Time To Replace Some Heat Pumps-Or At Least One

I've been out of the business for so long, my advice is dated, but here:

"Used to be" the lower priced units were "less" on safeties/ protection for the compressor, IE hi pressure/ low pressure cutoffs, and what "was then" just generalized into "outdoor thermostats". These were often an accessory, not necessarily provided, that sense OD temp and switch the system from heat pump operation to only using aux/ emergency heat, which is most often simply electric heat. This is the same heat that provides duct heat during defrost.

Most heat pumps are basically two systems in one. Most the air handler is basically an electric furnace with the heat pump ID coil. In some areas, the electric heat is marginal. You for certain want to be sure the electric heat is "sized" to provide full room heating in case the heat pump dies

So regardless of pricing make certain the unit does not scrimp on these features..........

Low / high pressure/ temp cutoffs to protect the compressor
Adequate backup/ emergency/ auxiliary heat for heating and defrost
Outdoor sensors/ thermostats to regulate the system in cold weather
And make sure the unit AND ductwork is properly designed and sized.

These things are MUCH more critical for heat pumps than any other systme, including AC