SEER vs. HSPF: A Quick & Easy Guide

Heating & Cooling

Many different acronyms are in use in the HVAC world. Energy-efficiency ratings for heating and cooling equipment are represented by these common industry acronyms: SEER and HSPF. Below, we’ll take a look at what each one means in terms of heat pumps and the difference between them.

What is SEER?

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. SEER measures the cooling efficiency of a cooling system. SEER ratings are a measure of the total cooling a unit provides during a typical cooling season compared to the total watt-hours of electric energy it consumes over that period. Higher SEER ratings mean the unit is more efficient, compared to lower SEER ratings.

What is HSPF?

HSPF stands for Heat Seasonal Performance Factor. HSPF measures the heating efficiency of a heat pump. This unit of measure compares the total watt-hours of electricity consumption by the heat pump to the total output of heating over the course of a typical heating season. This also includes heating output by a supplementary electric heating system. Higher HSPF ratings mean the unit is more efficient, whereas lower HSPF ratings mean less efficiency.

What is the difference between SEER and HSPF?

The main difference between the two energy-efficiency ratings is that SEER is commonly used for measuring cooling efficiency for air conditioning systems and other cooling systems, while HSPF is commonly used for measuring the heating efficiency of heat pumps. Central air conditioning systems will only have a SEER rating, as they only provide cooling. Heat pumps will have an HSPF rating to measure their heating efficiency and a SEER rating to measure cooling efficiency, as they also can be used to provide cooling. Both units are used to provide seasonal efficiency ratings.

If you have any questions about SEER or HSPF ratings, please give us a call. The HVAC pros at GreenBox Home Services will be happy to assist you and give you suggestions for upgrading to a more efficient HVAC unit!