4710 - Climatic Impacts on Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) and Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) for Air-Source Heat Pumps PDF

Within rating procedures established by the U.S. Department of Energy, benchmarks have been established for the comparative performance of heat pumps and air conditioners. The heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF) and seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) index heating and cooling season performance, respectively. Although the procedures result in a highly desirable standard metric, the climate-related limitations of the published values must be understood—particularly when attempting to extend performance prediction across regions. This paper describes evaluation of climate-related variation of heat pump and air-conditioner performance. Operating seasonal efficiencies are statistically related to location-specific winter and summer design temperatures and manufacturers’ equipment ratings. Implications are discussed.

Units: I-P