Heating and cooling systems are assigned a variety of ratings. With terms like SEER, EER, and AFUE floating around, it’s difficult to get a clear reading on how a system works. If you’re looking for a heat pump to keep your Jefferson, Louisiana, home warm this winter, the HSPF is what you’re looking for. Understanding HSPF will help you compare heat pumps wisely.
What It Means
HSPF stands for Heating Seasonal Performance Factor. This measures your heat pump’s efficiency at heating your home. It’s important to note that heat pumps can both heat and cool your house. HSPF relates only to the system’s heating capacity. The SEER rating tells you how well it cools your home.
How It’s Calculated
HSPF is calculated by dividing the total heating output over the course of a heating season by the power input over this same period. This rating is an average that gives you the estimated system efficiency on an annual basis. Naturally, your heat pump will operate more efficiently in some seasons than in others.
The annual heating requirements for the system include the energy needed for defrost cycles and use of backup heating to give you the most accurate picture possible. The electrical power usage of your heat pump is calculated in BTUs per WATTs of energy. The BTU per WATT calculation is determined by averaging energy output at 47, 35, and 17 degrees, to account for changing temperatures through the season.
What to Look For
Higher numbers are better when you’re comparing HSPF ratings. A good system will typically have a rating between 8 and 10. A heat pump with a minimum HSPF of 8.2 qualifies for the Energy Star label, provided that it also has a SEER rating of 12 or higher.
Are you looking for a new heat pump to keep your home cozy this heating season? Contact Bryans United Air Conditioning at 504-208-2071. We’ll help you find the right fit for your needs.
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