What does the acronym 'HSPF' indicate in heat pump systems?

The acronym 'HSPF' stands for Heating Seasonal Performance Factor, which is a crucial measure in evaluating the efficiency of heat pump systems. Specifically, the HSPF quantifies the heating output during a typical heating season, expressed in British thermal units (BTUs), divided by the total electrical energy consumed by the system in watt-hours.

This metric provides insight into how effectively a heat pump can convert electricity into heat over an entire heating season, rather than just during individual instances. A higher HSPF indicates a more efficient heat pump, which means it delivers more heating output for each unit of energy consumed. Understanding HSPF is vital for consumers and professionals when comparing different heat pumps and making informed decisions regarding energy efficiency and operating costs.