You can’t choose the right heat pump for your home without considering its energy usage. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) states that heat pumps are approximately 50% more energy efficient than electric furnaces. Instead of an electric heating element, heat pumps use a pair of coils to provide heating and cooling.
While nearly all new heat pumps are energy efficient, some of them are more efficient than others. There are a couple of universal efficiency ratings that you can check to determine how much energy a heat pump will use.
SEER Ratings
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) ratings reveal the cooling efficiency of heat pumps and AC systems. Originally developed by the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute in 2008, they take into account cooling output – measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs) – during a typical cooling season and the system’s energy consumption during this same period.
SEER ratings can range from 13 to 25. Heat pumps with a high SEER rating are more efficient at cooling homes than those with a low SEER rating. They have a greater ratio of cooling output to energy input or consumption, meaning they produce more cool air relative to the energy consumed.
HSPF Ratings
Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) ratings reveal the heating efficiency of heat pumps. They take into account the system’s heating output during a typical heating season – also measured in BTUs – and the system’s total energy consumption during this same period.
Like with SEER ratings, a high HSPF rating indicates energy efficiency. The DOE requires heat pumps to have an HSPF rating of at least 8.2 to earn the ENERGY STAR rating. But some heat pumps have an HSPF rating of 13, making them significantly more efficient.
The Impact of SEER and HSPF Ratings on Heat Pumps
You might want to consider these energy efficiency ratings when shopping for a heat pump. They are different metrics, but they use a similar formula to provide insight into energy consumption.
If you live in a region that experiences hot summers and mild winters, you may want to prioritize a high SEER rating over a high HSPF rating. If you live in a region that experiences mild summers and cold winters, on the other hand, a high HSPF will prove more valuable. A high SEER rating promotes lower cooling costs, whereas a high HSPF rating promotes lower heating costs.
If you are experiencing a problem with your air conditioning or heating call us at 512-336-1431 to schedule an appointment. We’ll be glad to come out and take a look at the issue.
1431-183 A/C & Heating proudly serves Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Leander, Liberty Hill, and North Austin.
