Heat Pumps, Air-Source for Consumers

Electric air-source heat pumps, often used in moderate climates, use the difference between outdoor air temperatures and indoor air temperatures to cool and heat your home.

ENERGY STAR qualified heat pumps have a higher seasonal efficiency rating (SEER) and heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF) than standard models, which makes them about 8% percent more efficient than standard new models and 20% more efficient then what you may have in your home.

Air-source heat pumps originally qualified for the ENERGY STAR label in April, 1995.

ENERGY STAR qualified electric air-source heat pumps have higher Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and Energy Efficiency Ratios (EER) than today's standard models, making them about 9% more efficient than non-qualified models. They also have a higher Heating and Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF), which measures the heating efficiency of the heat pump.

Air-Source Heat Pumps and Central Air Conditioners Key Product Criteria: ENERGY STAR

Learn How a Product Earns the Label

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

• Though these products can be more expensive to purchase up front, the cost difference will be paid back over time through lower energy bills.
• When buying new equipment, sizing and installation are as important as product quality.
• You can get better heating and cooling performance at home with ENERGY STAR home sealing (insulation and air sealing) and duct sealing.
• Consider regular maintenance to maintain your heating and cooling system performance.

Finding Qualified Equipment:
The Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) and the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) have developed an online database which identifies high efficiency equipment that has been tested to ARI 210/240 and verified by AHRI. Please note that the Directory lists the products that meet the performance levels specified in the ENERGY STAR Central Air Conditioner and Air-Source Heat Pump specification. However, only those products that have been listed by an ENERGY STAR partner are officially recognized as ENERGY STAR qualified. Please see the ENERGY STAR Partner List for more information.

To help understand how to use this online database, we have created a quick guide to help you with the various fields used in this online database.

Search CEE-ARI Online Database

These FAQs represent the top ten related to Heat Pumps, Air-Source and the ENERGY STAR program.