Heat Pump Performance and Efficiency Ratings
A number of different methods are used to rate the performance and efficiency of heat pumps. The two methods used to measure the cooling and heating efficiency of the heat pump are the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and the Heating Season Performance Factor (HSPF).
Note
These rating methods were conducted under ideal laboratory conditions; the ratings will commonly be lower on-site in different parts of the country for the same types of equipment.
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER)
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio is a measure of the cooling efficiency of a heat pump. The higher the SEER number, the more efficient the system is at converting electricity into cooling power. The higher the SEER ratio, the higher the energy efficiency rating of the heat pump. The U.S. Department of Energy has established a minimum SEER rating for cooling of 10.0.
Heating Season Performance Factor (HSPF)
The Heating Season Performance Factor (HSPF) is a measure of the overall heating efficiency of a heat pump. The higher the HSPF number, the more efficiently the heat pump heats the house.
Coefficiency of Performance (COP)
The Coefficiency of Performance (COP) measures the rate of heat output to the amount of energy input. The highest possible COP number is 3. A heat pump with a COP of 3 would mean that for every $1.00 of energy input, the heat pump would produce $3.00 worth of heat.
Energy Efficiency Rating (EER)
The Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) measures the cooling efficiency of the heat pump. The higher the EER number, the higher the cool- ing efficiency of the heat pump.
Energy Star Rating
The Energy Star Rating is a voluntary rating system for HVAC manufacturers whose heat pumps meet or exceed the EPA guide- lines for energy efficiency.