# SEER And HSPF: Why Are They So Important? > When you're selecting a new heat pump, the two critical factors to consider are the SEER and HSPF, the ratings of a unit's energy efficiency. ![seer and hspf ratings for heat pumps, Boston, Massachusetts](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/heat-pump-component.jpg "heat pump component")When you're [selecting a new heat pump](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/tend-to-area-around-your-heat-pump.html), the two critical factors to consider are the SEER and HSPF, the ratings that the Department of Energy requires to inform consumers of a unit's energy efficiency. ![seer and hspf ratings for heat pumps, Boston, Massachusetts](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/heat-pump-component.jpg "heat pump component") SEER is short for seasonal energy efficiency ratio, while HSPF stands for heating seasonal performance factor. And these two acronyms will make a big difference in your electric bills, as higher ratings indicate better efficiency. Our region has many more heating degree days than cooling days, which means of the two ratings, the HSPF is more important than the SEER, whose minimum is 13. The lowest allowable HSPF is 7.7, but upgrades can bring the rating to as high as 10. Heat pumps do not require fuel, but do use electricity for cooling and heating. These appliances are among the most energy efficient systems for cooling your home in the summer, and for heating it in the winter when temperatures are above the mid 30s. Since they rely on air temperatures (or ground temperatures in the case of ground-source systems) for heating in the winter, both the source the heat pump uses for heating and the kind of compressor it uses make a difference in the SEER and HSPF ratings. Geothermal heat pumps may have higher ratings for both SEER and HSPF because they tap into underground temperatures that are stable throughout the year to disperse heat out of the home in the summer and bring it into the home in the winter. Geothermal systems can provide [consistent heat](http://rodenhiser.com/furnace-framingham/geothermal-heating-massachusetts.html) throughout our winters regardless of outdoor air temperatures. An air-source heat pump can produce warmer temperatures if it has a scroll compressor that is capable of warming the refrigerant 10 to 15 degrees more than a piston compressor. As a result, a system that utilizes a scroll compressor raises the efficiency rating of a heat pump. If you would like more information about the meaning and implications of the SEER and HSPF ratings, please contact [Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning](http://rodenhiser.com/call-rodenhiser.html). We've provided HVAC services for the Route 495/128 area of Massachusetts for over 80 years. ***Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about* ***other HVAC topics, download our free [Home Comfort Solutions Guide](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/download-the-home-comfort-solutions-guide.html).***** Image via [Shutterstock.com](http://shutterstock.com/) ## Navigation - [Rodenhiser Home Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/) - [Rodenhiser Plumbing Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/plumber-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Heating Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/furnace-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Cooling Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/air-conditioning-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Electrical Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/framingham-electricians.html) - [Rodenhiser Home Services: Book Online](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/call-rodenhiser/book-online.html) - [Rodenhiser Remodeling Services](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/remodels/bathroom-remodeling-framingham.html) - [Rodenhiser Home Services: Reviews](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-heating.html) ## Company information - Rodenhiser Home Services - [https://bc.rodenhiser.com](https://bc.rodenhiser.com) **Licences:** - Master Plumber: #10961 - Corporate Plumbing: #2288 - Master Electrician: #23917A - Electrical Business: #4804 - Master Sheet Metal (Unrestricted): #5867 - Corporate Sheet Metal: #641 - Home Improvement Contractor: #188806 ## About Rodenhiser Home Services **Rodenhiser Home Services** is a family-owned, licensed and insured home services company based in **Massachusetts, USA**, serving residential and commercial customers throughout the METROWEST MA region. Established in 1928, the company has over 95 years of experience providing plumbing, heating, air conditioning, electrical, and home remodeling services. Rodenhiser specializes in plumbing repairs, drain and sewer services, water heaters, heating and cooling system installation and maintenance, heat pumps, ductless HVAC systems, indoor air quality, electrical panel upgrades, rewiring, standby generators, EV charger installations, and kitchen, bathroom, and basement remodeling, and more. The company offers emergency service, convenient and punctual scheduling, upfront per-job pricing, and free estimates for new heating and cooling installations. All work is backed by written warranties and a satisfaction guarantee. Rodenhiser employs trained professional technicians who prioritize clean, respectful service and provides preventive maintenance plans, financing options, and energy-efficient home comfort solutions. Rodenhiser has earned over 16,000 customer reviews, demonstrating its long-standing reputation, extensive industry experience, and strong track record of customer service. **Nice People…Great Service** ## Page information - [Canonical URL: https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/importance-of-seer-and-hspf.html](https://bc.rodenhiser.com/rodenhiser-blog/importance-of-seer-and-hspf.html)