These heat pumps take heat from outdoor air and move that heat to the inside for space heating. In summer, the process is reversed and the heat pump operates to cool the living space. Heat pumps look similar to central air conditioners. During the heating season, the outdoor air temperature varies widely affecting output and efficiency. The Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) is a measure of the seasonal overall heating efficiency - the higher, the better. In Canada, a backup source of heating is normally required for colder weather. As with air conditioners, cooling efficiency can be compared using the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) ratings. Higher ratings indicate superior performance. In 2006, Canada's Energy Efficiency Regulations will require significantly higher minimum efficiency levels. Ozone-depleting refrigerants are being phased out of production, and eventually will not be available for maintenance purposes. Many new heat pumps are available with refrigerants that will not affect the ozone layer. Many factors affect your home heating and cooling needs, so a heat load calculation is required to properly size the heating system.
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