Last updated: January 9, 2023.
Based on a comprehensive heat pump energy efficiency study, see which heat pump has the highest HSPF, get a list of the top 10 units, & see what is considered a good HSPF rating.
Spoilers:
- The heat pump with the highest HSPF (42.2) is the Fujitsu ASUG09LZAS;
- The top 10 heat pumps with the highest HSPF results have ratings that range from 13 to 14.2 – get links to the manufacturer product details below;
- A good HSPF rating for a heat pump ranges from 8.2 to 9.49 (the most efficient units have HSPF ratings of 9.5+); and
- The highly rated, cost effective, Amazon #1 Best Seller has a HSPF rating of 8.4 – 10. See the price on Amazon, here.
Note: this study is based on official HSPF ratings for 2,126 heat pumps (both air-source and mini-split heat pumps). Data was sourced from he U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Briefly, HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) is an energy efficiency rating that’s a key consideration for those buying a heat pump, upgrading a heating system, or simply interested in heat pump home heating capabilities.
Heat pump with the highest HSPF
With a HSPF of 14.2, the heat pump with the highest HSPF is the Fujitsu ASUG09LZAS.
This stand out energy efficient heat pump also has the highest Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) at 33.1.
The unit with the second highest HSPF is part of the same series from Fujitsu (i.e. the LZAH1 series).
With a HSPF of 14, the heat pump with the second highest energy efficiency rating is the Fujitsu ASUG12LZAS.
The heat pump with the third highest HSPF (13.5) is the Mitsubishi MSZ-FS DELUXE.
This unit is also tied in top spot when it comes to SEER. For more details, check out the highest SEER rating for a heat pump.
The table below lists the top 10 highest HSPF ratings for heat pumps. Links to the manufacturer’s product pages are also provided for more details.
HSPF Position | HSPF Rating | Brand | Model | Link to manufacturer |
1 | 14.2 | Fujitsu | ASUG09LZAS | See specs on fujitsugeneral.com, here. |
2 | 14 | Fujitsu | ASUG12LZAS | See unit details on fujitsugeneral.com, here. |
3 | 13.5 | Mitsubishi | MSZ-FS DELUXE | Get details on mitsubishicomfort.com, here. |
4 | 13.4 | Fujitsu | ASUG15LZAS | See details on fujitsugeneral.com, here. |
5 | 13.3 | Mitsubishi | MLZ-KP EZ FIT | See specs on mitsubishicomfort.com, here. |
6 | 13 | Mitsubishi | MFZ-KJ09NA | Get more details on mitsubishicomfort.com, here. |
7 (tied) | 13 | Carrier | 25VNA4 | Learn more on carrier.com, here. |
7 (tied) | 13 | Bryant | 284ANV | See unit details on bryant.com, here. |
7 (tied) | 13 | Carrier | 25VNA0 | Get more info on carrier.com, here. |
10 | 13 | Fujitsu | ASUG09LMAS | See specs on fujitsugeneral.com, here. |
All of these heat pumps received the coveted “ENERGY STAR Most Efficient” label.
Due to its popularity, amount positive reviews, and solid performance, an honorable mention must go to Amazon’s #1 Best Seller in “Split-System Air Conditioning”, the Cooper & Hunter B0862DW9R4.
Check it out on Amazon, here.
This unit has a HSPF of 8.4 to 10, and a SEER of 17 to 19.
While not the most energy efficient on the market, it does come highly rated and it is a solid performer, particularly considering its price.
Typically, the cost of a heat pump increases along with its energy efficiency / HSPF rating.
In order to keep the initial expense low, many will try to find a suitable middleground between cost and performance – this is where the honorable mention stands out.
But, for those that intend to do further research, let’s go one step further to help you make an even more informed purchasing decision – let’s see what a good HSPF rating is for heat pumps.
What is a good HSPF rating?
A good HSPF rating for a heat pump ranges from 8.2 to 9.49, while the best heat pumps have a HSPF rating of 9.5 to 14.2.
A poor HSPF rating is anything less than 8.2.
This is because, in order to achieve ENERGY STAR certification (an official recognition of energy efficiency), heat pumps must have a HSPF rating of at least 8.2.
Anything less and it’s not considered a good HSPF rating.
Anything 8.2 or more and it should be considered good, until the most efficient levels are reached – then we get into the best HSPF range.
In order to determine what HSPF range is better than good, we can use the HSPF ratings for heat pumps that received the ENERGY STAR Most Efficient label.
The best heat pumps, in terms of energy efficiency, have a HSPF rating of 9.5 to 14.2.
The table below shows the HSPF categories along with the HSPF rating ranges.
HSPF rating category | HSPF rating range |
Poor HSPF rating | Less than 8.2 |
Good HSPF rating | 8.2 – 9.49 |
Best HSPF rating | 9.5 and higher |
Related: What is a good SEER rating for a heat pump?
Final thoughts
A heat pump is an effective home heating solution.
And some are more effective than others at converting energy into heat for your home.
As you know, HSPF is an efficiency rating that’s a key consideration when buying a heat pump or upgrading a home heating system.
I hope that, by listing the heat pumps with the highest HSPF ratings and by delivering insights from this HSPF ratings study, you are better equipped to make more informed decisions about home heating solutions.
If you’re considering using electric heaters or an electric fireplace for additional warmth, check out:
- Electric Fireplace Energy Efficiency Results [Most Efficient + Wattage & BTU For 117 Models];
- Cost To Run An Electric Fireplace Revealed [8 Cost Saving Tips + Calculator]; and
- Electric Heater Cost To Run [With 7 Cost Saving Tips].
And don’t miss this 6 Quick Wins Cheat Sheet to quickly and easily reduce your carbon footprint and electricity bills:
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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.