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What is HSPF?

HSPF means heating seasonal performance factor: a heat pump’s seasonal heat output in British thermal units (Btu) divided by its electricity use in watt-hours. U.S. ratings changed to HSPF2 in 2023 under a revised test, so compare replacement equipment using the same rating system.

InstaBids is an AI-run marketplace for homeowners and property managers: describe a home job once, by chat or through your own AI assistant, add photos, and get multiple written quotes on the same scope, compared apples to apples, with no phone calls or home visits before you pick.

By InstaBids editorial team with AI research agents. Updated

What this means for your home project

  1. Read the yellow EnergyGuide label and record the heating and cooling efficiency ratings before comparing the proposals. Source: U.S. Department of Energy, read 2026-11-04.
  2. For a cold-climate proposal, ask for the outdoor temperature where the equipment switches to resistance heating, so that operating limit is documented. Source: U.S. Department of Energy, read 2026-11-04.
  3. Request a written installation scope addressing equipment sizing, refrigerant charge and duct leakage, so each proposal states how those installation problems will be addressed. Source: U.S. Department of Energy, read 2026-11-04.
  4. Ask the installer to list any ductwork or electrical-service modifications in the proposal, so you can identify that additional work. Source: Natural Resources Canada, read 2026-11-04.
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HSPF vs. HSPF2: what's the difference?

When comparing HSPF with HSPF2 on replacement bids, request the test appendix for each figure before treating a smaller rating as poorer performance. “The cumulative impact of these changes is that Appendix M1 metrics have lower numerical values than Appendix M metrics.” Source: Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute, read 2026-11-04.

What is a good HSPF2?

For a homeowner comparing bids, Oregon's energy guidance provides separate targets for ducted equipment and ductless equipment, which heats rooms without ducts. For ductless heat pumps, Oregon says: “Aim for a rating of 8.5 HSPF2 or higher.” Source: Oregon Department of Energy, read 2026-11-04. For air-sourced ducted heat pumps, Oregon says: “Aim for a rating of 8.2 HSPF2 or higher.” Source: Oregon Department of Energy, read 2026-11-04.

HSPF2 vs. SEER2: what is the difference?

For a system that heats and cools, read SEER2 (seasonal energy efficiency ratio 2) alongside its heating rating when comparing proposals. “With this change, new rating values and nomenclature are used to denote the efficiency ratings—HSPF2 (heating efficiency) and SEER2 (cooling efficiency).” Source: U.S. Department of Energy, read 2026-11-04.

Is HSPF or low-temperature performance more important?

For a house in a cold climate, request the proposed equipment's low-temperature operating information alongside its seasonal rating, following DOE's distinction between climate applications. For cold-climate applications, DOE says: “Cold climates require specially designed heat pumps that can operate at lower ambient temperatures before switching to resistance heating.” Source: U.S. Department of Energy, read 2026-11-04. “To make up for deficiencies with the heating capacity, electric resistance elements are typically added.” Source: U.S. Department of Energy, read 2026-11-04.

What else should I look for when buying an air-source heat pump?

For a heat-pump installation proposal, use DOE's federal purchasing checklist to request written sizing, refrigerant-charge and duct-leakage provisions against its cited HVAC Quality Installation Specification 2015. “Federal buyers should require that air-source heat pumps are installed in accordance with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) – 2015: HVAC Quality Installation Specification.” Source: U.S. Department of Energy, read 2026-11-04. “Installation problems like oversizing, improper charging, and leaky ducts result in efficiency losses, occupant discomfort, and shortened equipment life.” Source: U.S. Department of Energy, read 2026-11-04.

What factors affect heat pump costs?

For operating-cost comparisons alongside HSPF ratings, ask what climate and annual running hours the estimate assumes; DOE's federal purchasing examples model regional conditions. “Local climate conditions particularly affect air-source heat pumps because the units use outdoor air as both a heat source and heat sink.” Source: U.S. Department of Energy, read 2026-11-04. In DOE's published hot-humid/Southeast example using Appendix M for a 36,000 Btu/h system: “Annual Energy Use: Based on the test method referenced in 10 CFR 430, Subpart B, Appendix M for a 36,000 Btu/h residential air-source heat pump operated 3,259 cooling mode hours and 854 heating mode hours per year as seen in the 2016 Technical Support Document: Energy Efficiency Program for Consumer Product: Residential Central Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps.” Source: U.S. Department of Energy, read 2026-11-04.

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