Understanding Heat Pump Ratings

Image of a Heat Pump next to the AC

Buying a new heat pump can be a daunting yet rewarding task; a geothermal heat pump, in particular, can save homeowners a significant percentage of energy per year, giving premium comfort in both summer and winter. Energy efficiency is one of the most important considerations for your new appliance, but one must understand its given heat pump ratings to truly judge this aspect of it. Here are some of the ratings you may encounter in your search.

SEER

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It measures how efficient the heat pump is on average in a given cooling season. To see how many watts it would consume, divide its BTU (British thermal units) per hour by its given SEER rating. Because it is a seasonal average, it takes into account moderate outdoor conditions in which the home may not even use the air conditioning function.

EER

EER, the Energy Efficiency Ratio, however, shows how efficient a heat pump is when running at its highest cooling capacity. One does the same calculation as with the SEER rating to see how much energy it uses. An EER is a more accurate version of the energy used during the hottest summer days. At the same time, both SEER and EER give two angles of what you can save.

HSPF

When the weather gets cold, the HSPF rating on your heat pump will assure you how efficiently your heating will run. HSPF, or Heating Seasonal Performance Factor, works the same way as the SEER, except that it applies to heating. Its number is the average heating output divided by the average electrical input. This calculation depends on one’s geographical location and the heat pump’s mode of operation.

COP

The Coefficient of Performance (COP) applies to heat pumps in the heating mode. To get this number, one divides the total heating output in watts by the energy input in watts. Whatever the COP number is equals how many times more heating comes out from the energy input.

Choosing a New Heat Pump

Although a significant factor, there’s more to heat pumps than their energy efficiency. Sizing, installation, and warranties also matter. To get the best appliance for your home, contact Ground Loop for more information.

GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS FROM GROUND LOOP

If you are concerned about high electricity bills in the winter, consider investing in geothermal heat pumps to help alleviate some of those costs. With many experienced technicians available, Ground Loop Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. can solve all your air conditioning system problems. If you are interested in creating the most comfortable environment for your family to enjoy, contact Ground Loop Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. today.

You can reach us at 410-836-1706, or visit our website for more information! If you are interested in more information about geothermal heating and cooling systems, check us out on Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

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