In determining heat pump efficiency for a specific unit, the HVAC industry looks at a number of technical-sounding terms that the average homeowner is unlikely to come across until it’s time for home repairs or regular maintenance. The following list of common terms will have you talking like the pros about your heat pump in no time:
Energy efficiency ratio (EER)
Cooling equipment with higher EER ratings have higher efficiency. The EER measures a heat pump’s efficiency by dividing its cooling capacity by the amount of electricity it requires when set to a specific temperature. In general, the EER rates how well a heat pump works during the hottest days.
Seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER)
Like the EER, the SEER is a measure of the cooling efficiency of your unit. Unlike the EER, the SEER is a measurement based on an entire cooling season. It takes the cooling capacity for the season and divides it by the energy that was required throughout that season. More efficient units keep a home at the desired temperature while using less power. The federal minimum for a central air conditioning system is currently SEER 13, with high-efficiency models beginning at 16.
Coefficient of performance (COP)
Efficient heat pumps have high COPs. The amount of energy produced by the unit is divided by the amount of energy required to run it. This provides the COP. Choosing heat pumps with high marks in different areas such as this will help you save money throughout the year.
Heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF)
Similar to the SEER, HSPF rates heat pump efficiency. However, HSPF rates its performance during the heating season, while the SEER looks at the cooling season. The amount of heat produced during the heating season is divided by the energy required to produce that heat. The answer gives you the HSPF rating.
These four common heat pump terms will help you evaluate the efficiency of your heat pump both when you buy it and as it ages. Low scores in these categories indicate a less efficient heat pump and lost money. For more information about these terms, or to have your cooling and heating equipment evaluated, contact the professionals at Ace Hardware Home Services, Inc.We’ve been serving the Dayton area since 1978.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about heat pump efficiency and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Ace Hardware Home Services services the Ohio’s Miami Valley. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!
