Shopping for a heat pump in Phoenix, Mesa, or Chandler AZ? Sapper HVAC explains heat pump SEER2 and HSPF2 ratings and what they mean for Arizona's climate.
Heat Pump SEER2 Ratings Explained for Arizona Homeowners
If you're shopping for a heat pump replacement in Phoenix, Chandler, Mesa, Gilbert, Tempe, or the surrounding Phoenix metro area, you'll encounter two efficiency ratings: SEER2 and HSPF2. Both matter — but they matter differently in Arizona's unique climate.
Two Ratings for One System
- SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2): Measures cooling efficiency. Higher SEER2 = more efficient cooling.
- HSPF2 (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor 2): Measures heating efficiency. Higher HSPF2 = more efficient heating.
Current Minimum Standards for Arizona
- Minimum SEER2: 14.3 for split-system heat pumps
- Minimum HSPF2: 7.5 for split-system heat pumps
Quality heat pumps today range from 15–22 SEER2 and 8.0–10.5 HSPF2.
Which Rating Matters More in Arizona?
In the Phoenix metro area, SEER2 matters far more than HSPF2. Arizona's cooling season runs approximately 8–10 months. Your heat pump will spend the vast majority of its operating hours in cooling mode. A heat pump that is SEER2 20 / HSPF2 8.0 will save you far more money over its lifespan in Arizona than a heat pump that is SEER2 16 / HSPF2 10.0.
Exception: For homeowners in Anthem, New River, Fountain Hills, and Apache Junction where winter heating use is more significant, HSPF2 matters more than it does on the valley floor.
What SEER2 and HSPF2 Ratings to Look for in Arizona
Valley Floor Communities
- Minimum recommended: 15 SEER2 / 7.5 HSPF2
- Best value: 17–18 SEER2 / 8.0–8.5 HSPF2
- Premium efficiency: 20+ SEER2 / 9.0+ HSPF2
Higher Elevation Communities (Anthem, New River, Fountain Hills, Apache Junction)
- Minimum recommended: 15 SEER2 / 8.0 HSPF2
- Best value: 17 SEER2 / 8.5 HSPF2
- Consider: Cold climate heat pumps for New River and higher-elevation areas
Variable Speed vs. Single Stage
Variable-speed heat pumps have the highest SEER2 and HSPF2 ratings and provide better humidity control during monsoon season. Single-stage systems have lower ratings but also lower upfront costs — a solid efficiency single-stage system is a reasonable choice in Arizona's climate.
We install heat pumps throughout Phoenix, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale, Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, Queen Creek, Apache Junction, Buckeye, Anthem, New River, Maricopa, Casa Grande, and Florence.
Contact Sapper HVAC to discuss the right heat pump SEER2 and HSPF2 ratings for your specific location and home.