As the world embraces a decarbonized future, heat pumps have emerged as a key player in the transition to efficient, fully electric home heating and cooling. Among the leaders in this industry is Trane, recipient of a 2025 Good Housekeeping Home Renovation Award. Now, they’re pushing things even further with the 20 TruComfort™ Variable Speed Heat Pump with WeatherGuard™. See why this unit is poised to be a standout in its category.
1. Conquering New Climates
Heat pumps operate on the same principle as a refrigerator or air conditioner, but with the added ability to move heat in either direction. Early models struggled to extract heat from outdoor air when temperatures dipped below 40°F, limiting their use to warmer Southern states. But over time, the technology has vastly improved and now, heat pumps are more effective in colder climates.
Trane Translations
When used for cooling, heat-pump energy efficiency is rated by SEER2, short for “Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating,” on a scale that runs from 13 to 25. The Trane 20 TruComfort Variable Speed Heat Pump with WeatherGuard’s score of 22.4 is amongst the best in the industry.
2. Built for Durability
Heat pumps rely on a refrigerant liquid that cycles between gas and liquid states to transfer heat. The fluid moves through pipes that connect an external unit to an internal one inside the house (or several, depending on the ductwork). Being exposed to the elements, the exterior unit needs to be tough if it’s going to last. And that’s where the “WeatherGuard” part comes in on this model: The top of the unit is made out of rugged polycarbonate and all-aluminum coils that resist corrosion.
One of its other handiest features is the wireless connectivity, which lets you monitor its performance and control its settings from anywhere. Heading home from the beach on a hot summer day? Use the app to pre-cool your house for a refreshing return. Additionally, maintenance professionals can use the app to remotely assess system health, addressing potential issues before they become noticeable.
Trane Translations
When it comes to heating efficiency, the metric is HSPF2 (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor), which runs from 7 to 13. The Trane 20 TruComfort Variable Speed Heat Pump with WeatherGuard is rated at 10.5, making it one of the industry’s most efficient.
3. The One-Two Punch
Already 15% of U.S. residences have embraced heat-pump technology, and about 4 million more are installed each year. The main appeal is twofold: Not only do the systems save both energy and money, but unlike traditional heating and cooling systems that require different equipment for each function, a single heat pump provides the functionality of both furnace and air conditioner.
Heat-pump technology can be used for other functions as well, such as water heaters and clothes dryers. These choices are especially attractive if your house is outfitted with solar panels, since they then run on self-generated electricity. Just be sure your heat pump is installed properly, and has up-to-date insulation and air sealing so that the energy doesn’t trickle away through heat loss.
Jeff Wise is a journalist specializing in aviation, adventure, and psychology and was recently featured in the Netflix documentary “MH370: The Plane That Disappeared.” He lives north of New York City and for fun flies gliders and single-engine airplanes.