July 10, 2014
Each home air source heat pump has an Energy Guide label that shows the air source heat pump's heating and cooling efficiency performance rating and compares it to other available brands and models.
The heating efficiency of an air source heat pump is expressed by the Heating Season Performance Factor (HSPF), which is the total space heating required during the heating season (expressed in Btu), divided by the total electrical energy consumed by the heat pump system during the same season (expressed in watt-hours).
Cooling efficiency is expressed by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), which is the total heat removed from the conditioned space during the cooling season of each year (expressed in Btu), divided by the total electrical energy consumed by the heat pump during the same season (expressed in watt-hours).
The HSPF rates the efficiency of the compressor and the resistance element.
The SEER rates the cooling efficiency of an air source heat pump. Generally speaking, the higher the SEER, the higher the cost. However, energy savings can pay back the higher initial investment many times over over the life of the heat pump. Replacing an older-style unit with a new central heat pump will use less energy and significantly reduce air conditioning costs.
To select an air source heat pump look for the ENERGY STAR® label. In warm climates, SEER is more important than HSPF. In cooler climates, concentrate on getting the highest HSPF possible.
