What SEER and HSFP Ratings Mean for Your HVAC System
                     What SEER and HSFP Ratings Mean for Your HVAC
System
When you go to buy an HVAC system for your home, you will come across different 
terminology that you won’t find in your dictionary. These terms can be some advanced 
features we are not familiar with or a name of the product line. But most of the time you 
will come across these two terms – SEER, HSFP. I don’t blame if you don’t didn’t know 
what they are because honestly, even some people directly related to these HVAC 
systems don’t know what they are. People act as if they are one of those things you 
hear and memorize and don’t require any explanation. But as a consumer, you should 
know what they signify and what are the numbers accompanying. Knowing about SEER
and HSFP will give you an upper hand in choosing an HVAC system as well as in AC 
installation, AC replacement and repair.
What does SEER and HSFP mean?
In simple terms, SEER and HSFP are the ratings that HVAC companies use to indicate 
the efficiency of their furnace, heat pump, central ac unit, etc.
The SEER rating is the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and HSFP rating is the 
Heating Seasonal Performance Factor. These two ratings are the most commonly used 
to explain how efficient the HVAC system is with comparison ton its fuel intake.
Why do we need these ratings on our HVAC equipment?
First of all, the SEER ratings and HSFP rating are very important for people who are not
aware of the technical parts of their HVAC system. These ratings help them compare air
conditioning units with each other.
Secondly, when it comes to AC services & repair and air duct cleaning, it ultimately 
helps if you know the SEER rating and what the number means.
SEER rating
As I have mentioned, SEER is short for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio.
All heat pumps and air conditioners sold in the US are rated with the SEER rating. This 
rating signifies the cooling efficiency of an air conditioning unit.
As heat pumps are capable of both heating and cooling, it has SEER rating along with 
an AFUE rating. While SEER rating signifies how efficient the cooling cycle is, the AFUE
rating tells you how efficient the heating cycle is. On a side note, unlike the SEER 
rating, AFUE is a percentage and I will talk about it more some other day.
Read Also: 14 SEER vs 16 SEER – Which HVAC system is better for you?
If you didn’t know already, the efficiency of any machine is computed by the input and 
output. So, for any machine, the efficiency will be the ratio of input energy, power or 
resources by the output. As a formula, it would look like this –
Efficiency = Output / Input
For SEER rating’s case, the efficiency of an air conditioner is calculated by taking total 
cooling power (which is the output) and dividing it with the total used energy for 1 year 
(which is the input here).
So, the formula here is –
SEER rating = total cooling power/total used energy for 1 year
Note that, this formula is not absolute, there are other factors and adjustments to be 
made to determine an air conditioner’s SEER rating. This SEER figure, the seasonal 
ratio, also takes into account multiple temperature variation. Also, an air conditioning 
unit’s efficiency will vary depending on how hard the air conditioner has to work to keep 
the home cool.
In the US, there are certain rules and regulation incorporating SEER rating and the 
legality of using an air conditioner in your home. In the US, the modern heat pumps and 
air conditioner must have at least 14 SEER rating for it being suitable for residential and
commercial use. This rating varies depends on the type of air conditioner or heat pump 
you own. But for the older units, the SEER rating can be as low as 8.
HSFP rating
Heating Seasonal Performance Factor is the full form for HSFP rating. Where SEER is 
the rating for cooling efficiency, the HSFP is the rating signifies the heating efficiency. 
Similar to SEER, HSFP is also seasonal. As for the calculation, it is very similar to the 
SEER rating calculation. The efficiency of a heating system is calculated by taking total 
heating power (which is the output) and dividing it with the total used energy for 1 year 
(which is the input here).
So, the formula here is –
HSFP rating = total heating power/total used energy for 1 year
Note that, HSFP rating takes the shoulder seasons (spring & fall) into account when the 
heating units are not operating at their highest. These days, a heating unit stars with 7 
or 8 rating and varies depending on the type and power source.
Bottom Line
Now that you know what these SEER ratings and HSFP ratings mean, you can make a 
wiser decision when it comes to AC replacing and AC repair. Use this knowledge to 
determine what HVAC unit is suitable for your need.
In short, for AC installation, AC replacement, AC repair situations, it is helpful to know 
what the SEER rating & HSFP rating means for your HVAC system.
By the way, are you looking for an HVAC system for your home?
Check out Green Leaf Air Store where we have a wide range of residential & 
commercial HVAC system including: –
Goodman HVAC System – Trane HVAC system – Heat Pumps – Air Handlers – Gas 
Furnaces
Besides, for any Air Duct Cleaning, Dallas AC installation, AC replacement, and AC 
repair services in Dallas, contact Green Leaf Air to ensure you receive the best quotes 
and a satisfying service experience.