Air-Source Heat Pumps and Central Air Conditioners Key Product Criteria
| Equipment | Specification |
|---|---|
| Air-Source Heat Pumps | ≥ 8.5 HSPF/ ≥15 SEER/ ≥12.5 EER* for split systems ≥ 8.2 HSPF ≥15 SEER/ ≥12 EER* for single package equipment including gas/electric package units. |
| Central Air Conditioners | ≥15 SEER/ ≥12.5 EER* for split systems ≥15 SEER/ ≥12 EER* for single package equipment including gas/electric package units. |
Air-Source Heat Pump (ASHP):
An air-source unitary heat pump model is a product other than a packaged terminal heat pump, which consists of one or more assemblies, powered by single phase electric current, rated below 65,000 Btu per hour, utilizing an indoor conditioning coil, compressor, and refrigerant-to-outdoor air heat exchanger to provide air heating, and may also provide air cooling, dehumidifying, humidifying circulating, and air cleaning.1
Central Air Conditioner (CAC):
A central air conditioner is a product, which is powered by single phase electric current, air cooled, rated below 65,000 Btu per hour, not contained within the same cabinet as a furnace, the rated capacity of which is above 225,000 Btu per hour, and is a heat pump or a cooling unit only.1
Single Package:
A single package unit is an air source heat pump or central air conditioner that has all major assemblies enclosed in a single cabinet.2
Split System:
A split system is an air source heat pump or central air conditioner that has one or more of the major assemblies separated from the others.2
Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF):
HSPF is the total space heating required in region IV during the space heating season, expressed in Btu, divided by the total electrical energy consumed by the heat pump system during the same season, expressed in watt-hours.3
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER):
SEER is the total heat removed from the conditioned space during the annual cooling season, expressed in Btu, divided by the total electrical energy consumed by the air conditioner or heat pump during the same season, expressed in watt-hours.2
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER):
EER is the ratio of the average rate of space cooling delivered to the average rate of electrical energy consumed by the air conditioner or heat pump. This ratio is expressed in Btu per watt.h (Btu/W.h). 2
1 10 CFR part 430, Subpart A, § 430.2 Definitions
2 10 CFR part 430 Subpart B, Appendix M
3 Based on definition in 10 CFR part 430 Subpart B, Appendix M