Heat Pumps Surge in Popularity

Heat pumps are having their HVAC moment.

Looking at the numbers, it is obvious that heat pump technology in the residential HVAC market continues to surge. Heat pump shipments surpassed gas furnaces in 2022 and have not looked back.

A big part of the reason for this trend is the strides HVAC manufacturers have made in cold climate heat pumps. Gone are the memories of grandpa’s heat pump that would blow cold air whenever it got under 45 degrees.

The industry is currently producing models that deliver dependable comfort all the way down to -13 degrees.

“Trane’s cold-climate heat pumps use innovative inverter and variable speed compressor technology that maintains efficiency and reliability even in harsh conditions. Unlike traditional heat pump systems that can struggle when temperatures drop, our cold-climate models are specifically engineered to deliver dependable comfort down to -13°F,” said Ryan Goodwin, Trane senior product manager. “The inverter-driven compressor adjusts speed dynamically to match heating demands, ensuring consistent performance even as outdoor temperatures plunge. This advanced technology allows the system to extract heat from outdoor air efficiently — even in extreme cold — where traditional heat pumps would typically lose capacity or require supplemental heating.”

However, working in cold climates is not the only advantage and benefit these products provide for the homeowner. There are a few other items that HVAC contractors should be sure to mention about heat pumps at the kitchen table.

These heat pumps have a compact and flexible design. The low-profile configuration allows installation under windows, decks, or along home exteriors. This technology is an option – even in areas with limited clearance where traditional HVAC units will not fit.

Another benefit that is enjoyed by the homeowner is the quiet operation. They are designed with a sound reduction of up to 5 dBA compared to standard units, which certainly helps to maintain a peaceful home environment.

“There is also year-round versatility. Our heat pumps provide both heating and cooling by simply reversing refrigerant flow — eliminating the need for separate systems,” Goodwin said. “There is also an environmental benefit with the all-electric operation reducing carbon footprint.”

The Trane heat pumps also work seamlessly with compatible Trane thermostats and the Trane Home app for remote control and monitoring.

(Courtesy of Trane)

There are a few things that HVAC contractors and technicians need to keep in mind when installing these unique cold-climate units.

First, the units need to be secured down to prevent them from tipping over or being blown over.

“The unit needs to be installed away from prevailing winds, If the unit cannot be installed away from prevailing winter winds, some method of protecting the unit is required,” Goodwin said. “In areas with large snow loads, the units need to be elevated to ensure no obstruction to the fan.”

Also, very popular in the cold-climate product space is the dual-fuel option. The products are sometimes referred to as a hybrid heat pump system. In this set-up, the cold-climate air source heat pump is paired with a coil and a traditional gas furnace. The heat pump handles heating during the moderate or perhaps very cold weather. Meanwhile, the furnace automatically takes over when temperatures drop below a chosen setpoint.

When pairing a heat pump with a furnace, customers can expect the efficiencies of a heat pump with the reliability and versatility of a traditional furnace.

“Many of Trane’s low-profile cold-climate heat pump models are dual fuel capable, meaning they can be paired with a gas furnace to create a hybrid heating system that delivers optimal comfort and efficiency in any weather,” Goodwin said.

It is up to HVAC contractors to convey all this information to homeowners who might either not be familiar with heat pumps or have an antiquated view of the technology.

“Contractors should highlight that modern heat pumps are engineered for cold weather, with inverter and variable-speed technology that delivers reliable performance down to –13°F — unlike older systems that struggled in low temperatures. They should explain the efficiency benefits (up to 20.2 SEER2 and 10.0 HSPF2), the ability to both heat and cool with one system, and Trane’s proven reliability as America’s Most Trusted® HVAC brand,” Goodwin said.

Trane provides extensive dealer training on system design, installation, and cold-climate heat pump performance, ensuring contractors have the expertise needed to properly size and commission each system. The smart thermostats and the Trane Home app offer remote monitoring and basic diagnostics that help technicians quickly identify issues and maintain system efficiency.

For advanced support, Trane offers Diagnostics Premium, an AI-powered, subscription-based tool that gives HVAC professionals deeper insights into system performance. It provides real-time troubleshooting through an AI Tech Assistant, up to a year of runtime history, maintenance trend detection, and shareable performance reports that enhance communication with homeowners. Diagnostics Premium works with compatible Trane smart thermostats (like the XL824) and is accessible through the Trane Partner Portal.

These resources ensure Trane installers have the training, tools, and data needed to deliver reliable, optimized comfort in any climate. For more information, surrounding cold-climate heat pumps, please visit trane.com/residential.