1st Choice Heating and Air Conditioning
How to Determine Heat Pump Efficiency
If you are in the market for a new heat pump in Howell, efficiency is probably a key factor in your search. The Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) has a universal ranking system for heating and cooling units that serves to help.
Deciphering and Decoding
You might have seen assorted abbreviations like HSPF2 or SEER2, but what do they actually mean? Well, here is a guide to determining heat pump efficiency.
What Is HSPF2?
HSPF2 stands for Heating Seasonal Performance Factor. This rating represents the number of heat units produced (BTUs––British Thermal Units) by the total amount of electricity used throughout a season. Generally speaking, the higher a heat pump’s HSPF, the more efficient it is.
The ENERGY STAR® program has set a minimum HSPF of 8.1 for single-package equipment, which is a traditional heating and cooling unit. For mini split configurations, also known as ductless systems, the minimum HSPF2 is 8.5.
What Is SEER2?
SEER2 stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It is essentially the equivalent of HSPF but for cooling. A system’s SEER2 rating is determined by the amount of cooling power (BTUs) divided by the amount of energy (watt-hours) used within one season.
A higher SEER2 means a more efficient heat pump. The minimum ENERGY STAR-qualifying SEER2 is 14.3 for residential, air-source, split-system heat pumps.
Which Heat Pump Should I Get?
Generally speaking, if you live in a cooler climate, HSPF2 should have more weight in your decision than SEER2 since you will likely run the system on this setting more frequently. In hotter climates, the SEER2 rating becomes more significant.
However, it is important to note both these rating systems refer to a heat pump operating under optimal conditions. If a heat pump is not the right size for your Howell home, you can run into all sorts of problems.
An oversized unit may short cycle, potentially increasing your energy bill and leaving you uncomfortable. An undersized unit will run too long, wearing down parts faster and using more electricity than expected.
The best way to get the most efficient heat pump is to schedule an in-home consultation with one of our 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning professionals. We will perform the necessary heat-load calculations to determine which heat pumps will perform ideally in your New Jersey space. Out of these options, you can choose the best one to meet your efficiency standards.
Contact Us for All Your Heat Pump Needs
At 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning, we are pleased to install heat pumps in Howell, NJ, and surrounding regions. Call us today at (848) 266-6858 or request service online for any questions about HSPF2 or SEER2.