If you’re shopping for a heat pump for your home in Sioux Falls, SD, it’s a safe bet that you are interested in efficiency. Therefore, you need to understand the efficiency ratings commonly found on heat pumps. Among these, HSPF and SEER are the two most important. Here’s what they mean and how to use them to make an informed heat pump purchase decision.
What Is HSPF?
HSPF stands for heating seasonal performance factor. It is a heat pump-specific efficiency scale that assigns a numerical value to a system’s efficiency in heating mode. On the surface, the scale is easy to understand, particularly when comparing heat pumps. In short, the higher a system’s HSPF, the more efficiently it heats your home.
Comparing HSPF Ratings
Fortunately, it’s easy to convert HSPF ratings into efficiency percentages. Doing so allows you to gauge the potential energy savings you would achieve with one heat pump compared to another. This can help you determine whether a higher-efficiency heat pump is worth its price premium. To perform the conversion, divide the HSPF rating by 3.414, which is the number of BTUs in a single kWh of electricity. The result will indicate the heat pump’s seasonal heating efficiency as a percentage. If you’re concerned that you ended up with a number higher than 100%, don’t worry; that’s normal. Heat pumps consistently achieve seasonal heating efficiencies of over 100%, which is why they’re such a great solution.
What Is SEER?
SEER stands for seasonal energy efficiency ratio. It’s another measure of heat pump efficiency; however, it refers to a heat pump’s efficiency in cooling mode. The SEER scale is the same as that applied to conventional air conditioners. SEER works similarly to HSPF, in that higher numbers on the scale reflect higher efficiency.
Comparing SEER Ratings
Unfortunately, there’s no way to convert SEER ratings into efficiency percentages for direct system comparison. Additionally, SEER ratings aren’t linear; the further you go up the scale, the less efficiency gain you get from each point. Those factors make comparing two systems using SEER a challenge. However, it’s not impossible — you will need to do some additional math.
There’s a formula that allows you to calculate the efficiency difference between two SEER ratings. To use it, start by dividing the higher of the two SEER ratings by the lower. The result should be a number that is one with a decimal following it. Next, drop the one from that number. If you multiply the remaining decimal by 100, the result will be the percentage efficiency difference between the systems.
For example, consider two systems with SEER ratings of 18 and 15. If you plug those numbers into the formula above, you’ll find an efficiency difference of 20%. Depending on the price difference between the two systems, you may or may not find that efficiency boost worth it.
A Word on SEER2
As you shop, be aware that the HVAC industry is transitioning to an updated SEER testing standard. The new standard stems from updated testing conditions that more accurately reflect real-world cooling performance. You may encounter new ratings, which EnergyGuide labels list as SEER2. You can still use SEER2 ratings in the same way as SEER ratings. However, be careful not to confuse the two. Only use the comparison formula with two values from the same testing standard; otherwise, the results you get won’t be accurate.
What Are Good HSPF and SEER Ratings?
There are no hard and fast rules that lay out ideal HSPF and SEER ratings. However, federal standards mandate minimum legal values for both ratings. As of 2023, the lowest HSPF rating legally allowable for a new heat pump is 8.8. Additionally, the lowest legally allowable SEER is 14 in the northern US, including Sioux Falls. The best approach, however, is to purchase a heat pump with the highest HSPF and SEER ratings you can afford. Remember, you’ll reap the energy savings from your new heat pump for the next 15 years or longer.
Local Heat Pump Efficiency Experts
If you’re looking for an efficient heat pump in Sioux Falls, Waterbury Heating & Cooling, Inc. is the place to turn. We sell and install heat pumps from today’s leading manufacturers, and we always do our best to work within whatever budget parameters you set. We are experts in HVAC installation, repairs, and maintenance services in Sioux Falls. If you’re ready to upgrade the comfort and efficiency of your home with a new heat pump, call Waterbury Heating & Cooling, Inc.!
