When purchasing any type of HVAC system, you want to understand the energy efficiency so you can make the best purchase decision. But heat pumps are a little different since they operate as both air conditioners and heaters. This means that there is a unique method for measuring heat pump efficiency.
Will you need to schedule HVAC service in Madison, FL, our team is here to help. We can help you pick the best heat pump option for your home and family. Before you schedule an appointment, you can keep reading to learn more about heat pump efficiency ratings, what they mean, and how to choose a high-efficiency heat pump.
SEER2 Ratings
Air conditioners receive a SEER2 rating for cooling. The SEER acronym is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. There was an older SEER standard that was updated in January 2023, and the new guideline is now called SEER2. When it comes to heat pumps that offer both heating and cooling, they have two different ratings.
The SEER2 rating that you see on a heat pump tells you how energy efficient it is during the spring and summer when the weather is warmer. In our area of the country, the minimum SEER2 rating for any air conditioner or heat pump is 14.3. The higher that number gets, the more energy-efficient your heat pump will be.
HSPF Ratings
Since your heat pump also operates as a heater, it has a second rating aside from SEER2. That’s HSPF, which is short for Heating Seasonal Performance Factor. Just like SEER2 ratings, these were updated in January 2023. The minimum accepted rating for heating is 7.5 in our region. Again, anything higher than that number is going to offer greater energy efficiency.
Which Rating Matters Most for a Heat Pump?
When it comes to prioritizing one rating over another for heat pumps, you have to consider which region of the country you live in. Will you be using your heat pump more as a heater or air conditioner? Here in Florida, we use our air conditioners for the majority of the year. Even though it does get cold in the winter, it’s nowhere near as cold as the temperatures that families farther North experience. As a result, you want to prioritize a higher SEER2 rating for any heat pump you select for your home.
How to Choose a Heat Pump
Aside from energy efficiency ratings, you also want to consider the size of the heat pump and whether you want a ducted heat pump or a ductless heat pump. Our team can help you understand each of the various deciding factors. We can talk to you about your different heat pump options and make a recommendation for your home and family.
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