For most U.S. buyers, HVACDirect is a strong starting point for a central ducted heat pump. Ingrams Water & Air Equipment is a better fit for MrCool and DIY-focused systems, while SupplyHouse and Home Depot are practical places to compare ductless mini-splits. Premium systems from Mitsubishi Electric, Daikin, Carrier and similar brands are usually best purchased through an authorized contractor who can size and install the equipment.
This guide compares 7 online buying routes for space-heating air-source heat pumps, including central systems and ductless mini-splits. It does not cover heat-pump water heaters.
Best Places to Buy Heat Pumps Online
| Retailer or buying route | Best for | Main advantage | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| HVACDirect | Central ducted heat pumps and complete HVAC systems | Broad equipment selection and online sizing support | You still need a qualified installer |
| Ingrams Water & Air Equipment | MrCool systems, DIY mini-splits and full HVAC packages | Technical support, installation options and a wide catalog | Confirm that the indoor and outdoor units match |
| SupplyHouse | Ductless mini-splits, parts and accessories | Product filters, documentation and accessory selection | Less suitable for full system design and installation |
| Home Depot | Consumer-friendly mini-split shopping | Familiar checkout, reviews and selected installation services | Marketplace listings vary by seller and brand |
| Lowe's | Basic ductless mini-split shopping | Retail availability and popular DIY models | Check the warranty, seller and installation terms |
| HeatAndCool.com | Klimaire, Daikin and multi-zone mini-splits | Specialist HVAC catalog and sizing support | Many systems still need professional installation |
| Authorized manufacturer contractor | Premium whole-home systems | Professional sizing, commissioning and warranty support | Usually costs more than equipment-only purchasing |
1. HVACDirect Is a Strong Choice for Central Heat Pumps
HVACDirect is one of the better online starting points for central ducted heat pumps, dual-fuel systems, packaged units and heat pump condensers. Its catalog includes equipment from brands such as Goodman, MRCOOL and Mitsubishi, along with system components and high-efficiency models.
Choose HVACDirect if you:
- Are replacing a central air conditioner or furnace
- Need a matched outdoor unit, air handler and coil
- Want to compare several tonnages and efficiency levels
- Already have an HVAC contractor willing to install customer-supplied equipment
- Want to purchase equipment separately from installation
HVACDirect states that homeowners can buy equipment online, but a qualified HVAC professional must install a new heat pump system.
2. Ingrams Water & Air Is Best for MrCool and DIY-Focused Systems
Ingrams Water & Air Equipment, also known as IWAE, is a good option for buyers looking for MrCool ductless systems, preconfigured central heat pump packages and technical support. Its catalog includes ductless mini-splits, central heat pumps, geothermal equipment, system components and accessories.
IWAE is useful when you want:
- A MrCool DIY mini-split
- A preconfigured central heat pump system
- A heat pump with a compatible precharged line set
- Parts and replacement components from the same supplier
- Telephone and technical support after purchase
IWAE advertises free lifetime technical support for products purchased through the company. Its support includes equipment selection, order tracking, warranties and installation assistance.
3. SupplyHouse Is a Practical Source for Mini-Splits and Accessories
SupplyHouse sells ductless heat pumps, mini-split accessories, line sets, controls and replacement parts. Its heat pump catalog includes single-zone and multi-zone systems, along with manuals, videos and other product resources.
SupplyHouse may suit you if you need:
- A single-zone mini-split for an addition, garage or workshop
- A multi-zone system for several rooms
- Line-set covers, condensate pumps or mounting brackets
- Technical documents before placing an order
- One supplier for the heat pump and installation accessories
Before ordering, verify that the indoor units, outdoor condenser, line set, controls and electrical requirements are compatible. Mini-split systems are not interchangeable simply because they have the same BTU rating.
4. Home Depot Is Convenient for Ductless Heat Pumps
Home Depot is one of the easiest places to compare ductless mini-split heat pumps online. Its category includes brands such as MRCOOL, Pioneer, DuctlessAire and other manufacturers, with options for single-zone and multi-zone systems. Home Depot also displays installation services for selected products.
Home Depot is suitable when you value:
- A familiar retail checkout process
- Product reviews and visible specifications
- Delivery or local fulfillment
- Access to installation services
- A ductless system rather than a complete central HVAC replacement
Do not rely on the product title alone. Confirm the voltage, heating capacity, operating temperature range, line-set length and whether the system is sold as a complete matched package.
5. Lowe's Is Another Option for Ductless Mini-Splits
Lowe's carries ductless mini-split heat pumps from brands including MRCOOL and other marketplace sellers. Its online selection includes single-zone and multi-zone systems, including models designed for DIY-focused installation.
Lowe's can make sense if:
- You are comparing retail installation options
- You want a mini-split for one or two rooms
- You prefer buying from a national home-improvement retailer
- You need a system available for delivery or pickup
Check who sells the product, who handles the warranty and whether the installer is approved for that brand. Marketplace availability, prices and seller policies can change.
6. HeatAndCool.com Is Useful for Specialist Mini-Split Shopping
HeatAndCool.com specializes in ductless mini-splits, multi-zone systems, central HVAC equipment and accessories. Its catalog includes Klimaire systems and selected Daikin products, with filters for zones, BTU capacity, installation type and refrigerant.
This retailer is worth considering when you need:
- A two-zone, three-zone or larger mini-split
- Wall-mounted, cassette or concealed-ducted indoor units
- A specialist catalog rather than a general hardware store
- Help comparing system configurations and accessories
HeatAndCool.com states that it provides product support and engineering assistance for its mini-split equipment. Treat its sizing guidance as a starting point, not a substitute for a room-by-room load calculation.
When Should You Buy Directly Through an HVAC Contractor?
Use an authorized contractor instead of buying equipment online when you need a whole-home replacement, a premium brand, major ductwork changes or a warranty that depends on professional installation.
This route is usually safer for:
- Mitsubishi Electric ducted or ductless systems
- Daikin whole-home heat pumps
- Carrier, Trane, Lennox and similar dealer-focused brands
- Homes with undersized or damaged ductwork
- Cold-climate installations
- Replacements involving electrical upgrades or backup heat
Mitsubishi Electric directs homeowners to local contractors and says its Diamond Contractors receive advanced manufacturer training. Mitsubishi also advertises an extended factory warranty for customers whose systems are installed by an independent Diamond Contractor.
Daikin also directs homeowners to authorized dealers and states that correct sizing and installation are necessary for system performance.
What to Check Before Ordering a Heat Pump Online
Confirm the System Type
Choose the correct category before comparing prices:
- Ductless mini-split: Best for individual rooms, additions and homes without suitable ductwork
- Central split heat pump: Designed for ductwork and an indoor air handler or compatible furnace
- Packaged heat pump: Combines major components in one outdoor cabinet
- Dual-fuel system: Combines a heat pump with a gas furnace for backup heating
- Geothermal heat pump: Requires site-specific ground-loop design and specialist installation
Get the Correct Size
Do not select a heat pump solely by square footage or by copying the size of the old air conditioner. ENERGY STAR recommends that contractors use a Manual J load calculation to determine the home's heating and cooling requirements. Oversized and undersized systems can both reduce comfort and efficiency.
Verify the Matched Equipment
For a central system, check that these components are approved to work together:
- Outdoor heat pump condenser
- Indoor air handler or furnace
- Evaporator coil
- Thermostat or communicating control
- Electric heat strip kit, if required
- Refrigerant line set
- Condensate drainage components
- Disconnect, breaker and wiring requirements
ENERGY STAR recommends checking certified equipment and working with a professional installer to select the correct model combination.
Compare Heating Performance, Not Only Cooling Efficiency
Look beyond SEER2. Important specifications include:
- HSPF2 heating efficiency
- Heating capacity at low outdoor temperatures
- Minimum operating temperature
- Cold-climate certification, where relevant
- Auxiliary or backup heat requirements
- Defrost-cycle behavior
- Noise rating
- Electrical voltage and maximum breaker size
A system with a high cooling rating may still provide too little heat for a cold winter climate.
Calculate the Installed Cost
The online equipment price may not include:
- Labor
- Electrical work
- Permits
- Refrigerant-related work
- Concrete pad or wall bracket
- Line-set covers
- Thermostat
- Condensate pump
- Duct repairs or modifications
- Removal of existing HVAC equipment
Ask the installer for a written quote that identifies the exact model numbers, labor scope, warranty terms and permit responsibilities. ENERGY STAR recommends comparing itemized proposals rather than choosing only by the lowest initial price.
The Best Buying Route by Project
- Replacing a central AC or furnace: Start with HVACDirect or IWAE, then confirm the exact system with an HVAC contractor.
- Heating one room or an addition: Compare single-zone mini-splits at SupplyHouse, Home Depot, Lowe's or HeatAndCool.com.
- Heating multiple rooms without ducts: Look at multi-zone systems from SupplyHouse, HeatAndCool.com or IWAE.
- Want DIY installation: Focus on clearly labeled DIY systems, such as selected MRCOOL and similar precharged models. Verify local permit and electrical requirements first.
- Want Mitsubishi or Daikin: Contact an authorized contractor before choosing an online listing based only on price.
- Need a geothermal system: Use a geothermal specialist for the site assessment and ground-loop design.
Bottom Line
Choose the seller that matches the project, then confirm the equipment combination and installation plan before paying. The safest online purchase is a correctly sized, matched system with a qualified installer, clear warranty terms and all required electrical and installation components.