Choosing the Best Heat Pump Manufacturer: A Pro Guide to Making an Informed Choice

Wondering who makes the best heat pumps or what is the best brand of heat pump is? Choosing the best heat pump manufacturer to work with on your project can really make a difference in the long run.

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Most heat pumps last for 15-20 years with the most durable brands reaching 25 years of operation or more. The maintenance, management, support, and ownership experience of a heat pump over the years varies from brand to brand, and picking the manufacturer that suits your needs best will make all the difference.

This article doesn’t outline the most energy-efficient heat pump systems, or which brand offers the best heat pumps in the industry. We won’t compare heat pump options in specific. We will look at how you should determine the best heat pump manufacturer for your specific needs.

Heat pump brand reputation

Most well-known brands that have good reviews online are a pretty safe bet. The top brands are typically European, Japanese, Korean and American. This doesn’t mean that there aren’t any great heat pumps made in other countries, but it’s less likely to have trouble down the road with one of these – if they are commonly available in your country. 

Each brand may have a reputation for leading a specific type of heat pump product. For instance, Mitsubishi dominates the cold weather heat pump market with their excellent reliability when operating in extremely low temperatures. 

Heat pump manufacturer history

How long a manufacturer is in business is important. Heat pumps have been around for many years despite the technology only recently seeing increased adoption. A heat pump manufacturer with a long track record can be a solid choice compared to a relatively new manufacturer whose units have not been around enough to stand the test of time.

While we’re on the subject, TermoPlus has been manufacturing heat pumps for more than 30 years and has contributed to more than  €1b in total energy savings to more than 60.000 happy customers. More importantly, many of our first heat pumps are still working even after 30 years. 

A note about individual heat pump models

All manufacturers of heat pumps have top, mid, and lower tier product ranges. Some manufacturers treat these product ranges differently in terms of quality management, while others try to maintain a high standard for all product lines. 

Sometimes you can come across a top heat pump manufacturer’s model that was a total disaster. Sometimes you can also come across a specific unit that seems to last for years despite the poor design and quality standards of the manufacturer. These are the exceptions that prove the rule.

To be safe, after you have picked the heat pump brand you want to use, it’s worth looking up individual product reviews online to make sure you don’t end up with a lemon. Going with a reputable brand will save you a lot of hassle 90% of the time.

How and where the heat pump units are manufactured

How do you know if heat pump’s long-term performance will be above average?

Components

A heat pump manufacturer that develops high quality products will use top shelf components. 

For instance, Mitsubishi Electric is renowned for their legendary inverter-driven compressors. They have perfected this technology over the years and this is one of the reasons they make the most reliable air-source heat pumps.

Not only does the variable speed compressor match the heating or cooling requirement more precisely (resulting in excellent efficiency), it also reduces the current strain during start-up and produces a more stable temperature.

Copeland scroll compressors are another great example. These have fewer moving parts and exceptional sealing against leakages. They also don’t have any valves – which often fail. This contributes to significantly improved durability and efficiency. They have longer service intervals since they are not so prone to wear and tear. In addition to all of this, they use a high pressure ratio valve which reduces under compression losses, improving COP at high condensing and low evaporating conditions up to 20%. Their heating optimization and the Enhanced Vapor Injection allows efficient operation even in very cold climates.

TermoPlus heat pumps almost exclusively use Mitsubishi inverter-driven compressors for the air-source heat pumps and Copeland scroll compressors for the geothermal and commercial heat pumps.

Aside from the compressor (which is often the key determinant of a heat pump’s lifespan), high quality heat pump manufacturers pay attention to other details too.  

Large surface heat exchangers (the evaporator and condenser) mean the heat pump doesn’t get overworked – contributing to a longer lifespan.  

Low vibration fans are not only less noisy, they also last longer. Brushless motors in fans also last longer.

The use of Electronic eXpansion Valves (EXVs) not only offers greater efficiency compared to Thermostatic eXpansion Valves (TXVs) but they also don’t get clogged with impurities that can damage them.

Manufacture / Assembly Location

Quality assurance systems, facility conditions and component supply chains vary from country to country. Most importantly, quality control cultures and traditions vary. It is hard to challenge the expectations established over the years for the quality standards of Japanese manufacturers or the innovation and engineering precision of European manufacturers. Of course this is a biased perspective but there is some truth to it.

The country of origin for a particular heat pump unit is certainly a factor to consider. Some Chinese manufacturers for instance, have made great strides in quality and meeting quality standards. However, compared to let’s say a Japanese manufacturer with decades of tradition in quality control and innovation it is hard to dismiss the fact that Japanese heat pump brands are at the top of the quality game, and have been for ages. 

Many of the top manufacturers in Europe have a long tradition in innovation and quality management. 

Some specific countries have a long-standing history of expertise in producing heat pumps: Japan, the US, South Korea, Germany, Slovenia and Sweden are just some of these. 

This also brings us to the next point.

Top-rated heat pump manufacturers by region

Whether your heat pump was built to an excellent standard of quality is pointless unless it is well supported in your region.

To ensure access to spare parts and manufacturer-certified engineers and technicians your best bet is to pick a brand that is well-supported in your country.  As the saying goes, when in Rome, do as the Romans do.

The European market is mostly a mix of European brands, with some Japanese and South Korean brands:

Mitsubishi Electric (Japan), LG Electronics (South Korea), Panasonic (Japan), Vaillant (Germany)
NIBE (Sweden), Hitachi (Japan), Samsung (South Korea), Carrier (US), Daikin (Japan), and of course, TermoPlus (Slovenia). Many new manufacturers from China are now exporting to Europe too.

The North American market is mainly saturated with US brands, with a few Japanese and European exceptions:

Carrier (US), Trane (US), Mitsubishi (Japan), Lennox (US), Rheem (US), Bryant (US), York (US), American Standard (US), Goodman (US), Daikin (Japan), Fujitsu (Japan). TermoPlus doesn’t currently have a subsidiary or official sales network in the Americas,

In Asia, the market is almost exclusively dominated by Japanese, South Korean and Chinese brands:

Mitsubishi Electric (Japan), LG Electronics (South Korea), Panasonic (Japan), Toshiba (Japan), Hitachi (Japan), Samsung (South Korea), Daikin (Japan), Gree (China), Midea Group (China), Haier (China). TermoPlus doesn’t currently have a subsidiary or official sales network in Asia.

Air conditioner manufacturers vs heat pump manufacturers

Air conditioners are technically air-to-air heat pumps that (in most cases) can heat and cool. An air conditioning system will capture and transfer heat from the outside in exactly in the same way an air to water heat pump would except that they deliver it through hot or cold air instead of radiators or underfloor heating. 

Over the years many air conditioning brands moved into the production of heat pumps. That includes well-established brands such as Mitsubishi Electric, Daikin, Panasonic, Samsung and LG. 

Despite lacking product-specific advantages in other heat pump technologies such as large commercial systems or geothermal heat pumps, they produce excellent residential and commercial air-source heat pumps.

Some technological know-how from experience in air-conditioning has transferred into heat pumps. Mitsubishi’s pioneering technological advancements in air-source heat pumps are well known across the industry. So, for air-source heat pumps in specific, choosing a manufacturer that used to be an air conditioner manufacturer in the past should not be considered a disadvantage.

Although at TermoPlus we have been manufacturing air-source and geothermal heat pumps for more than thirty years, we have adopted Mitsubishi’s external units for our air-source range. We only work with these units as we recognize that Mitsubishi is the best heat pump brand for air source heat pump external units – and is by far superior to any other. Today, we are known as one of the best geothermal heat pump manufacturers in Europe.

The type of heat pump used

Each type of heating and cooling system has manufacturers that stand out in the category. That is because innovation and technological experience are to a large extent product-specific.    

Air source heat pumps

There is great variation in product quality in the market for air-source heat pumps as they are the most ubiquitous type of heat pump. There are many manufacturers, many of which are relatively new to the market. 

The quality of the manufactured product is a key factor that affects its lifespan. Product lifespans range widely with some lower end brands only lasting 15 or even 10 years and others on the higher end between 25 and even 30 years. The quality of the components used is a good predictor of the product’s lifespan.

Support is generally widespread but varies in responsiveness based on the service provider. 

With air-source heat pumps you have more choices to pick from. It is advised that you conduct your own research to pick a manufacturer that suits your needs instead of relying on an installer to recommend the brand they work with. You should, of course, take into consideration any issues pointed out by potential installers.

In any case, it is best to get the heat pump installed by an installer experienced with that specific brand.

Geothermal heat pumps (water and ground source heat pumps)

There are fewer manufacturers of ground and water-source heat pumps as there are also fewer installations. This part of the market is not yet saturated with cheaper, less-reliable products. It is important to consider the experience of the installer with these types of heat pumps as the majority of installers work with air-source units only. 

If you have limited choices, it may be best to pick the best installer you can find and go with the brand that they find most suitable – so long as it ticks all the right boxes and the installers are experienced with it. 

Industrial / Commercial heat pumps

Commercial heat pumps are more complex to install and you need more experienced engineers to design the system. Especially if you wish to take advantage of applications such as heat capture, large pool heating, district heating, heat pump cascading etc.

With commercial installations you should not only consider the heat pump brand but the design and installation team that will also maintain the system in the future. It is advisable that you consider a few installer proposals and make a decision as you would for a long-term service package. 

That said, if you consider working with a TermoPlus heat pump you will also get system design input from our product design engineers and the ability to get a heat pump custom-built for your needs. 

Heat pump manufacturer and supplier support for customization 

One of the distinct advantages offered by TermoPlus heat pumps is the support we offer for system customization. We offer engineering support directly to installers so that your heat pump installation is optimized for efficiency by design. Even if this is offered by intermediaries instead of the manufacturer directly, it is an important to be able to reach out and get the right support you need to have your installation optimized by expert engineers and HVAC system designers.

China is the hub of almost everything and when it comes to heat pumps you can find several Chinese manufacturers offering the best quality and affordable heat pumps.

If you are a wholesaler or a bulk buyer and looking forward to sourcing heat pumps in bulk quantity you will find this guide below much helpful. So, let's go through it.

Heat Pump Market in China

The heat pump market in China is very quickly expanding as the country is moving towards incorporating energy effect mechanisms and is looking forward to reducing carbon emissions. Hence, China has now become one of the largest producers and consumers of heat pumps across the globe.

The country is inclined towards making the best use of advanced technology and hence is capable of manufacturing a wide range of heat pumps that comprise air, ground, and water source heat pumps. These heat pumps are designed and manufactured to cater to all applications be it residential, commercial, or industrial.

Market Trend and Forecast:

The largest market for heat pumps in the world is China. The sales of these heat pumps have grown by 12% in . Moreover, from the period of to the market for heat pumps in China is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.6%. This comprises demand from the residential and commercial sectors to opt for energy-efficiency methods.

The heat pumps are increasing due to their use among people which is now not limited to the extent of heating and cooling spaces; these are now used for refrigerators as well.

Types of Heat Pumps:

There are different types of heat pumps, and each of them has a different working principle and purpose, these different types of heat pumps are provided below:

Domestic Heat Pump Water Heater

A domestic heat pump water heater is an efficient heat pump used of heating water and reduces electricity usage.

Working Principle

This heat pump has a fan that helps to draw air with the help of a coil. The coil also comprises a refrigerant which helps to turn the air absorbed from the heat pump into gas. This gas is then subjected to compression, which raises its temperature.

This hot gas then flows through the condenser coil, which is already present in the water tank, and transfers its heat to water. After the refrigerant has cooled down, it converts from gas to liquid and upon expansion gets back to the evaporator repeating the cycle again.

Are you interested in learning more about China Heat Pump Manufacturer? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

DHW heat pump, Heating and Cooling Pump

It is a combined system that offers heating, cooling, and a domestic hot water pump.

Working Principle

The heating, cooling, and DHW heat pump water heater uses a refrigerant cycle which helps in transferring heat for various purposes. It absorbs the heat present in the surrounding air using the evaporator coil and then increases the temperature of the air by compressing the refrigerant. The refrigerant heat up the storage tank water.

In the case of cooling, the flow of refrigerant is reversed, and the heat is absorbed from the indoor space, which cools it down.

Commercial Heat Pump Water Heater

A commercial heat pump water heater offers the heating and cooling followed by DHW.

Working Principle

It comprises a refrigerant that absorbs heat from the air with the help of an evaporator, and the fan draws the air, which makes the refrigerant evaporate in the form of gas which raises the temperature.

The hot refrigerant gas transfers the heat to water present in the storage tank or heat indoors with the help of a heat exchanger. In case when cooling is needed, the cooled refrigerant absorbs the heat from indoors and cools the area. This system uses a very efficient technology to ensure cooling, heating, and hot water for the purpose of commercial use.

Swimming Pool Heat Pump Water Heater

The swimming pool heat pump water heater is responsible for heating the pool water.

Working Principle

The air from the surrounding air is transferred with the help of a refrigerant cycle. The heat is absorbed from the air and is then compressed in the refrigerant which helps in raising its temperature. The evaporator coil transfers heat to water present in the swimming pool. The ensure process maintains the temperature of the pool in an energy-efficient way.

Advantages of Heat Pumps:

There are various advantages offered by heat pumps and some of these are provided below:

●     Heat pumps offer energy efficiency by delivering more cooling and heating than the electricity they consume.

●     Due to their high energy efficiency, they help in reducing electricity bills and hence offer cost savings.

●     They use renewable heat sources and hence the amount of energy they consume is less which has a lesser impact on the environment.

●     These heat pumps offer heating as well as cooling and hence you can control the temperature of your space around the year without the need for separate systems.

Researching Potential Suppliers

The heat pump industry in China has various potential suppliers who have been leading in the market through innovation and extensive manufacturing capabilities. Their efforts in the manufacturing regime of heat pumps have made them attain a very strong market presence.

There are various leading names among which the name of Foshan Shengyu Thermal Energy Technology Co. is quite popular as they have invested in multiple plants responsible for manufacturing heat pumps and fulfilling the demands of people.

In this section, you will get an insight into how you can locate the potential suppliers of heat pumps in China and the factors that you must consider in this regard.

How To Find Potential Suppliers of Heat Pumps?

When it comes to looking for potential heat pump suppliers, there are various sources to reach out to them. You can check out the directories like Global Sources,MADE IN CHINA, and Alibaba which offer a wide range of suppliers followed by their listings.

Apart from this B2B marketplaces also offer relevant platforms which allow connecting to the suppliers. Google search leads to connecting with the manufacturers who are offering the best heat pumps in China.

Moreover, if you get a chance you can also pay a visit to the trade fairs and exhibitions that take place in China. These exhibitions provide an opportunity to communicate to suppliers directly.

Make sure you check their references, go through their reviews, and examine the business history they possess.

It is equally important to verify whether or not the potential suppliers follow the quality standards and industrial certifications when manufacturing the heat pumps.

Assess Supplier Capabilities

When you have shortlisted some suppliers for sourcing heat pumps you must consider some of the capabilities of the suppliers and the most important factors to consider in this regard are as follows:

Factors To Consider:

The below-suggested factors must be taken into account when it comes to sourcing the best heat pump.

Production Capacity

The production capacity of the manufacturers must be assessed to check if they will be able to meet the volume requirements you may have.

Quality Standards

When you are looking for a manufacturer for sourcing bulk heat pumps make sure that the manufacturer follows the ISO and CE quality standards.

Technical Expertise

The technical knowledge and expertise of the manufacturer are very important to be assessed when choosing them or sourcing heat pumps.

Compliance

The manufacturer should comply with local as well as international regulations while manufacturing heat pumps.

Customization

If your project requires any customization on the part of the heat pump. You must choose a manufacturer who is ready to offer you a customization based on your requirements.

Lead Times

Inquire about the lead time taken to complete the order and whether or not a manufacturer is punctual in meeting deadlines.

Minimum Order Quantity

If you have a smaller quantity to order make sure that the supplier is ready to cater to that.

Customer Service

The right manufacturer must be available to respond to the client after sales and this is a factor which you must assess when choosing one.

Environmental Practices

Check the commitment of the manufacturer regarding environmental practices and sustainability.

Cost Analysis

The cost analysis should be the prime concern when sourcing heat pumps from a manufacturer. The very first thing that you must take into account is the cost structure of the heat pump and this will comprise the basic cost of raw material followed by labor costs and overheads directly related to manufacturing.

There are some additional overheads as well which comprise maintenance of the machines, research and development investments that are important for innovation, and costs incurred in compliance with regulatory standards.

You must compare the prices of different suppliers and choose the one that offers you a competitive price followed by value for money. You must ask the supplier to provide you with the cost breakdown and that way you will be able to assess whether or not the cost is justified.

However, some additional costs may be incurred which comprise tariffs, taxes, and shipping costs.

Similarly, the taxes and duties also play a role in determining the final cost based on the rules and regulations of the supplier as well as the customer’s country requirements.

Quality Assurance

Quality assurance is very important when storing heat pumps. It is very important to ensure that the supplier you choose offers you heat pumps that meet the safety, performance, and durability standards.

You must choose a supplier who ensures that the process of manufacturing the heat pumps is equipped with appropriate quality control measures and that timely audits of the production facilities are conducted to assess the quality control standards followed and implemented.

Communication and Negotiation

Effective communication is a key to success when it comes to sourcing heat pumps. When sourcing them from China you can overcome the language barriers by hurling professional translators so that you can always have appropriate communication.

When you have regular communication with the suppliers you can stay updated about your order and also it helps in negotiating the terms of the contract and pricing which is favorable for both parties.

Logistics and Shipping

The process of transporting the heat pumps from China consists of getting in touch with the shipping companies, choosing the relevant shipping method, and scheduling the shipments. The process of shipping also requires having an eye on customs clearance and preparing the necessary documents.

The right supplier will assist you in the entire process to ensure that the heat pump reaches you safely and a discussion on this subject must be conducted beforehand with the supplier regarding shipping.

Risk Management

The right supplier will always manage the supply chain, will look forward to mitigating risks involved in shipping, and production delays, and hence will also maintain some safety stock.

A supplier needs to ensure that the product is reliable and also is backed with a warranty which ensures that the quality control measures are undertaken and robust after-sales services are offered. Always consider these aspects when choosing a heat pump supplier so that you don't have to deal with any problems later on.

Sustainability and Ethics

When selecting the heat pump suppliers make sure to consider that they offer sustainable and ethical practices. It comprises ensuring that the suppliers make sure that their production does not cause any environmental impact and makes use of energy-efficient practices.

It is suggested to encourage the suppliers who take care of sustainable practices and by collaborating with them you can also play a fair share in improving the environment.

Conclusion

The selection of heat pumps from a reliable supplier is a very crucial concern and in this regard, you must get in touch with Foshan Shengyu Thermal Energy Technology. They offer a wide range of heat pumps that are relevant to cater to various industries.

Moreover, you can also have customized heat pumps sourced from them which are according to your requirements in terms of design and performance. They have a skilled team of engineers designing the best heat pumps which are not only reliable but also suitable for the overall environment.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website air source heat pump supplier.