What Is HSPF and SEER? Heat Pump Efficiency Ratings Explained for Canadians

Introduction

When shopping for a heat pump in Canada, you’ll come across two important efficiency ratings: HSPF and SEER. They’re often printed on system labels, talked about by installers, and required for rebates. But what do these acronyms actually mean—and how do they affect your energy bills in a cold Canadian climate?

In this post, we’ll break down HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) and SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) in simple terms, explain how they’re calculated, and help you choose the right numbers to look for when buying a system that will perform year-round in Canada.

What Is HSPF and Why Does It Matter in Canada?

HSPF = Heating Seasonal Performance Factor.

It measures the total heat output over a heating season, divided by the electricity used to generate that heat. Think of it like your car’s litres-per-100km—but for winter heating.

HSPF Rating Guide

HSPF Rating	Performance
8.2	Standard (min for ENERGY STAR®)
9.0–10.0	Good for most climates
10.0–12.0+	Excellent for Canadian winters

The higher the HSPF, the more efficient the heat pump is at heating—crucial for provinces with long winters like Ontario, Quebec, and the Prairies.

Example: A heat pump with an HSPF of 11.0 uses 20–30% less electricity than one with a rating of 8.2.

What Is SEER and When Does It Matter?

SEER = Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio.

This rating applies to cooling efficiency. It’s the ratio of total cooling output to energy consumed during a typical cooling season.

SEER Rating Guide

SEER Rating	Performance
13–14	Standard
15–18	Good
19–21+	Excellent

In southern Canada (e.g. Southern Ontario or BC), where air conditioning is common, a higher SEER may help you save on summer cooling costs.

Tip: If you’re in a province where summers are short or mild, don’t over-prioritize SEER.

HSPF vs. SEER: Which Should You Prioritize?

HSPF vs SEER Comparison

Factor	HSPF	SEER
Measures	Heating efficiency	Cooling efficiency
Key for	Winter performance	Summer savings
Important in	All Canadian provinces	Ontario, BC, Quebec
Used for rebates	Yes (Canada Greener Homes, etc.)	No or less relevant

For most Canadians, HSPF is far more important than SEER. Your heat pump will be heating your home 6–8 months a year, and cooling for just 2–3 months.

How Do These Ratings Affect Rebates and Incentives?

To qualify for Canada Greener Homes and most provincial programs, your heat pump must meet minimum thresholds:

Cold Climate Requirements

• HSPF ≥ 10.0.
• Performance at -15°C with COP ≥ 1.8.
• Listed on NRCan’s Cold Climate ASHP list.

Common Rebate-Eligible Brands

• Mitsubishi Zuba Central
• Fujitsu Halcyon XLTH
• LG Red Series
• Daikin Aurora
• Bosch Climate 5000

Example: An Ontario homeowner installed a Daikin unit with an HSPF of 11.7 and received:
Example Rebate Breakdown

• $6,500 from the HER+ program (Ontario).
• Additional provincial rebates available in 2025:
  • BC (CleanBC): Up to 100% of costs for income-qualified households.
  • Nova Scotia (Efficiency NS): Up to $6,000 for heat pumps.
  • Manitoba (Efficiency MB): Up to $5,000 for heat pump upgrades.
  • Alberta: Edmonton’s CEIP offers low-interest financing.
  • Yukon: $0.80/W rebate up to $5,000 on qualifying heat pumps.

Where to Find These Ratings

You can find HSPF and SEER ratings:

Where to Look

• On the product’s yellow EnerGuide label.
• In the manufacturer’s spec sheet.
• Through your installer’s quote.
• On the NRCan website (search: Cold Climate Heat Pump List).
• Via Solenery Insights, which matches high-efficiency models to your postal code and climate zone.

Always ask for the full performance spec sheet—not just the max HSPF or SEER.

Conclusion

Understanding HSPF and SEER helps you choose a heat pump that performs well in your specific Canadian climate. Focus on HSPF for winter heating, and don’t get distracted by cooling numbers unless summer A/C is a big concern where you live. The higher the HSPF, the more comfort and savings you’ll enjoy when temperatures drop.