Are you shopping for a heat pump? Mystified by all the acronyms and rating systems? Let’s simplify a few terms and help make your search for an energy-efficient unit easier.
HSPF Ratings Explained
So, what is an HSPF rating? The Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) is a rating for the seasonal heating function of air-source heat pumps. It factors both heat output and electricity use in units of BTU/watt-hour. On most efficiency stickers you won’t see the units though, so don’t let that confuse you.
Simply put, the higher the HSPF rating, the more efficient the unit is.
Don’t miss this: In 2023, the Department of Energy increased minimum energy efficiency standards and transitioned to new generation measurements in efficiency. New devices will rate efficiency in HSPF2, SEER2, and EER2. These new measurements seek to offer more realistic testing and evaluation conditions. To convert to HSPF2 from an old sticker, multiply HSPF x 0.89.
What are the minimum ratings? Currently, split systems (including ductless) must have a minimum of 7.5 HSPF2 and 14.3 SEER2. Those values coincide with the previous measurements of 8.8 HSPF and 15 SEER.
What Is a Good HSPF Rating?
A good HSPF2 value depends on your home and how cold it gets where you live. In the southeast, a good HSPF2 rating is between 8.5 and 10.
To be certified as an ENERGY STAR® device, a heat pump must have an 8.5 HSPF2 score or higher. This certification also requires a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER2) rating of 18.7 or greater. Let’s untangle SEER and a couple of other acronyms.
Rating Acronyms to Know
In addition to HSPF scores, you’ll also see SEER, EER, and COP.
- COP, or Coefficient of Performance, measures efficiency at a set point. This is still relevant for geothermal applications because groundwater doesn’t fluctuate as much as seasonal air temperatures.
- How is the COP rating different from the HSPF? While COP measures efficiency at a particular condition, HSPF is average efficiency over an entire heating season.
- SCOP, or Seasonal Coefficient of Performance takes into account heating and cooling seasons
- SEER or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, is a cooling efficiency metric. This measures your average performance over a range of temperatures.
- EER or Energy Efficiency Ratio, is a cooling efficiency metric. This measures your unit’s efficiency on a very hot day (95 degrees Fahrenheit)
As a reminder: Since 2023, efficiency metrics use second-generation calculations such as HSPF2, SEER2 and EER2 which seek to provide more realistic testing scenarios.
Effectiveness of Heat Pumps in Cold Weather
Cold-climate heat pumps will generally operate at full capacity until the temperature drops to 5 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees below freezing.) They’ll still heat at colder temperatures, even double-digit negative temperatures, but spending weeks below that temperature often requires a dual-fuel system for heating.
Heat Pump Problems in Cold Weather
If your heat pump isn’t providing enough heat, it could be one of the following problems.
- Snow or ice blocking the unit’s operation
- Improperly sized or installed heat pump model
- Unit age or overdue maintenance
- Insufficient insulation, air leaks, or other heat loss
Thankfully, the Winston-Salem, Forsyth, and Guilford areas don’t get cold enough to cause most modern heat pumps trouble. If you’re having trouble or are ready for an upgrade to an efficient option, call the professionals.
The Right Unit – Jargon Free
Heat pumps are an energy-efficient way to heat or cool your home. We’re fluent in efficiency metrics and can help you size the right unit for your home. If you’re in the market to add or upgrade a heat pump or a ductless mini-split system. We promise up-front pricing with everything we do, and we can make your choice jargon-free.
The Plumbing & Air Service Co. is your trusted HVAC and plumbing company. We serve Winston-Salem and the entire Triad. One call does it all for your heating, plumbing, and air conditioning needs. Give us a call at 336-502-8540 or book service online.