I never had heat pumps before. When I moved to central Ill. our house has 2 one up one for down. The house I bought was only 6 months old, been here 11 years. I have to replace each one 2 times. They are prone to shorting out in storms. I seen to live in lighting area. Knock on wood this is the first year we turned on heat and air and it all work!!!! I just don't know about them. I have top of the line from good company and I don't think I would but a house with them again. Oh and energy discount isn't very much.