SEER versus HPSF: Understanding Your Heat Pump Rating Factors
Have you decided to make the switch a heat pump?
Many people are making the switch, for a variety of different
reasons. For one, heat pumps are less expensive to operate. They
requires less energy for heating and cooling, so your electric bill
and gas bill will go down – often significantly. The cost of
maintaining a heat pump is also less expensive than the cost of
maintaining central heating and cooling systems. Heat pumps are
single units while the central systems each have separate units –
clearly, the cost of maintaining one unit is lower than the cost of
maintaining two. Last but not least, some people are making the
switch to heat pumps because their impact on the environment is much
less than a traditional central heating and cooling system. Because
they use less energy, their carbon footprint is much lower.
So, you’ve decided that a heat pump is right for you. Now all you
have to do is choose one. This is easier said than done. Many
companies have capitalized on the increased popularity of heat pumps
and have developed their own models, so the market is saturated with
different pumps. Size is one consideration – you need a heat pump
that will be able to provide adequate amounts of heat and cooling to
all of the rooms in your home. Usually, it is worth calling out a
contractor for advice on choosing the correct size of heat pump.
Size is only one consideration, however. You need an efficient heat
pump that is right for the climate you live in. That is where SEER
and HSPF enter the picture.
First, consider SEER. This stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency
Rating. The SEER number lets you know how energy efficient the heat
pump is at cooling your home. By law, a heat pump has to have a SEER
rating of at least 13, but the rating scale goes as high as 21. The
higher the number, the more efficient the cooling provided by the
system.
HSPF is the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor, and it of course
refers to the efficiency of the heating of the pump. HSPF ratings
are required to be at least 7.7 but can go up to 10.
What do these numbers mean to you? You can use these ratings to
choose a heat pump designed to meet your needs. High SEER ratings
mean that the heat pump cools air efficiently, so if you live in a
hot climate, a high SEER number is important. On the other hand,
high HSPF ratings indicate effective heating and are ideal for cold
climates.
Let HSPF ratings and SEER ratings help you choose a heat pump that
will give you the kind of temperature control you want over your
home.
About the Author: D. Benjamin is the owner of
iapsales.com LLC - a family business specializing in HVAC products. We
are distributors of
Qmark Heaters,
electric tankless water heaters,
bathroom heaters,
patio heaters, electric heaters,
portable air
conditioners & electric towel warmers. Shop on line at
www.heateroutlet.com for these great home improvement products.
Iapsales.com LLC was established in 2003 and is the sister company to
Innovative Air Products located in historical Exeter, NH. We are a 2nd
generation manufacturers’ rep firm dedicated to providing residential &
commercial heating, ventilation and air-conditioning equipment. We offer
a great selection online at the lowest prices anywhere. We can also be
found on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube