If you are planning to upgrade your heating system to a heat pump, you may be wondering about the energy efficiency ratings assigned to these systems and what they mean. Having an efficient heating system goes a long way toward keeping your home more comfortable and saving money on monthly energy costs.
You can keep reading to learn more about energy efficiency ratings assigned to heat pumps and mini splits, what they mean, and how to choose the unit that is best for your home and family. Then give our team a call to schedule your appointment for a heater installation in Broomfield.
What Are HSPF2 Ratings?
Prior to 2023, heat pumps and mini splits received an HSPF rating for energy efficiency. It’s an acronym that’s short for Heating Seasonal Performance Factor. Experts in the industry are consistently seeking ways to improve industry standards and HSPF2 was introduced in 2023.
The older guidelines used to test heat pumps and mini splits didn’t take as many real-life factors into account. The testing was revamped and HSPF2 was introduced. The testing conditions that are used today offer a more accurate estimate of how much energy costs will be with a particular heat pump or mini split.
If you’re shopping for a heat pump or mini split, pay close attention to the HSPF2 rating. You’ll also notice a SEER2 rating for cooling efficiency. Heat pumps and mini splits receive both ratings since they operate as both a heater and an air conditioner. In our area of the country, HSPF2 ratings are slightly more important since winter is our more severe season.
Base Ratings Vs. High Efficiency
The minimum accepted HSPF2 rating for heat pumps in our geographic region is 7.5. This means that no matter who you partner with for an installation, your new heat pump or heater must meet this minimum efficiency rating to ensure that you have reasonable energy efficiency expectations and that the heat pump or mini split has minimal impact on the environment.
However, if it’s in your budget, we encourage you to invest in a unit with a higher efficiency rating. Selecting a system with a higher HSPF2 rating means that it is more efficient and loses less energy during the heating process.
Making such an investment will save you money on energy costs for heating your home over the life of your heat pump or mini split. It’s true that it costs more money to invest in a high-efficiency system. However, the potential savings can add up over the years to balance out this upfront cost.
For example, a high-efficiency heat pump can save 20% to 25% on monthly energy costs. If you save just $25 each month, that adds up to around $300 each year. If you take care of your heat pump and it lasts for 15 years, that’s a grand total of $4,500.
Keep in mind that this efficiency rating won’t matter as much if you don’t take care of your investment. Bi-annual maintenance is crucial to helping a heat pump system work at its best consistently year after year. Professional maintenance appointments help to reverse the effects of wear and tear and lower your potential repair costs over the life of the unit.
Consider System Size
HSPF2 ratings aren’t the sole important factor when it comes to how well your heat pump works. Sizing the system correctly is equally important. A system that is too large or too small for the space in your home will sacrifice energy efficiency. The calculation for selecting a properly sized heat pump is complicated, but leave that to us!
Contact Meyers Heating & Air Conditioning today to schedule an appointment with our professionals for a heater installation in Broomfield, CO.