Make sure to keep at least 2 to 3 feet of space between the unit and any plants or structures. The most practical choice for heating or cooling large air conditioning remains a challenge. 6. It may seem counterintuitive, but it takes much less energy to move a tiny bit of heat all the time than to move a lot of heat quickly. Heat pumps arent the most practical heating solution for every home. There are qualified Panasonic installers scattered throughout major North American markets. Its also much better at keeping relative humidity under control than single-speed models are. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. One nuance to consider: If youre planning on keeping a backup heating system alongside your heat pump, you could consider getting an undersized heat pump. Heat pumps with higher SEER ratings also tend to have higher HSPF ratings, though theres no direct relationship between the two. This means it can ramp right down and maintain a constant temperature, instead of switching on and off, causing fluctuations. Basic heat pumps have been common in the lower-numbered zones for decades. Well describe the features to look for and share tips on how to find a qualified installer. It also offers smart connectivity via the Comfort Cloud app with a built-in Wi-Fi function to control your AC from anywhere, and voice assistance with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Ductless (aka Mini-Split) Air-Source Heat PumpThis kind of system heats and cools air just like a ducted model, but it does not rely on ductwork to move warm or cool air through your house. Panasonic The Panasonic Z XKR Series (8.0kW/9.0kW) Wi-Fi Reverse Cycle Split System is suitable for larger rooms and likely capable of handling a family's needs. Another winning feature in the Daikin range is an automatic self-cleaning filter which removes dust to maintain the airflow and reduce power consumption. There are companies, like Mr. A heat pump heats and cools your home, functioning like a combined furnace and central air conditioner. So based on those facts, I would go the Panasonic. Daikin's mini-split, ductless air conditioners are popular outside the United States, in areas where ducted HVAC systems are uncommon. The app can potentially benefit some folks by also controlling other LG smart appliances at home, which would be convenientand, to LGs credit, after watching a lot of appliance makers apps have their ups and downs over the years, SmartThinQs roughly 4.0-star average across more than 30,000 reviews is definitely above average for the category. Its visual appearance and reliability were highly rated and regarded. The 5-zone unit our Hawaii friend installed required a dedicated 40 A breaker for its 230-volt service, and his installation crew used a licensed electrical sub-contractor for the work, adding cost. content: `Our journalists and editors are committed to bringing you accurate, clear and detailed information, and ensuring this page gives you the full picture at the time of publication or update.