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Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
A central heat pump warms and cools your whole house with one system, which is more efficient than running a separate furnace and air conditioner. Instead of burning fuel, a heat pump moves heat from outside into your home in winter and reverses the flow in summer. You cut your energy bills, but only if you match the right capacity and features to your home’s size and climate. Pick the wrong tonnage (the unit of cooling and heating power), and you will either freeze in winter or waste money on electricity.
I’m Mo Maruf — the founder and writer behind The Tools Trunk. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
Every heat pump here is a central unit from Goodman, a brand known for solid engineering and good value. This breakdown helps you pick the right tonnage, SEER2 rating, and system type for your house.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Central Heat Pump
A central heat pump replaces a furnace and an air conditioner, so you are picking the backbone of your home’s HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system. The three biggest levers are capacity (tonnage), system type (package unit or split system), and real-world efficiency (SEER2).
Right-Sizing Your Tonnage
Tonnage is the unit of cooling and heating power. A 2-ton unit handles roughly 1,000 to 1,300 square feet, while a 5-ton unit covers 2,500 to 3,500 square feet. An oversized unit short-cycles (turns on and off too quickly) and never properly removes humidity (dehumidifies). An undersized unit runs constantly and struggles on extreme days. Match the tonnage to a load calculation (a professional Manual J calculation of your home’s heating and cooling needs), not a guess.
Package Unit vs Split System
A package unit houses everything — the compressor, the condenser, and the air handler — in one outdoor cabinet. It sits on a concrete pad and connects directly to your ductwork, which is ideal for slab homes (homes built on a concrete foundation) or limited indoor space. A split system has an outdoor condenser and a separate indoor air handler, offering more flexibility for upflow, horizontal, or downflow configurations (different directions for air to move) but requiring more components and labor.
SEER2 and Real-World Efficiency
SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) measures how efficiently a heat pump cools over a typical season. SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2) is the newer, more realistic rating that accounts for real-world installation conditions. A 14.5 SEER2 unit will cost less to run than a 13.4 SEER2 unit, though the difference on your bill depends on your climate and electricity rates. For milder climates, a 14 SEER unit is a solid balance; for extreme heat or cold, a high-efficiency (above 16 SEER2) model pays back over time.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Tonnage | Cooling Power | SEER Rating | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goodman 2 Ton 14 SEER Package Unit★ Budget Champion | Small homes or apartments on a slab | 2 tons | 24,000 BTU | 14 SEER | Amazon |
| Goodman 5 Ton 14.5 SEER2 Split System | Full-home split system flexibility | 5 tons | 58,000 BTU | 14.5 SEER2 | Amazon |
| Goodman 5 Ton 13.4 SEER2 Package Unit | Large homes needing a simple package | 5 tons | (Not listed) | 13.4 SEER2 | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Goodman 2 Ton 14 Seer Package Heat Pump GPH1424H41
The smallest, most affordable entry into the Goodman heat pump family — a compact 2-ton package unit for smaller homes or apartments.
This 2-ton unit delivers 24,000 BTUs of cooling and 14 SEER efficiency, making it a natural fit for smaller homes, guest houses, or apartments that already have ductwork for a package unit. Compared to the 5-ton split system’s 58,000 BTUs, this delivers less than half the cooling power — but that is exactly right for a 1,000 to 1,300 square foot space. It uses R-410A refrigerant and features a scroll compressor (a type of compressor known for reliability) with an internal relief valve, plus an EEM (X-13) blower motor for energy-efficient airflow. The single-stage operation means it runs at full capacity until it hits the set temperature, then shuts off.
The standout here is the customer service experience. Reviewers point out getting questions answered in real time on weekends and evenings — a rare compliment for any HVAC purchase. The phrase “knowledgeable and friendly customer service” comes up more than once. The unit arrives pre-charged and as a complete package, so there is less guesswork than the split-system option. A couple of owners noted minor cosmetic dings from shipping, but “otherwise great” was the consistent summary. With 7 ratings averaging 3.7 stars, the data is limited, but the feedback is overwhelmingly positive for what it is — a straightforward, no-frills heat pump at an entry-level price.
The catch is obvious: 2 tons is not enough for a typical single-family home. If your space is larger than 1,300 square feet, you will end up running this unit constantly, driving up wear and electricity bills. And like all the package units here, this one uses R-410A refrigerant, not the newer R-32 found in the Best Overall split system. But for a small space where a package unit makes sense, this is the honest budget path. For a larger home, the 4-ton Premium Pick or 5-ton Best Value Package Unit is mandatory.
What you get at this size
- 2-ton capacity matches small homes perfectly
- 14 SEER efficiency is solid for this class
- Buyers praise the responsive customer support
- Complete package unit — easier installation
Know before you buy
- 2 tons will not cool a standard 2,000+ sq ft home
- Single-stage operation means more on/off cycling
- Uses R-410A refrigerant
Perfect for: A small house, apartment, or workshop where a 2-ton package unit is the right size and you want a simple, well-supported unit.
skip it if: Your home needs more than 1,300 square feet of coverage — stepping up to the 4-ton or 5-ton unit is mandatory for comfort.
2. Goodman 5 TON 14.5 SEER2 Multi-Position R-32 Heat Pump System with Air Handler (GLZS4BA6010 + AMST60DU1300)
The most powerful and flexible split system here, pairing a 5-ton condenser with an air handler that fits six different duct orientations (upflow, horizontal right, horizontal left, and more).
You get 5 tons of capacity delivering 58,000 BTUs (British Thermal Units, the standard unit of heat energy) of cooling — enough for large homes up to about 3,500 square feet. The 14.5 SEER2 rating means strong efficiency for a unit this size, so your electricity bill stays lower than with a less efficient model. The R-32 refrigerant is more environmentally friendly (a lower global warming potential) than the older R-410A used in the other picks. The air handler includes a 9-speed ECM blower motor (a variable-speed motor that adjusts airflow in small steps), which keeps temperatures more consistent and runs quieter than a single-speed motor.
The flexibility here is a big deal. The air handler can be installed in upflow, horizontal right, or horizontal left configurations, and it has a coil mounting track that lets you reposition the evaporator coil (the part that absorbs heat from your home’s air) easily. Buyers who have owned this system since 2018 report it is still running strong with no issues, calling it quiet and efficient. The crowd favorite — 4.7 stars across 8 ratings — backs that up. One owner summed it up as “very efficient, quiet, strong motor” and noted it replaced an old Bryant system with no regrets. The 10-year parts warranty (if registered online within 60 days by a qualified installer) adds long-term confidence.
That said, this system arrives as the heat pump condenser plus the air handler — it does not come with a heat kit (electric resistance strips for cold climates) or a thermostat. A few buyers were caught off guard, expecting a complete drop-in package. If you live where winters dip below freezing, you will need to buy the heat kit separately. And like all online-purchased units, the warranty technically requires professional installation, so factor that into your total cost. A 2-ton package unit like the Budget Champion is simpler for a small space if you want fewer components, but for a large home needing 5 tons, this split system delivers the power and efficiency the 4-ton Premium Pick cannot match.
What makes it the flagship
- 5-ton / 58,000 BTU capacity for the largest homes
- 14.5 SEER2 efficiency with modern R-32 refrigerant
- Multi-position air handler with 9-speed ECM blower
- Buyers report years of trouble-free, quiet operation
Reality check
- Not a complete system — heat kit and thermostat sold separately
- Split system requires more labor and indoor space than a package unit
- A few owners expected the air handler to be included when it was
Who it fits: Homes needing 5 tons of power and the flexibility to route ductwork up, sideways, or horizontally.
The honest limit: You will need a separate heat kit for cold climates and a licensed pro to install and register the warranty.
3. Goodman 5 TON 13.4 SEER2 Horizontal Heat Pump Packaged Unit GPHH36041
A massive 5-ton horizontal package unit that delivers powerful heating and cooling in one single outdoor cabinet — simpler than the split system for large homes with a slab.
If your home needs 5 tons of heating and cooling but you want the simplicity of a package unit rather than a split system, this is the pick. It delivers 14 SEER efficiency (the data says Efficiency: 14, so slightly above the 13.4 SEER2 label) and uses R-410A refrigerant. The two-stage heating and cooling only applies to the 4 and 5 ton units in this lineup — and this is one of them — meaning it runs at a lower stage most of the time, only ramping up when demand spikes. Customers note “great heating/cooling performance after 2 years,” with one noting heat strips were only needed below 30°F. Buyers who installed it in the South found 5-8kW strips (kilowatt, a unit of electrical power) sufficient, adding that installing separately cost in labor plus the strip cost.
The robustness of a 5-ton unit in a single package makes this a workhorse for large slab homes. It includes an energy-efficient compressor with an internal relief valve (a safety component) and an EEM (X-13) blower motor that uses less electricity than a standard PSC (Permanent Split Capacitor) motor. The unit is pre-charged with R-410A for up to 15 feet of line set (the copper tubes connecting indoor and outdoor components), though it ships without heat strips (electric resistance elements for auxiliary heating), so you will need to source those if you live in a colder climate. Buyers who have run it through hot summers note it handled the load well, though one report flagged an outdoor breaker trip during extreme heat — something to be aware of if your electrical panel is already maxed out.
The big caveat with online-purchased units shows up here. A 1-star review reported the unit arrived with no refrigerant and no heat coils, costing to fill, and Goodman reportedly refused the warranty claim because it was bought online. This is the same fine print that applies to all the units here, but the volume of reviews (19 total, 3.8 stars average) means you see both the good and the bad. The majority of owners are happy with the performance — just make sure your installer handles the warranty registration immediately.
Why it earns its keep
- 5-ton capacity in a simple package unit — no indoor split
- Two-stage operation in the 5-ton model
- Buyers with 2+ years of use report solid performance
- EEM blower motor for energy savings
Watch out for
- Some units arrived without pre-charged refrigerant — check immediately
- Warranty denied if purchased online without pro registration
- Heat strips not included; must buy separately
Who this is for: A large home where a single slab package unit is the simplest path to 5 tons of heating and cooling power.
Who should think twice: Anyone who cannot secure a licensed, warranty-registering installer immediately — the warranty pitfalls are real.
Understanding the Specs
Tonnage and BTUs
Tonnage is the standard unit for heat pump capacity. One ton equals 12,000 BTUs (British Thermal Units) per hour. A 2-ton unit (24,000 BTU) covers small spaces; a 5-ton unit (58,000 BTU) covers large homes. Getting the right tonnage is critical — too large and the system short-cycles (turns on and off too often), never removing humidity; too small and it runs constantly, driving up your electric bill. Always get a Manual J load calculation (a professional assessment of your home’s heating and cooling needs) before buying.
SEER2 vs SEER
SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) measures how efficiently a heat pump cools over a typical season. SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2) is the newer, more realistic standard that accounts for the static pressure losses (air resistance) in actual installations — it gives a lower number than the old SEER test for the same unit. A 14.5 SEER2 unit is roughly equivalent to 15 SEER under the old scale. For most climates, 14 SEER2 or higher is a good target; above 16 SEER2 is premium territory.
FAQ
What size central heat pump does my home need?
Can I install a central heat pump myself?
Is R-32 refrigerant better than R-410A?
What is the difference between a package unit and a split system?
Will a heat pump work in freezing weather?
Why do some heat pumps have two-stage heating?
Does buying a heat pump online void the warranty?
What does pre-charged mean for a heat pump?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For the majority of shoppers, the best central heat pump is the Goodman 5 Ton 14.5 SEER2 Split System because it pairs the largest capacity (5 tons / 58,000 BTU) with the highest efficiency (14.5 SEER2) and the flexibility of a multi-position air handler. If you want a simpler slab installation with two-stage comfort, grab the Goodman 4 Ton Package Unit. And for the budget-conscious buyer with a small space, the Goodman 2 Ton Package Unit is a solid, well-supported entry point — just make sure your home is under 1,300 square feet.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of July 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, The Tools Trunk earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.