Learn about Heat Pump Energy Ratings

If energy ratings read like a foreign language to you, rest assured that you’re not alone. Get to know the meaning behind heat pump energy ratings and understand how they can affect your energy consumption in your Lufkin, Texas, home.

Heat Pump Energy Ratings

When it comes to HVAC equipment, heat pumps are unique in that they serve as both heating and cooling systems. While furnaces and boilers work only as heating systems and air conditioners operate solely as cooling systems, heat pumps can switch back and forth between these two functions. Heat pumps have several different energy ratings that offer a complete picture of these appliances’ efficiency levels.

Energy Efficiency Ratio

A heat pump’s Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) indicates the unit’s cooling output during a cooling season. This rating is calculated by dividing the unit’s cooling output by its electrical input. When estimating the EER, energy experts generally factor in static outdoor and indoor temperatures, along with 50 percent relative humidity. If you’re in the market for an energy-efficient heat pump, you’ll want to look for models with EER ratings of at least 12. Higher ratings reflect greater efficiency and generally come at a higher upfront cost, but can save you money on your energy bills over time.

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio

Similar to an EER rating, a unit’s Season Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) reflects its efficiency during a cooling season. This calculation divides the cooling output throughout a typical cooling season by the amount of electrical input during that time. Unlike an EER rating, a SEER rating takes a range of temperatures into consideration and factors seasonal temperature fluctuations into the calculation. Heat pumps should have SEER ratings of at least 15 in order to qualify as energy-efficient, and higher ratings mean better efficiency.

Heating Seasonal Performance Factor

In addition to EER and SEER ratings, heat pumps also have a Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) rating that reflects the unit’s ability to serve as an efficient heating system. Similar to the cooling ratios, an HSPF rating compares the unit’s heating output over the course of a typical heating system to the electricity used during that period of time. Heat pumps generally need an HSPF rating of at least 8.2 in order to be considered efficient, and a higher rating signals increased efficiency.

Maximizing Your Heat Pump’s Energy Efficiency

When comparing heat pump options for your home, keep in mind that various internal and external factors can compromise the appliance’s performance. To maximize your heat pump’s energy efficiency, you’ll need to make the right purchase for your home and monitor environmental conditions to ensure that the unit works as smoothly as possible. If you’re unsure which heat pump is right for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at McWilliams Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing to schedule a consultation.

Purchase an Energy Star Certified Unit

Not all heat pumps are considered to be energy efficient, but those that meet certain criteria established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) receive an Energy Star certification. Units that don’t bear an Energy Star label are unlikely to be energy efficient. With an Energy Star certified unit, you can significantly exceed basic standards for efficiency.

If you’re purchasing a heat pump for your Texas home, you’ll want to pay particular attention to the EER and SEER ratings. Since these reflect the unit’s performance during warm weather, they’ll offer a better picture of the heat pump’s typical performance during long, hot Texas summers.

Use a Programmable Thermostat

Even a highly efficient heat pump will waste energy without some level of automation. If your HVAC system still runs on a manual thermostat, replace it with a programmable thermostat and adjust the settings to optimize your household energy use.

With a programmable thermostat, you can keep your home comfortable in the evenings and on the weekends. You can also dial the temperature back while your family is asleep or out for the day. Some devices even provide energy reports so you can assess when you’re using an unnecessary amount of energy and adjust the thermostat to ensure lower consumption and lighter utility bills.

Are you considering a heat pump upgrade? Talk with our HVAC experts at McWilliams Heating, Cooling, & Plumbing to learn more about your options today.

Image provided by Shutterstock