Selecting a Heat Pump

Every residential heat pump sold in the U.S. has an EnergyGuide Label, which features the heat pump's heating and cooling efficiency performance rating, comparing it to other available makes and models. The Heating Seasonal Performance Factor or HSPF (the ratio of the seasonal heating output in Btus divided by the seasonal power consumption in watts) rates both the efficiency of the compressor and the electric-resistance elements. The most efficient heat pumps have an HSPF of between 8 and 10. Remember, when buying new equipment, sizing and installation are as important as product quality.

To choose an air-source electric heat pump, look for the ENERGY STAR® label, which is awarded to those units with SEERs of 12 or greater and HSPFs of 7 or greater, which makes them about 8% percent more efficient than standard new models and 20% more efficient than what you may have now. If you are purchasing an electric air-source heat pump and are uncertain whether it meets ENERGY STAR® qualifications, look on the bright yellow EnergyGuide label for an efficiency of 12 SEER/7HSPF or greater. In warmer climates, SEER is more important than HSPF; in colder climates, get the highest HSPF feasible.

Other Factors to Consider:

Select a heat pump with a demand-defrost control. This will minimize the defrost cycles, thereby reducing supplementary and heat pump energy use.
If you're adding a heat pump to an electric furnace, the heat pump coil should usually be placed on the cold (upstream) side of the furnace for greatest efficiency.
Fans and compressors make noise. Locate the outdoor unit away from windows and adjacent buildings, and select a heat pump with an outdoor sound rating of 7.6 bels or lower. You can also reduce this noise by mounting the unit on a noise-absorbing base.
The location of the outdoor unit may affect its efficiency. Outdoor units should be protected from high winds, which can cause defrosting problems. You can strategically place a bush or a fence upwind of the coils to block the unit from high winds.

Finding Qualified Equipment:
The Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) and the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) have developed an online database for finding qualifying ENERGY STAR® equipment. All equipment listed in this online database meets the specification requirements for ENERGY STAR®. This online database is solely maintained and operated by CEE and ARI.

Source Material: US Dept. of Energy

Selecting a Heat Pump

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