What Are Heat Pump Efficiency and Performance Ratings For?

There are several criteria that homeowners need to have when buying a major piece of home equipment like a heat pump. Warranty coverage, brand, repairability — all of these are important. In today’s post, Amber Air Conditioning Inc. takes a look at another criteria, energy efficiency, and how performance ratings can help you find the best heat pump for your home.

SEER vs. HSPF

Heat pumps are air conditioners with a heating function that, when engaged, reverses the cooling cycle and draws heat from the outside. This is why air conditioner ratings are also applicable to heat pumps. However, having the heating function also means there is an additional rating that you should look for.

The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) measures an air conditioner’s energy performance within a season. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the air conditioner is during the cooling season. A heat pump’s heating performance is measured using the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF). If you’ll be switching between heating and cooling through the year using the same system, looking for high SEER and HSPF ratings can result in energy savings.

Factors That Impact Heat Pump Efficiency

The following are other factors that affect heat pump efficiency, and should be taken into account when buying a new heat pump.

• Sizing. Your heat pump has to be sized for your home. This is why air conditioning repair technicians ask about the house’s square footage during the initial consultation. An undersized heat pump would be running at full capacity at all times trying to heat your home, while an oversized one would be heating your home too fast, resulting in a stop-start operation. In both cases, the heat pump would be consuming more energy than it has to.
• Local climate. Most types of heat pumps collect heat from the outdoors, and are at their most efficient when the air is at 25 degrees. When the temperatures drop, this is when it consumes more energy to generate heat. Some heat pumps can be supplemented with equipment that can gather heat from the ground or a nearby body of water.
• House insulation. Heating and cooling systems work best in buildings with proper insulation. Insulation helps maintain consistent indoor temperatures and reduce required output. In addition to the energy savings, the lower required output puts less strain on the heat pump, which can help prolong its service life.

Call Amber for Your Heating and Cooling Needs

Looking into buying a new heat pump? Your local contractors at HVAC Amber Air Conditioning Inc. would be happy to help you find the right one. Give us a call at (951) 674-6974, or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation. We serve communities in Temecula and Lake Elsinore, CA.