Manufacturers have rolled out their new heating equipment lineup for the coming winter, and the lineup leans heavily toward electric heat pumps alongside traditional gas furnaces and boilers. Many of the new heat pumps are built for cold climates, with several models rated to keep delivering full or near-full heating output at outdoor temperatures of -15°F to -22°F, and a few claiming operation down to -40°F. If you've been told a heat pump won't work in a cold winter, this generation of equipment is specifically designed to push back on that. Efficiency ratings commonly reach into the high teens and low 20s on the SEER2 scale, with some topping 25, and gas furnaces are hitting up to 98% AFUE.
For the first time, this roundup also includes heat pump water heaters, reflecting how common they've become as a way to cut home energy use. Several models use alternative refrigerants, including CO2 and R-32, which have a lower climate impact than older refrigerants. Warranty terms vary widely by brand, generally running five to twelve years on parts, with many requiring you to register the equipment online within 60 to 90 days of installation to get the longer coverage.
None of this is a new program or rebate, just the annual snapshot of what's available. But if a furnace, heat pump, or water heater at your house is nearing the end of its life, this gives a sense of what options exist and what efficiency levels are becoming standard. Energy Star certification on several models is also worth noting, since it can affect eligibility for rebates in your state.
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