Heating, cooling and beyond
The cooling efficiency of a heat pump, like an air conditioner, is measured by its SEER. Because (unlike an air conditioner) a heat pump has a heating capacity, its heating efficiency is measured by the unit's HSPF.
Effective January, 2023 the SEER & HSPF rating system was updated to SEER2 & HSPF2 – a more stringent testing procedure. The minimum SEER2 rating for a heat pump is now 14.3; 7.5 is the minimum HSPF2.
A $2000 federal tax credit is available for heat pumps that reach the following efficiencies: 15.2 SEER2, 10 EER2 & 8.1 HSPF2. Specific heat pump systems that qualify are notated on our products page which can be accessed by clicking on either the Trane or Tempstar links below.
The indoor unit in a heat pump or all electric system is referred to as the air handler. The air handler consists of a blower motor, evaporator coil and auxiliary heat package. A common misconception is that this unit is the home's primary source of heat when - in reality - it is only a back-up.
