A new split-system heat pump sold in the U.S. must reach at least 14.3 SEER2 and 7.5 HSPF2 under federal rules. ENERGY STAR asks for 15.2 SEER2 and 7.8 HSPF2, and rebates often key off those higher numbers.
So when a contractor quotes "16 SEER2, 8.1 HSPF2", those numbers decide whether the unit qualifies for ENERGY STAR and for a utility rebate. Here's what each threshold means, from the official pages checked on October 8, 2026.
What Do SEER2, HSPF2 and EER2 Mean?
SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2) rates cooling efficiency across a season, HSPF2 (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor 2) rates heating efficiency across a season, and EER2 rates cooling at a single test condition. They're the federal ratings for heat pumps made on or after January 1, 2023.
Federal rules set minimum values ("not less than"), so a higher number means a more efficient unit. The "2" versions replaced the older SEER and HSPF ratings for equipment manufactured from 2023 on. Federal HSPF2 standards are based on DOE's Region IV, so the label number is a standard rating, not a forecast for your house.
What Are the Federal Minimum Ratings for Heat Pumps?
For heat pumps manufactured on or after January 1, 2023, federal rules (10 CFR 430.32) require at least 14.3 SEER2 and 7.5 HSPF2 for split systems, and 13.4 SEER2 and 6.7 HSPF2 for single-package units.
| Heat pump type | Federal minimum (made on or after Jan 1, 2023) | ENERGY STAR | ENERGY STAR cold climate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Split system | 14.3 SEER2, 7.5 HSPF2 | 15.2 SEER2, 7.8 HSPF2, 11.0 EER2 | Ducted: 8.1 HSPF2; non-ducted: 8.5 HSPF2 (15.2 SEER2) |
| Single-package | 13.4 SEER2, 6.7 HSPF2 | 15.2 SEER2, 7.2 HSPF2, 10.0 EER2 | 8.1 HSPF2 (15.2 SEER2) |
Before 2023, the federal minimums used the older SEER and HSPF: 14 SEER and 8.2 HSPF for split heat pumps made from 2015 through 2022.
What Makes a Heat Pump ENERGY STAR or Cold Climate?
ENERGY STAR split-system heat pumps need at least 7.8 HSPF2, 15.2 SEER2 and 11.0 EER2. The Cold Climate designation adds a higher HSPF2 and low-temperature tests: a COP of at least 1.75 at 5°F and at least 70% of the 47°F heating capacity at 5°F.
ENERGY STAR also explains why ratings can be high: because heat pumps move heat instead of burning fuel, an air-source heat pump can deliver up to 3 times more heat energy than the electricity it uses. And a ducted heat pump can often replace a central air conditioner or furnace using the existing ductwork.
What Ratings Do California Rebates Require?
LADWP's heat pump HVAC rebate requires at least 15.2 SEER2 and 7.7 HSPF2, and pays more per ton for higher ratings, up to $2,500 per ton for ductless systems above 20.5 SEER2 and 9.1 HSPF2. SMUD's two-stage gas-to-electric rebate requires at least 15.2 SEER2.
| Program | Minimum rating | Payment (official page, October 8, 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| LADWP, ducted | Above 15.2 SEER2 / 7.7 HSPF2 | $1,000 to $1,250 per ton, by rating tier |
| LADWP, ductless | Above 15.2 SEER2 / 7.8 HSPF2 | $1,500 to $2,500 per ton, by rating tier |
| SMUD, two-stage (gas-to-electric) | 15.2 SEER2 | $2,000; variable-stage $3,000 |
The LADWP Consumer Rebate Program guide has the full tier table. The federal 25C heat pump credit ended for property placed in service after December 31, 2025, so it isn't part of a 2026 decision; see the guide to the federal home energy credits that ended.
Official Sources
The federal minimums come from 10 CFR 430.32, the ENERGY STAR levels from ENERGY STAR's criteria page, and the rebate figures from LADWP's and SMUD's own pages, all checked on October 8, 2026.
- eCFR: 10 CFR 430.32, federal SEER2 and HSPF2 minimums
- ENERGY STAR Heat Pump Key Product Criteria, ENERGY STAR and cold-climate levels
- LADWP Consumer Rebate Program, rating tiers for heat pump rebates
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 8.5 HSPF2 good for a heat pump?
Yes. 8.5 HSPF2 is above the federal split-system minimum of 7.5 HSPF2 and the ENERGY STAR split-system level of 7.8 HSPF2, and it meets ENERGY STAR's cold-climate level for non-ducted split systems (8.5 HSPF2 with 15.2 SEER2). Cold-climate models also have to pass ENERGY STAR's 5°F tests.
What is the minimum SEER2 for a new heat pump?
For heat pumps manufactured on or after January 1, 2023, federal rules require at least 14.3 SEER2 for split systems and 13.4 SEER2 for single-package units (10 CFR 430.32). ENERGY STAR and many rebates, such as LADWP's, require at least 15.2 SEER2.
Is SEER2 the same as SEER?
No. SEER2 and HSPF2 are the ratings for equipment manufactured from January 1, 2023, and the federal minimums are stated differently: split heat pumps made from 2015 through 2022 needed 14 SEER and 8.2 HSPF, while those made since 2023 need 14.3 SEER2 and 7.5 HSPF2.
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