Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER/SEER2) is most commonly used to measure the efficiency of a central air conditioner. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the system. SEER measures how efficiently a cooling system will operate over an entire season. In technical terms, SEER is a measure of the total cooling of a central air conditioner or heat pump (in Btu) during the normal cooling season as compared to the total electric energy input (in watt-hours) consumed during the same period. This measure of efficiency is specific to the temperate climate in the middle of the U.S. Recently testing procedures have been refined to introduce the SEER2 rating.

Heat Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF/HSPF2) is the most commonly used measure of a heat pumps heating efficiency. The higher the HSPF, the more efficient the heat pump. In technical terms, HSPF represents the total heating output of a heat pump (including supplementary electric heat) during the normal heating season (in Btu) as compared to the total electricity consumed (in watt-hours) during the same period. Recently testing procedures have been refined to introduce the HSPF2 rating.

Source: www.energystar.gov

A ductless heat pump is a highly energy-efficient heating and cooling system that runs without the energy losses associated with the ductwork of a central forced-air system. As it doesn't require ducts to carry conditioned air, it is the preferred system for additions to your home, newer homes that only require a small space conditioning system or areas of your home that you wish to condition in zones.

Other benefits include:

• Ductless heat pumps use between 25 and 50 percent less energy to heat your home
• An ultra-quiet fan evenly circulates air, eliminating hot and cold spots
• Installation in your home is inexpensive, simple and quick, which makes for little or no disruption
• Ductless systems come standard with air conditioning, so you can get rid of window units

An air-source heat pump is a high-efficiency heating and cooling system that can deliver between one-and-a-half and three times more heat energy to a home than the electrical energy it uses.

A less efficient panel of electric coils kicks in to provide additional indoor heating when outdoor temperatures fall below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, so it's generally not a preferred system for regions with sub-freezing winter temperatures.

Heat pump water heaters are also commonly referred to as hybrid electric water heaters. Heat pump water heaters (HPWH) can save a household of 4 approximately $470 per year on its electric bills compared to a standard electric water heater. While a HPWH costs more upfront, the savings will pay back in the difference in about three years for a household of 4. See if a HPWH is right for you, replace your aging electric water heater before it fails, and start enjoying the savings right away. Source: www.energystar.gov

Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) is an alliance of northwest utilities and energy efficiency organizations working on behalf of more than 13 million energy consumers to increase the adoption of energy-efficient products, services and practices. NEEA has standardized the use of Advanced Water Heating Specification (AWHS) to advance higher performing electric and gas heat pump water heaters. NEEA has a qualifying product list available online.