American Standard Heat Pump Reviews: (Seer & Price Guide 2022)

Introducing American Standard Heat Pumps

American Standard is an HVAC manufacturer based in Missouri. Created in 1929 as a multi-company merger, the name behind the brand emerged and became official in 1967. Since then, their line of HVAC equipment has grown in both reliability, size and technology.

AccuComfort technology is a communications and temperature control system invented by American Standard that helped to revolutionize the industry. Since its inception, several other brands have created similar systems and communication standards for their own products.

American Standard, owned by Ingersoll-Rand as a part of the Trane, Inc. umbrella, focuses more on the entry-level and budget-friendly market, leaving the high-end models and more advanced features to Trane and the other departments of Ingersoll-Rand.

Factors To Look At When Considering A Heat Pump

Before you head out and buy an American Standard heat pump, you need to consider several factors. Below, you will find the factors worth considering to help you make a more well-informed decision and ensure you get the right model for your needs.

Cost Of The Heat Pump

The largest factor, of course, will be the cost of the heat pump. Obviously, each brand, each model, and where you buy will affect the cost. With American Standard, you won’t pay as much as with many other brands.

However, this doesn’t mean that any budget fits with American Standard models. While most of the options are highly affordable, entry-level budgets may have a more difficult time purchasing the higher-end models. Proper budgeting will need to be assured.

SEER & HSPF Rating

One thing that can help with the budgeting is deciding on the minimum SEER and HSPF ratings (read about the difference here). Higher ratings mean a more efficient machine, but also represent a higher price.

While you may be inclined to go after the highest SEER rating, any improvement over your current system can be a significant cost savings without breaking your budget from the start.

Installation Costs

On top of the unit costs, you also need to consider the installation costs. Some types of heat pumps come with a DIY install option, though this generally isn’t recommended. Professional installation is required for the federal tax credit. It may also be required to uphold or activate a warranty.

Installation can get expensive, with the average cost ranging between $2500 and $4000. Larger models, more feature-rich models, and more powerful models will cost more. We will cover professional installation later in the article, but it is something that needs to be on your mind.

Maintenance Costs

Another cost factor is maintenance. You will need to replace air filters, and depending on the type, this can be every 30, 60, or 90 days. Other costs will be in cleaning supplies, which is minimal and may cost $30 to $40 per year.

The most considerable cost is in the annual inspection. Many warranties require professional HVAC inspection yearly. This process takes about 2 hours and will ensure the system is working correctly and identify any possible issues. While these fees aren’t expensive, they need to be remembered and calculated.

Noise Levels

One of the major non-cost related aspects is noise levels. Noise, measured in decibels (dB), will show as a number. This number will alert you to how loud the system can be. Most indications of decibel ratings are when the system is on its lowest levels. However, when on high, the noise can rise significantly.

Most heat pumps across all brands will range between the low 40s and high 70s. In comparison, a hairdryer, on high, at 5 feet from your ear, produces about 65 to 67dB. Lower dB levels are better, but noise reduction and suppression measures add to the feature list and can make the system cost much more.

Warranty Length

Warranty length is another concern as well. You want to know what is covered and what is not, of course, but for how long is a major purchasing factor. Many brands offer warranties ranging from 1 to 20 years or even lifetime coverage.

American Standard offers a base warranty of 10-years for their heat pumps. However, they also offer registration extensions and purchasable extended warranties if it is needed.

Understanding Tonnage, SEER & HSPF Ratings

The three biggest measurements of a heat pump system are tonnage, SEER and HSPF. These ratings tell you the cooling and heating capacity as well as the efficiency of the system.

Tonnage is a simplified measurement of the BTU output ability of the heat pump. In general, heat pumps range between 1 and 6 tons. One ton is equal to 12,000 BTUs, so a 5-ton unit is 60,000 BTUs, a 2.5-ton unit is equal to 30,000 BTUs, and so on.

The ton rating is equivalent to the home size. For example, a 2 ton unit (24,000 BTU) can effectively heat or cool a home up to 1,200 square feet.

The efficiency ratings measure how efficient the system is during the highest usage months (summer and winter). Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) measures the wattage input and BTU output during summer month usage. Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) then measures the output when the system is in heating mode.

Higher ratings mean more efficient systems. For SEER ratings, heat pump averages generally fall between 14 and 16 SEER. 18 to 19 SEER is considered great while 20+ SEER is excellent. HSPF, a much lower ratio, finds 8 to 9 HSPF considered good with 10 HSPF great and 11+ HSPF excellent.

American Standard Heat Pump Range (Side By Side Comparison)

American Standard is considered a mid-range heat pump and AC company. They don’t have the highest-rated models, but they are above the entry-level style of parts and equipment.

The following chart shows you all 8 of the current heat pump models offers by the company. We have compared each style on SEER, HSPF, and tonnage ratings or sizes. We also look at the compressor types.

For cost and installation, we are using a standard middle-of-the-road 2-ton unit. Installation is based on Networx’s average price for a 2 ton HVAC model of $3600 in a 1200 square foot home.

American Standard Heat Pump In-Depth Reviews

Aside from heat pumps, American Standard also offers an All-Weather Topper. This topper fits all models of heat pump units. It is designed to reduce noise levels and help protect the unit against corrosion and weather damage.

The main heat pump designs are split into three distinct categories. The AccumComfot Platinum models are the higher-end line and provide the highest ratings and most features.

The other two groups, Gold and Silver, are the middle-range models that balance cost and efficiency to bring you a reliable unit for all home needs. Let’s take a closer look at the groups and the models in those groups.

American Standard AccuComfort™ Platinum

The AccuComfort series has three models. All three are the only models from American Standard that offer variable speed compressors. The AccuComfort technology allows these compressors to run between 300 and 700 speeds.

Accurate within 0.01% of 1 degree, you can run one of the most efficient systems and save a ton of money without sacrificing your comfort. The best of the entire brand is the Platinum 20.

It has the highest SEER rating of 20 SEER, and produces an equally impressive 10 HSPF. This machine is also Energy Star certified, so it qualifies for any rebates and tax credits.

The Platinum 19 is a low profile design and one of only two low profile models from the brand. This is also the highest HSPF rated unit they make, with an astounding 10.5 HSPF.

Along with the 19 SEER and quiet operation, it is a great option for those that don’t want the big bulky models.

Unfortunately, the Platinum 19 is not Energy Star rated, so it won’t qualify for the tax credit. The Platinum 18 will, though, with a 18 SEER, 10 HSPF rating and Energy Stare certification, you can get premium performance, quiet operation (about 58dB), and an ideal 10-year warranty.

American Standard Silver

The Silver Line has 4 models, and of them, one (Silver 16 Low Profile) is the same low profile design as the Platinum 19. This is also the quietest model made by American Standard.

Aside from this impressive model, you also get the option of the Silver 16, Silver 15, and Silver 14 models.

The Silver 16 and Silver 15 are also Energy Star certified and come with high enough SEER and HSPF ratings to qualify for all rebates and credits you may be entitled to.

They are quiet, compared to other models, but not as quiet as other brands, with an average of 58 to 62dB, they won’t keep you up at night, but you will know when they kick on.

All of these models also start with the base 5-year warranty, but registration extensions and paid extensions are available that can double the warranty coverage.

The only choice you have here is how much money do you want to save versus how efficient do you need your system to be?

American Standard Gold 17 Heat Pump

Finally, the Gold series has a single model. The Gold 17 combines Energy Star certification, 17 SEER and 9.5 HSPF to bring you a quiet, efficient, and affordable machine. The only difference between the Gold 17 and the Silver Line is the compressor.

All other parts and connections are near-identical. However, the Gold 17 uses a two-stage compressor for increased efficiency and a more stable run time.

It will outperform the Silver series on all benchmarks, but does cost a bit more.

The base 10-year warranty is notable here, like with the Platinum series, which are also all able to be extended through registration or purchase.

As with all American Standard heat pumps, professional installation is recommended.

If you are looking for a budget-friendly option that exceeds all efficiency requirements and will last at least a decade with no-hassle performance, it is hard to look past the Gold 17.

Average Power Consumption Of Heat Pumps

Power consumption of heat pumps, central air conditioners, and other HVAC equipment uses the same formula. This basic multiplication formula can tell you an average cost over a period of time.

For example, if you want to know the cost of the system over a month, a season, or even a year, you can use the same formula. There are four variables for that formula.

First, you need to know the wattage intake of the system. This information can be found on the brand website, the information plate on the unit itself, or the owner’s manual. Once you have the watts, you need to divide by 1000 to get the kilowatt (kW) intake.

Next, you need to know how much you pay per kilowatt-hour (kWh). This can be found on your monthly electric bill or by calling your electric provider. You also need to know (or guess) how many hours per day (H) that the system is running. Finally, you need the number of days (D) you want to know the cost for.

That formula looks like: kW x $kWh x H x D = $Cost.

For example, a 4000 watt system (4.0kW) running at the cost of 13 cents ($0.13) per kWh 5 hours per day for 90 days over summer would then look like: 4.0kW x $0.13 x 5 x 90 = $234.00.

American Standard Heat Pumps Vs. Other Brands

American Standard is a decent brand with reliable, durable heat pumps. How do they hold up against some of the larger names in the business? We compare American Standard heat pumps to Lennox, Bryant, and Carrier to get the answer.

American Standard Vs. Lennox Heat Pump

Lennox heat pumps are among the leaders when it comes to design and durability. Their products are known for their resistance to damage, corrosion, and even failure. Lennox also features a few high-end models that have impressive features and high SEER ratings.

Lennox heat pumps are not the quietest models on the market. Interestingly that award goes to Trane, but does not carry over to American Standard, which are notably louder than Lennox. Where American Standard stands out is in their pricing. Coming in much cheaper, on average, than Lennox heat pumps, you can save quite a bit.

However, when everything is tallied, Lennox machines are superior, more durable, longer-lasting, and can save you more money in the long run. Still, American Standard models are efficient enough for most needs, and the initial lower install costs make them quite popular.

American Standard Vs. Bryant Heat Pump

Bryant heat pumps are also more in line with higher-end brands like Lennox and Trane. While Lennox has a higher SEER average than Bryant, Bryant has the overall highest SEER (between models). Both are higher than American Standard, though.

The Bryant heat pumps are also highly durable and reliable. They also have specially designed models for those that live within 10 miles of the cost, called coastal models. These have additional corrosion protection on the outside units and a 5-year corrosion warranty.

Bryant is also quiet when running. In most cases, you won’t even know the outside unit is running unless you are outside with it or it is installed under a window. With a standard 10-year warranty, you also have little to worry about.

The only place American Standard prevails here is when the price is concerned. Not only are American Standard heat pumps cheaper, but they also cost less to install, and replacement parts are lower cost as well.

American Standard Vs. Carrier Heat Pump

Carrier is easily the most recognizable brand name. Their longevity and popularity make them some of the most reviewed, purchased and installed models in the country. Like American Standard, they have a slightly lower model line compared to other brands, but they aren’t without options.

Carrier heat pumps have a great cost-to-efficiency ratio and are well worth the purchase for anyone that chooses to go with those models. You will pay more for Carrier than American Standard, though, and as a budget line, American Standard will almost always win in the cost category.

However, when push comes to shove, all the important categories (noise levels, SEER, HSPF, durability, life expectancy, etc.) Carrier will win every time. American Standard, though, still fits a niche in the market, and anyone looking for a more affordable heat pump that will still save money on electric bills each month will be pleased with the brand.

*All listed ratings are averages from the entire line up across the entire brand, current as of this writing.

HVAC Tax Rebate Eligibility

The federal tax credit program of 2018 gives homeowners an incentive to purchase high efficient heat pumps. If you do and install these systems, you can earn a tax credit of $300.

To qualify for the rebate, you need to meet a few requirements.

• Be the homeowner and live in the home. Rentals and new construction homes do not qualify for the credit.
• The system must be Energy Star certified and professionally installed.
• Your split system heat pump must be a minimum of 15 SEER and 8.5 HSPF.
• If you purchase a package system, it must be a minimum 14 SEER and 8 HSPF.
• You must file tax form 5695.

If you meet all requirements and purchase (as well as install) the system prior to December 31, 2021, the tax credit is yours.

Choosing The Right HVAC Company To Install Your Heat Pump

When the time comes to install your new heat pump, finding the right HVAC contractor is critical. There are a lot of factors that go into finding the best company. You need a licensed and certified technician that will perform the install correctly.

This will also extend to your safety and the safety of your home, equipment, and structure. Not only will a professional ensure proper installation, but they will also inspect and measure your home to ensure you receive the correct model, size, and performance from your heat pump.

When choosing a professional, you should get at least three quotes, ensure the pros are local, licensed, certified, and efficient. Keep in mind that professional installation is also generally needed for warranties and the tax credit.

Conclusion

American Standard heat pumps are a budget-friendly and easily accessed brand. You can find American Standard installed in every region of the country and performing well in all temperature ranges.

While they aren’t the quietest models, or the most efficient, they are highly affordable and easy to install, making their overall cost much lower than most other brands. This, coupled with the efficiency that is good enough to qualify for tax credits and rebates, makes them popular for many homeowners.