
• Several systems meet Energy Star requirements
• Efficient systems
• Reputation of being reliable
• Cheaper price compared to equivalent systems
• A long existing brand that recently started selling in the USA
• 12 year warranty if properly installed and registered with Midea

Cons

• Midea systems tend to have less technology in them, such as a remote control thermostat app

Daikin

Pros

• Models range from small single room systems to large systems designed for the whole home
• Several systems meet Energy Star requirements
• Very efficient systems
• Widely available
• Reputation of being very reliable
• Warranty options that range from 5-12 years

Cons

• Higher than average cost for similar systems
• Homeowners with questions for the company can have trouble getting customer service as they can be rerouted to the installer instead
• Certain systems are on the noisier end



Conclusion

This blog is just a collection of facts and popular opinions, not a ranked list. All of the manufacturers on this list make good products that could be perfect for your home. Hopefully, this list can just point you in the direction of the right heat pump system for your home and family.

If you have any questions or are interested in replacing your current heating or air conditioning system, call Modern Energy at (508) 449-0449.