Heat Pump Cost Calculator
Calculate operating costs for air-source heat pumps, factoring in modern SEER2 and HSPF2 efficiency ratings, coefficient of performance (COP), and backup aux heat strips.
Heat Pump Specifications (SEER2 / HSPF2)
Heat Pump Seasonal Performance Formula
Heating kWh = (Capacity BTU ÷ HSPF2 × Hours ÷ 1,000) + (Aux Strip kW × Aux Hours) | COP = HSPF2 ÷ 3.412- HSPF2: Heating Seasonal Performance Factor under newer DOE M1 testing standards.
- COP (Coefficient of Performance): Ratio of useful heat delivered to electrical energy consumed (typically 2.2 to 3.8 for heat pumps).
- Auxiliary Heat Strips: High-wattage electric resistance backup coils (5 to 15 kW) that energize during sub-zero defrost cycles or extreme deep freezes.
Step-by-Step Worked Example
Calculation Steps:
How to Use This Calculator
Assumptions & Limitations
- HSPF2 conforms to DOE Appendix M1 testing standards effective since 2023.
- 1 Watt-hour of electricity equals 3.412 BTU of thermal energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can a heat pump be more than 100% efficient (COP > 1.0)?
Heat pumps do not create heat through combustion or electrical resistance. Instead, they use refrigerant compression to move existing outdoor ambient heat into your home, delivering 2.5 to 3.5 units of heat for every 1 unit of electricity consumed.
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