The United States Department of Energy has changed the air conditioner and heat pump rating system from SEER, EER and HSPF to SEER2, EER2 and HSPF2. These new ratings better reflect the real-world conditions in which these air conditioners and heat pumps are being installed. Upgrading to an air conditioner or heat pump with the new ratings will help you maximize efficiency and comfort in your home.
The Benefits of SEER2
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is a rating from the United States Department of Energy used to measure the cooling efficiency of air conditioners. The new SEER2 rating is designed to maximize efficiency by ensuring that air conditioners and heat pumps operate at the highest level possible in real world conditions. With a higher SEER2 rating, you can expect to see an increase in energy savings and a decrease in your monthly energy bills.
How does SEER differ from SEER2? The SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating is a measure of how efficiently an air conditioning unit converts the energy it consumes into cooling power. The higher the ratio, the more efficient and environmentally friendly the unit is. The new SEER2 standard, released in 2021, is an improvement on this older rating system as it takes into consideration additional factors, such as adjustability and efficiency capabilities at different temperatures, humidity levels and locations. This means that an air conditioner with a high SEER rating may not be as efficient according to the new SEER2 standards if, for example, it does not provide sufficient cooling power for hotter climates or humid areas. Therefore, understanding the differences between SEER and SEER2 ratings can help consumers make better informed decisions when purchasing a new air conditioner.
The Benefits of EER2
The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) is a rating from the United States Department of Energy used to measure the efficiency of air conditioners when operating at peak conditions. The new EER2 rating is designed to maximize efficiency by ensuring that air conditioners and heat pumps can operate with the lowest possible energy consumption. With a higher EER2 rating, you can expect to see an increase in energy savings and a decrease in your monthly energy bills.
When researching air conditioners, shoppers may come across EER and EER2 rating systems. These ratings refer to the efficiency of the cooling units. The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) is the unit’s steady-state efficiency when the outside temperature is at a fixed high point, usually 95°F, and can be used for comparison purposes only. The Energy Efficiency Ratio 2 (EER2) takes into account variable temperatures that may occur in different climates, therefore giving a more accurate reflection of how energy efficient an air conditioner actually is over time and temperature variations. Both are essential to consider when purchasing an energy-efficient product for your home.
The Benefits of HSPF2
The Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) is a rating from the United States Department of Energy used to measure the efficiency of heat pumps when operating at peak conditions. The new HSPF2 rating is designed to maximize efficiency by ensuring that heat pumps can operate with the lowest possible energy consumption. With a higher HSPF2 rating, you can expect to see an increase in energy savings and a decrease in your monthly energy bills.
How does HSPF differ from HSPF2? HSPF and HSPF2 are two distinct terms used in air-to-air heat pumps. While they are both models that measure the efficiency of the pump, there are differences between the two. HSPF stands for Heating Seasonal Performance Factor, which is a measure of how efficiently an air-to-air heat pump heated a home over an entire season. The measure accounts for temperature fluctuations as well as working components like compressors. On the other hand, HSPF2 is slightly different; this acronym stands for Heating Seasonal Performance Factor 2 and combines energy efficiency ratios with a metric called COP (coefficient of performance). This higher level of accuracy allows for a more accurate picture to be taken about how the air-to-air heat pump is performing throughout different seasons. Ultimately, both acronyms evaluate efficiently differently, but overall should achieve the same goal: creating comfortable living spaces inside homes during all times of year.
