Imagine a cold winter night when your heat pump is making annoying noises while consuming excessive energy. The problem might lie in your choice of a non-energy-efficient, fixed-speed unit. How can you accurately identify a genuine variable-speed heat pump among countless options? This guide will help you navigate the selection process with ease.

This guide is designed to assist homeowners in quickly determining whether the outdoor compressor of a ducted air-source heat pump uses variable-speed or inverter-driven technology, ensuring compliance with manufacturer documentation requirements. Since the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) does not explicitly label outdoor compressor types, and manufacturers vary in how they present this information, this overview focuses on the top nine HVAC manufacturers in the market. However, the principles outlined here apply universally.

Required documentation includes, but is not limited to:

• Specification sheets
• Product brochures
• Model series information (e.g., Trane XV20i)

Regardless of the document type, it must contain:

• The model or model series
• Clear language stating that the outdoor compressor is variable-speed, variable-capacity, or inverter-driven

• Only official manufacturer documentation is acceptable. Customer invoices with "variable-speed" labels are insufficient.
• Verification can be found on manufacturer or distributor websites or in printed materials.
• Some manufacturers use "variable-speed" and "inverter-driven" interchangeably.
• Multi-stage, two-stage, and single-stage compressors are not considered variable-speed.
• Indoor air handlers are irrelevant—only the outdoor compressor must be variable-speed or inverter-driven.

• Website: americanstandardair.com
• Navigation: Click on the applicable model series (e.g., Platinum). Compressor type is listed in the product description. Specific models within each series are detailed under "view model specifications."

• Website: bryant.com
• Navigation: Filter by compressor type (variable-speed), then select the model series (e.g., Evolution). Compressor details are under "Features" or "Specifications."

• Website: carrier.com
• Navigation: Go to "Products" > "Heat Pumps," then select the model series. Compressor information is in "Overview" and "Standard Features."

• Website: colemanac.com
• Navigation: Select the model series and look for terms like "modulating" or "variable-capacity" in product specifications.

• Website: daikin.com
• Navigation: Filter by "variable" technology, then select the model series. "Variable Speed" may also be labeled as "Swing" in specifications.

• Website: lennox.com
• Navigation: Select the model series, click "View Full Product Specifications," and check for "Stages of Cooling: Variable-capacity operation."

• Website: rheem.com
• Navigation: Choose the model series (e.g., Endeavor, Prestige), then review the "overview" or "documents" section for compressor details.

• Website: trane.com
• Navigation: Scroll to "Multi-speed temperature control," then select the model series (e.g., XV20i).

• Website: york.com
• Navigation: Select the model series (e.g., Affinity YZV). Compressor type is listed as "modulating" or "variable-capacity."