Highest SEER Heat Pump Revealed [2,126 Units Studied]

Last updated: January 9, 2023.

What is a good SEER rating for a heat pump, & what’s the highest? Find out here, based on a comprehensive 2023 study of 2,126 of the most energy efficient heat pumps.

Spoilers:

• The highest SEER heat pump has a rating of 33.1 (see the unit below);
• The top 10 highest SEER heat pumps have ratings that range from 24.5 and up;
• The most energy efficient heat pumps have SEER ratings of 18 and above;
• A good SEER rating for a heat pump is 14 to 17.9; and
• The cost effective, highly rated, best selling heat pump on Amazon boasts an SEER of 19 – see the price, here. 

Continue reading to see what exactly heat pump SEER means, get links to the top 10 most efficient units, and see what SEER ratings are considered Poor, Good, and Best.

Heat pump SEER

Heat pump SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is a key performance metric for heat pumps that provide cooling functionality. 

Heat pump SEER refers to the total heat removed, in BTU, during the cooling season divided by energy consumed. The result is SEER, a metric that’s used to benchmark the cooling efficiency of heat pumps.

The higher the heat pump SEER, the more efficient it is at removing heat from the air.

In terms of efficiency related to heating, heat pump HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) should be used.

Both heat pump SEER and HSPF are key considerations for those considering buying a heat pump, upgrading a system, or simply interested in heat pump capabilities in general.

Choosing a heat pump that has both heating and cooling capabilities is a more cost effective and eco-friendly solution for many. This is because it removes the requirement for buying, producing, and transporting two separate heating / cooling systems.

But there are cases where cooling efficiency is a more important consideration than heating efficiency, and vice versa. It depends on the user’s climate, and current heating and cooling system, among other factors.

As a result, it’s useful for many to consider heat pump SEER and HSPF separately.

Check out the heat pump with the highest HSPF, and continue reading to see the heat pump with the highest SEER in 2023.

Highest SEER heat pump

The highest SEER heat pump has a rating of 33.1, which is delivered by the Fujitsu AOUG09LZAS1 and the Mitsubishi MSZ-FS DELUXE.

The second highest SEER rating for a heat pump comes in at 29.4.

Based on analysis of 2,126 of the most energy efficient heat pumps in 2023, the table below lists the top 10 highest SEER heat pumps, along with their SEER ratings, and links to the manufacturers for more details.

All of these heat pumps provide both heating and cooling functionality, and have been awarded the coveted “ENERGY STAR Most Efficient” label.

Typically, the cost of a heat pump rises with its efficiency.

An honorable mention must go to the cost effective, solid performing, no. 1 best selling heat pump on Amazon, the Cooper & Hunter B0862DW9R4.

This unit has a lot of positive reviews, comes highly rated, and boasts an SEER of 19. 

While the SEER is not as high as the standout, premium, most efficient heat pump above, this heat pump still has a good cooling efficiency rating, and it also has a good HSPF / heating efficiency rating.

Check it out on Amazon, here.

It’s worth noting that the highest SEER rating for a heat pump is not always the best option. This is because room size plays a significant role. So what is the best SEER rating?

What is the best SEER rating for a heat pump?

The best SEER rating for a heat pump is the highest rating of all units that cater to your room size.

The highest SEER rating for a heat pump is 33.1. This is the most efficient heat pump rating overall, but it does not necessarily mean it’s the best SEER rating for your needs.

This is because underpowered and overpowered heat pumps lead to energy wastage.

It’s important to choose an appropriately powered heat pump for your needs.

This is similar to air conditioners – see how you can choose the most efficient window AC in 3 simple steps.

Next, in order to help you choose the best heat pump for your needs, let’s set some benchmark figures for heat pump cooling efficiency by categorizing results from the study into Poor, Good, and Best.

What is a good SEER rating for a heat pump? 

A good SEER rating for a heat pump ranges from 14 to 17.9, while the best range from 18 to 33.1. A poor SEER for a heat pump is anything less than 14.

The DOE has set the minimum standard for heat pump cooling efficiency at 14. An SEER below this can, therefore, be considered “Poor”.

On the opposite end of the scale, certain heat pumps have achieved the coveted “ENERGY STAR Most Efficient” label. These are the most energy efficient on the market, and they have an SEER that ranges from 18 to 33.1.

As a result, this range can be considered “Best”.

Heat pumps with an SEER that fall between the Poor and Best ranges, can be considered “Good”. This is an SEER range of 14 to 17.9.

The table below shows the SEER categories along with the SEER rating ranges:

Next, let’s briefly jump into some frequently asked questions that came up during the research phase of this study.

FAQs

Final thoughts

Heat pumps can be an effective heating and cooling solution. But not all heat pumps cool and some deliver more efficient cooling than others. 

Heat pumps with a high SEER deliver more efficient cooling than their lower SEER counterparts.

I hope that by listing the heat pumps with the highest SEER, you’re now in a position to make a more informed decision about your home heating and cooling options.

If you’re interested in heating your home more efficiently, check out the heat pumps with the highest HSPF.

And if you’re interested in exploring more specialist cooling options, check out:

• Window AC Wattage [Most Efficient & Lowest W Revealed];
• Wall AC Efficiency Results [Incl. Wall AC Vs Window AC]; and
• Portable AC Wattage Results [Most Efficient Revealed].

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James

James, Eco Cost Savings co-founder and Editor-in-Chief, is also our experienced in-house energy management and sustainability expert, and manager of our network of sustainability consultants.

Before his journey into sustainability, James studied engineering. Additionally, he has experience in HVAC installation, and data analysis. A self-proclaimed practical environmentalist, and avid penny pincher, James established Eco Cost Savings to share his and his colleague’s expertise with the aim of helping to reduce energy bills and carbon footprints at scale.

Read more about James or connect directly on TokTok, here.