--- description: The Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) is a metric used to assess the effectiveness of air source heat pumps in their heating mode. title: What is Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF)? - Energy Theory image: https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Heating-Seasonal-Performance-Factor-HSPF.jpg --- [ Close Menu ](#) * [About](https://energytheory.com/about-us/) * [EV](https://energytheory.com/category/electric-vehicles/) * [FAQs](https://energytheory.com/category/faqs/) * [Glossary](https://energytheory.com/category/glossary/) * [Green](https://energytheory.com/category/green/) * [Renewable](https://energytheory.com/category/renewable/) * [Sustainable](https://energytheory.com/category/sustainable/) * [Energy Economy](https://energytheory.com/category/energy-economy/) * [Energy Services](https://energytheory.com/category/energy-services/) * [Solar](https://energytheory.com/category/solar/) * [Sustainable](https://energytheory.com/category/sustainable/) * [News](https://energytheory.com/category/latest-news/) * [Language](#) [ ![Energy Theory](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2e3rtgthghnm.png) ](https://energytheory.com/ "Energy Theory") ![en](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/en.svg) English [![es](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/es.svg) Spanish](#) [![fr](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/fr.svg) French](#) [![en](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/en.svg) English](#) [![it](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/it.svg) Italian](#) [![zh-CN](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/zh-CN.svg) Chinese (Simplified)](#) [![nl](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/nl.svg) Dutch](#) [![fi](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/fi.svg) Finnish](#) [![de](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/de.svg) German](#) [![hi](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/hi.svg) Hindi](#) [![ja](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/ja.svg) Japanese](#) [![pl](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/pl.svg) Polish](#) [![pt](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/pt.svg) Portuguese](#) [![ru](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/ru.svg) Russian](#) [ ![Energy Theory](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2e3rtgthghnm.png) ](https://energytheory.com/ "Energy Theory") ![en](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/en.svg) English [![es](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/es.svg) Spanish](#) [![fr](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/fr.svg) French](#) [![en](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/en.svg) English](#) [![it](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/it.svg) Italian](#) [![zh-CN](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/zh-CN.svg) Chinese (Simplified)](#) [![nl](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/nl.svg) Dutch](#) [![fi](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/fi.svg) Finnish](#) [![de](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/de.svg) German](#) [![hi](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/hi.svg) Hindi](#) [![ja](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/ja.svg) Japanese](#) [![pl](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/pl.svg) Polish](#) [![pt](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/pt.svg) Portuguese](#) [![ru](https://cdn.gtranslate.net/flags/svg/ru.svg) Russian](#) [Glossary](https://energytheory.com/category/glossary/) # What is Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF)? By [Elliot Clark](https://energytheory.com/author/elliot%5Fclark/ "Posts by Elliot Clark")February 3, 20243 Mins Read ![Heating Seasonal Performance Factor \(HSPF\)](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Heating-Seasonal-Performance-Factor-HSPF.jpg "What is Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF)?") The Heating Seasonal Performance Factor, or HSPF, is a metric used to **assess the effectiveness of air source heat pumps** in their heating mode. This metric assesses the heat pump’s performance throughout multiple heating seasons by calculating the heat output to electricity consumption proportion. Choosing heat pumps with a high HSPF rating is an appropriate financial decision and also allows for more precise humidity and temperature management. ### **What is a Good HSPF Rating for a Heat Pump?** In 2015, the minimum Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) rating was increased to 8.2, with an upcoming rise to 8.8 in 2023\. When looking for an efficient heat pump, **8.2** is a good grade, however considering the upcoming 8.8 HSPF standard is essential. For people who value energy efficiency and environmental sustainability, an HSPF rating of **9.0 or better is recommended,** resulting in a lower carbon footprint and monthly energy cost savings. While some of the most efficient air-source heat pumps have a 13 HSPF rating, any device with more than 10 HSPF is considered a high-efficiency option. ### **What is the Difference between HSPF Vs SEER?** The HSPF, like the [SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio)](https://energytheory.com/what-is-seasonal-energy-efficiency-ratio-seer/)[,](https://www.ahrinet.org/scholarships-education/education/homeowners/save-energy/seasonal-energy-efficiency-ratio) is a measure of energy efficiency for heating equipment, similar to how the SEER rating is used for cooling devices. It explains the potential impact on your electricity bill of using a heat pump with a high HSPF score. It’s important to remember that HSPF only applies to the heating mode. The SEER can be used to analyze the heat pump’s efficiency in cooling mode. To receive an [Energy Star certification](https://www.energystar.gov/productfinder/product/certified-central-heat-pumps/results), your heat pump must have a SEER of 15 or greater. ### **Do Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) Ratings affect Costs?** **Yes**, increased HSPF ratings are usually associated with higher expenditures. Heat pumps with an HSPF value of 9 will cost more than those with an HSPF rating of 8.2\. As a result, you must decide whether potential savings on your heating expenses are worth the increased upfront investment. **Must Read:** [What is Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)?](https://energytheory.com/what-is-annual-fuel-utilization-efficiency-afue/) ### **What are the Benefits of HSPF?** Upgrading your outdated heating and cooling system with a high-efficiency heat pump with an HSPF rating of 10 or greater can provide several benefits. These include the following: * Significant monthly energy bill savings from lower electricity consumption compared to older models. * Improved temperature and humidity management for greater comfort, especially with energy-efficient heat pumps. * Improved efficiency leads to a less environmental imprint. **Recommended:** [Heat Pumps Vs Geothermal Pumps](https://energytheory.com/heat-pumps-vs-geothermal-pumps/) Share. 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With a background in environmental science, he has a deep understanding of the issues facing our planet and is committed to educating others on how they can make a difference. #### Related Posts [![Post-consumer recycled (PCR) content](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Post-consumer-recycled-PCR-content.png "What is Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Content?")](https://energytheory.com/what-is-post-consumer-recycled-pcr-content/ "What is Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Content?") #### [What is Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) Content?](https://energytheory.com/what-is-post-consumer-recycled-pcr-content/) April 9, 2024 [![What is Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/What-is-Annual-Fuel-Utilization-Efficiency-AFUE.jpg "What is Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)?")](https://energytheory.com/what-is-annual-fuel-utilization-efficiency-afue/ "What is Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)?") #### [What is Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)?](https://energytheory.com/what-is-annual-fuel-utilization-efficiency-afue/) February 2, 2024 [![What is Grid parity](https://energytheory.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/What-is-Grid-parity.jpg "What is Grid Parity?")](https://energytheory.com/what-is-grid-parity/ "What is Grid Parity?") #### [What is Grid Parity?](https://energytheory.com/what-is-grid-parity/) January 31, 2024 [ Add A Comment ](#) Leave A Reply [Cancel Reply](https://energytheory.com/what-is-heating-seasonal-performance-factor-hspf/#respond) Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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