If you want a central heat pump that handles whole-home heating and cooling through ductwork you already have, these five systems deliver.
Each one below balances tonnage, efficiency, and included components so you can choose the right fit for your home.
| Feature | ACiQ 1.5 Ton + 10kW Kit | ACiQ 2 Ton + 5kW Kit | IWAE 2.5 Ton System | 1HVAC 1.5 Ton System | ACiQ 1.5 Ton Condenser |
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| SEER2 Rating | 17 | 17 | 14.3 | 15.2 | 17 |
| Cooling & Heating Capacity | 18,000 BTU | 24,000 BTU | 30,000 BTU | 18,000 BTU | 18,000 BTU |
| System Type | Complete System + Thermostat | Complete System + Thermostat | Complete System (Condenser + Air Handler) | Complete System + Install Kit | Condenser Only |
| Backup Heat Kit | 10kW Included | 5kW Included | Not Included | 5kW Included | Not Included |
| Refrigerant | R-32 | R-32 | R-454B | Not Published | R-454B |
| Compressor | Inverter | Inverter | Not Published | Single-Stage Rotary | Inverter |
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| Product | Image | Feature 1 | Feature 2 | Feature 3 | Feature 4 | Feature 5 | Feature 6 | Buy Now |
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| ACiQ 1.5 Ton + 10kW Kit | |
17 SEER2 | 18,000 BTU | Complete System | 10kW Heat Kit Included | R-32 | Inverter | |
| ACiQ 2 Ton + 5kW Kit | |
17 SEER2 | 24,000 BTU | Complete System | 5kW Heat Kit Included | R-32 | Inverter | |
| IWAE 2.5 Ton System | |
14.3 SEER2 | 30,000 BTU | Complete System | Not Included | R-454B | Not Published | |
| 1HVAC 1.5 Ton System | |
15.2 SEER2 | 18,000 BTU | Complete System + Kit | 5kW Heat Kit Included | Not Published | Single-Stage Rotary | |
| ACiQ 1.5 Ton Condenser | |
17 SEER2 | 18,000 BTU | Condenser Only | Not Included | R-454B | Inverter | |
1. ACiQ Essentials 1.5 Ton 17 SEER2 Central Inverter Heat Pump Split System with 10kW Back-up Heat Kit
If you live somewhere winters get genuinely cold, this ACiQ system pairs an inverter heat pump with a strong 10kW backup heat kit for when outdoor temperatures drop.
Its inverter compressor adjusts output continuously, which means steadier temperatures and quieter operation than simple on/off cycling.
A thermostat is included, so you’re not sourcing one separately.
Features
- 17 SEER2 inverter heat pump, 18,000 BTU capacity
- 10kW backup heat kit and thermostat included
- Cooling from 5°F to 125°F, heating from 5°F to 75°F
- R-32 refrigerant, upflow/left horizontal installation
Pros
- Strong 10kW backup heat kit suits colder climates
- Inverter operation improves comfort and efficiency
- Thermostat included, nothing extra to source
Cons
- 18,000 BTU suits smaller homes only
- Upflow/left horizontal limits installation orientation options
If your winters regularly dip below freezing and you want genuine backup heat capacity, this ACiQ system is built specifically for that kind of climate.
Check its current price on Amazon
2. ACiQ Essentials 2 Ton 17 SEER2 Central Inverter Heat Pump Split System with 5kW Back-up Heat Kit
This 2 ton ACiQ system steps up the capacity for a mid-size home while keeping the same inverter efficiency and included thermostat.
At just 40 decibels, it’s a genuinely quiet choice for homes where the condenser sits close to a patio or bedroom window.
A 5kW backup heat kit covers moderate cold snaps.
Features
- 17 SEER2 inverter heat pump, 24,000 BTU capacity
- 5kW backup heat kit and thermostat included
- Quiet operation at just 40 decibels
- Washable filter, rotary scroll compressor
Pros
- Genuinely quiet operation for a central system
- Sized right for mid-size homes
- Complete package with thermostat and heat kit included
Cons
- 5kW heat kit may be light for very cold climates
- 24,000 BTU won’t stretch to larger homes
If quiet operation matters as much as capacity to you, this 2 ton ACiQ system is one of the quieter central options available.
Check its current price on Amazon
3. IWAE Central Heat Pump Split System, 2.5 Ton 14.3 SEER2 R454B Multiposition
This IWAE system steps up to 2.5 tons for larger homes, built around current R-454B refrigerant for long-term environmental compliance.
It’s rated to operate in cooling mode between 54°F and 126°F, and in heating mode down to 14°F, covering a genuinely wide range of climates.
Multi-position design means it adapts to your existing duct layout.
Features
- 14.3 SEER2, 30,000 BTU cooling and heating capacity
- R-454B refrigerant, multi-position installation
- Heating mode operates down to 14°F outdoor temperature
- Complete system: condenser and air handler included
Pros
- Larger 2.5 ton capacity suits bigger homes
- Wide operating temperature range for varied climates
- Multi-position flexibility fits varied duct layouts
Cons
- No backup heat kit included
- Compressor type isn’t published in the listing
If you need more capacity than the smaller systems on this list without stepping up to a premium price, this IWAE system covers the middle ground well.
Check its current price on Amazon
4. 1HVAC 1.5 Ton 15.2 SEER2 Central Air Conditioner Heat Pump System with 5kW Heat Kit & 50ft Install Kit
This 1HVAC system bundles a 50 ft install kit alongside a 5kW backup heat kit, which saves you from sourcing a longer line set separately.
Its single-stage rotary compressor keeps things straightforward for installers, and the system includes both indoor and outdoor units ready to connect.
It’s a practical, no-surprises option for a standard replacement.
Features
- 15.2 SEER2, 18,000 BTU cooling and heating capacity
- 5kW backup heat kit and 50 ft install kit included
- Single-stage rotary compressor
- 165 lb condenser, straightforward installation
Pros
- Long install kit saves an extra purchase on longer runs
- Backup heat kit included for cooler climates
- Straightforward single-stage design for easier installer setup
Cons
- No inverter technology, so less nuanced temperature control
- 74 dB noise level runs louder than the ACiQ inverter options
If your line set run is longer than average, this 1HVAC system’s included 50 ft kit saves you from sourcing extra parts separately.
Check its current price on Amazon
5. ACiQ 1.5 Ton 18.8 SEER2 High Efficiency Heat Pump Condenser
This is the outdoor condenser on its own, which is exactly what you want if your existing air handler is still in good working order.
At 18.8 SEER2, it’s among the most efficient units on this list, and it’s rated to deliver 12,600 BTU/hr even at 17°F outdoor temperature.
R-454B refrigerant keeps it aligned with current environmental standards.
Features
- 18.8 SEER2, 18,000 BTU condenser, no air handler included
- Delivers 12,600 BTU/hr at 17°F outdoor temperature
- R-454B refrigerant, inverter compressor
- 56 decibel noise level
Pros
- Highest efficiency rating on this list
- Ideal for replacing just a failed condenser
- Strong cold-weather heating performance for a standard condenser
Cons
- You’ll need a compatible existing air handler
- Not a fit if your whole system needs replacing
If your indoor air handler is still working fine and you want the most efficient condenser on this list, this ACiQ unit delivers real cold-weather performance to match.
Check its current price on Amazon
Buying Guide
Match tonnage to your home’s square footage, typically around 500 to 600 sq ft per ton. Check whether a backup heat kit is included if your winters get cold. A higher SEER2 rating means lower energy bills over the system’s lifetime. Always hire a licensed HVAC installer, and register your warranty promptly after installation.
Tips For Choosing And Installing Your Central Heat Pump
Have an HVAC professional run a proper load calculation rather than just matching your old system’s tonnage.
If your winters regularly drop below freezing, prioritize a system with a backup heat kit sized for your climate.
Check the installation orientation (upflow, downflow, horizontal) against your existing ductwork before ordering.
If you’re only replacing a condenser, confirm your existing air handler is compatible before ordering.
Register your warranty within the manufacturer’s window and schedule a seasonal tune-up to protect efficiency.
FAQ
What size central heat pump do I need for my home?
A common rule of thumb is one ton of capacity per 500 to 600 square feet, though insulation, climate, and ceiling height all affect the actual number.
Do I need a backup heat kit?
If your winters regularly drop below freezing, a backup heat kit helps the system maintain comfort when the heat pump alone can’t keep up.
Can I replace just the condenser instead of the whole system?
Yes, as long as your existing air handler or coil is compatible and still in good working condition.
What’s the difference between inverter and single-stage systems?
Inverter systems adjust their output continuously for steadier temperatures and quieter operation, while single-stage units simply cycle on and off at full capacity.
Can I install a central heat pump myself?
No, these systems require refrigerant handling and electrical work that should always be done by a licensed HVAC professional.
Conclusion
Any of these five central heat pumps will keep your home comfortable through every season.
If your winters get cold, go with one of the ACiQ systems with the included backup heat kit.
If you need more capacity, the IWAE 2.5 ton system covers larger homes well.
And if you’re only replacing a condenser, the ACiQ high-efficiency unit gives you the best SEER2 rating without paying for parts you don’t need.