What’s the Deal With SEER and HSPF Ratings?

Are you upgrading the HVAC system in your Merritt Island, Florida, home? If so, you’ve likely looked at an air conditioner’s Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio or a heat pump’s Heating Seasonal Performance Factor. While you know that energy efficiency is important to lowering your carbon footprint and reducing utility bills, you may not be sure what the SEER or HSPF rating is about. Read on to learn more about SEER and HSPF ratings so you can choose the most energy-efficient HVAC system.

What is a SEER Rating?

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The rating describes the ratio of the heating output of an air conditioning unit during the typical warm season divided by the energy it consumes in watt-hours. It’s important to note that the average cooling output will be figured using a constant indoor temperature compared with outdoor temperatures ranging from average lows to average highs to create a simulated season. When purchasing a new air conditioner, you can expect to find a minimum SEER rating between 13 and 14. Some reach a maximum of 21 to 25.

What is an HSPF Rating?

An HSPF rating, also known as Heating Seasonal Performance Factor, is the same efficiency rating as SEER. The only difference is that it measures the energy efficiency of heat pumps. It measures the ratio of heat energy delivered to your home to the amount of electrical energy needed to create it. It can be converted to a season average by converting both the BTU energy output and electrical amount into a common energy unit.

Are you shopping for a new air conditioning system or heat pump for your home? Don’t overlook the importance of SEER and HSPF ratings. If you need help finding the right HVAC system for your home, contact Merritt Island Air & Heat at (321) 392-6564 today. Our team of HVAC professionals is standing by to make sure you maximize energy efficiency and savings every month.

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