SEER2 and HSPF2 replaced SEER and HSPF in 2023. What each rating measures, how to convert old ratings, the current federal minimums, and which numbers are worth paying for.
Heat Pumps
Guides to choosing, sizing, running and fixing heat pumps.
Most heat pumps last 12 to 15 years, and well-maintained ones often reach 20. What shortens a heat pump’s life, how to make it last, and when replacing beats repairing.
A heat pump water heater costs about $1,200 to $3,500 for the unit and uses a third to a quarter of the electricity of a standard electric tank. When it pays off, what to check before buying, and how it compares with gas.
The federal 25C heat pump tax credit ended on December 31, 2025. What that means for 2026 installs, and the utility, state and manufacturer incentives you can still claim.
Modern cold-climate heat pumps keep heating well below 0°F. How performance changes with temperature, what the cold-climate rating means, and how to size and back one up for a northern winter.
Why a heat pump blows cold air or stops heating, what is normal (defrost, cool-feeling air), what you can check yourself, and when to call a technician. Includes emergency heat vs auxiliary heat.
A single-zone ductless mini split costs about $2,500 to $6,000 installed; a whole-house multi-zone system $6,500 to $20,000. How that compares with central air, and which to choose.
A heat pump beats a gas furnace on running cost when your gas-to-electricity price ratio is low enough. Here is the break-even math, the pros and cons of each, and when dual fuel makes sense.
A heat pump is an air conditioner that can also heat. Cooling performance and efficiency are the same; the heat pump costs a little more and can replace your furnace. Here is how to decide.
What heat pump maintenance you can do yourself, what a professional tune-up includes, what it costs, and how often each job should be done.