What does SEER mean for heat pumps?

Upgrading your home with energy-efficient systems like heat pumps saves you money on electricity bills while minimizing carbon emissions. And incentive and rebate programs like those included in the Inflation Reduction Act make the decision to tap into heat pumps' financial and environmental benefits even simpler. But between the different makes and models, various features, and technical energy efficiency ratings, it's easy to feel lost when researching and comparing heat pump systems.

Specifically, the various energy efficiency ratings can cause confusion. Although a heat pump is capable of both heating and cooling, the different functions require different amounts of energy and therefore use separate efficiency calculations: SEER and HSPF. In this article, we'll explain what SEER means, how cooling systems are rated for energy efficiency during the warmer months, and when investing in a highly efficient heat pump is worth it.

The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rates the efficiency of a cooling system. SEER ratings help us understand how much energy (and money) a specific system requires to cool a space effectively and comfortably. The higher the SEER, the less electricity the system needs to keep a home at its desired temperature – accordingly, a higher SEER-rated unit is typically more expensive to purchase upfront.

SEER can be calculated by dividing the total cooling output of the season (BTUs/hour) by the total energy consumption during that time (Watt/hour). Luckily, you probably don't have to worry about this because, as a federally regulated rating, most heat pump manufacturers readily display the SEER rating of a cooling system on the product page, the owner's manual, and the actual unit itself. Additionally, products with the ENERGY STAR label are certified to have met strict energy efficiency guidelines, which include having a higher SEER rating.

ENERGY STAR provides an unbiased and credible set of standards for energy efficiency by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Since 1992, ENERGY STAR has been helping people make informed decisions to save electricity, lower energy costs, and reduce harmful emissions. As an independent certification, heat pumps with the ENERGY STAR label provide purchasers with an assurance that their cooling system will save them money while protecting the climate.

Heat pumps are an energy-efficient alternative to traditional heating and cooling systems, but some heat pumps are more efficient than others. Since heat pumps with a higher SEER rating typically come at a higher cost, most brands offer a selection of heat pumps that vary in SEER, noise level, capacity, and price. Here's how some of the leading heat pump manufacturers stack up:

Comparing SEER ratings from top heat pump manufacturers

SEER ratings measure how efficient a cooling system is. Energy consumption lessens the more efficient a heat pump is, which means reduced carbon emissions and increased savings. But in addition to saving you money and shrinking your carbon footprint, there are federally regulated minimum SEER ratings required for new cooling systems, so you'll have to ensure that the model you install meets your region's requirements. Currently, the minimum SEER rating for cooling systems in the south is set at 14 and 13 in the north.

If your goal is to maximize energy efficiency, achieve optimal comfort levels, and lower energy costs, investing in a heat pump system with a high SEER rating is the way to go, but be prepared to pay more upfront. Units with a higher SEER rating often come with features like lower sound levels, longer warranties, and variable stage cooling – which means that instead of the system repeatedly turning on at full capacity when a space needs cooling and off when the temperature reaches the thermostat setting, it runs continuously to maintain the desired temperature. Variable-stage cooling systems run on a lower setting and ramp up and down based on how much cool air is needed and generally do a better job of removing humidity than single-stage cooling. For this reason, if you live in a climate that experiences high humidity, the enhanced comfort from a higher SEER unit with variable stage cooling may be worth the investment.

Most brands offer heat pumps with fewer features and lower (but still great) SEER ratings for cheaper prices. Although not as efficient as the "better" and "best" heat pump models, there are certain instances when a "good" model would make more sense for a home. If you live in a climate where humidity is low, you won't necessarily need the dehumidifying benefits that often come with higher SEER units. So, if your goal is to upgrade to a more energy-efficient heating and cooling system to cut current energy costs while also saving on initial costs, you might choose a heat pump with a lower SEER.

Heat pumps pair naturally with solar panels to offer energy efficiency, savings, and emission-free heating and cooling for your home. Connect with pre-screened installers in your area on the EnergySage Marketplace to receive solar quotes today! Just leave a note to let installers know you're interested in heat pumps, too. Still, have questions? When you sign up for the Marketplace, we'll connect you with an Energy Advisor from our team (free of charge) to help guide you through every step of the way.