HSPF2: What It Is and Why It Matters

By Anne Fonda

HSPF stands for Heating Seasonal Performance Factor and measures the heating efficiency of a heat pump over the entire heating season. This can be a short season for Florida homeowners, but it can last from October to April for homeowners in some northern climates.

HSPF2 is an updated version of the HSPF rating set by the Department of Energy (DOE) that went into effect Jan. 1, 2023. The DOE developed HSPF2 by refining HVAC system testing procedures to more closely simulate real-world conditions.

The new requirements mean that all split system heat pumps must have an HSPF2 rating of 7.5 or higher, and all single-packaged heat pumps must have an HSPF2 of 6.7 or higher. The best HSPF2 rating for your heat pump depends on several different factors, like home size and climate, so be sure to talk to your American Standard Customer Care Dealer™ before investing in a system.

It depends. For a standard heat pump, a higher HSPF2 typically goes along with having a higher Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER2), which is a measurement of your heat pump's cooling efficiency over an entire season.  Combined, high heat pump efficiency ratings equal an overall more energy-efficient heat pump system.

For optimal heating and cooling with optimal comfort and energy savings for your climate, reach out to your American Standard dealer for help choosing a heat pump system.

Buying a higher-rated heat pump will cost more upfront than a lower-rated alternative. But you could easily save money on your energy bills for years to come.  Your actual savings would depend on multiple factors, including:

Currently, we have two heat pumps that stand out as having a high HSPF2 rating.

Currently, the Gold 17 Multi-Speed Heat Pump has the highest HSPF2 rating of our standard electric heat pumps. With an HSPF2 rating of up to 11, this unit can reliably heat your home. This heat pump is tested to provide a 70% heating capacity ratio at 5°F and deliver 100% heating capacity down to 27°F. 

For homeowners with cold winters, we would recommend a dual-fuel heat pump system, where you pair the outdoor heat pump with an indoor gas furnace. When temperatures drop and make the heat pump less efficient, the gas furnace takes over to provide reliable comfort.

The heat pump resumes heating duties when the outdoor ambient temperature rises again.

Our low-profile CCHP with the highest HSPF2 rating is the Silver 16 Multi-Speed Low-Profile Cold Climate Heat Pump. With an HSPF2 rating of up to 10 and using innovative inverter technology, this unit can provide 100% heating capacity down to 5°F and 70% heating capacity down to -22°F.

This CCHP would be suitable as an all-electric heating and cooling system with an air handler for many locations. For areas with particularly frigid winters, pairing with a furnace would be advisable.

A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need. 

She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism. When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.

Expert review by Chelsea Hudson, Product Manager, Ducted Variable Speed Outdoor