1. Why You Should Care About PTAC Efficiency Ratings
You wouldn’t buy a car without knowing the miles per gallon. So why install a PTAC without knowing how efficiently it heats or cools your space?
For hotel owners, senior housing directors, apartment managers—or even savvy DIYers—efficiency ratings matter because they directly affect:
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Monthly utility bills
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Environmental impact
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Occupant comfort
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Rebate eligibility
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Compliance with new energy codes
And with all the changes in 2023 and 2024—including DOE mandates and refrigerant phaseouts—understanding SEER, EER, and HSPF isn’t optional anymore. It’s essential.
2. What Is SEER?
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It measures the total cooling output during an average summer, divided by how much electricity the unit uses.
Think of SEER as the miles per gallon of your PTAC’s cooling mode. Higher numbers = more cooling for less money.
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A SEER of 13–15 is considered standard
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A SEER of 16+ is high-efficiency
But here’s the catch—SEER is calculated over an entire cooling season, using varying temperatures. It’s more of an average performance indicator.
Want a deeper dive? HVAC.com’s SEER basics is a great starting point to explore how these ratios are tested.
3. What Is EER?
EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) shows how well the PTAC cools under a specific set of conditions, usually 95°F outdoor temp, 80°F indoor temp, and 50% humidity.
In other words, EER is your peak-day performance score.
Why it matters:
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SEER might look great on paper, but if EER is low, your unit may struggle during a heatwave
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Higher EER = better performance when you need it most
Good EER benchmarks for PTACs:
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≥ 10.5 EER = Basic compliance
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≥ 11.5 EER = Energy-efficient
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≥ 12 EER = Very high-performing
4. What Is HSPF?
HSPF, or Heating Seasonal Performance Factor, measures how efficiently a heat pump provides heat during the winter.
Just like SEER measures cooling efficiency, HSPF measures heating output per watt-hour consumed over an entire season.
Typical HSPF ratings:
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7.7 to 8.2 = Average efficiency
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9.0+ = Energy-efficient models
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10.0+ = Top-performing systems
If you’re buying a PTAC heat pump in a climate where winter heat is essential, don’t skip this spec.
5. What Changed with SEER2, EER2, and HSPF2?
In January 2023, the Department of Energy introduced SEER2, EER2, and HSPF2 ratings to replace older SEER/EER/HSPF values.
Why the change?
Because the old ratings were based on lab conditions—not real-world ones. The new SEER2 standards include external static pressure, which better simulates how air handlers and PTACs behave when installed.
New rating minimums:
| Region | Minimum SEER2 | EER2 | HSPF2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| North | 13.4 | 10.6+ | 7.5 |
| South/Southwest | 14.3 | 11.7–12.2 | 7.5 |
For a complete explanation of the changes, see the AHRI’s SEER2 resource center.
6. How These Numbers Affect You in Real Life
Let’s say you manage a 20-room motel in a hot Southern climate.
If you install a PTAC with:
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13 SEER, you’ll pay ~$300 more per year in cooling costs than if you had a
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15 SEER2 / 11.5 EER2 unit
And over 10 years? That’s $3,000 in lost savings—per room. Multiply that across 20 rooms, and you’ve paid $60,000 extra in energy bills.
That’s why total cost of ownership should always trump lowest price tag. Efficient PTACs save you more in the long run.
7. How to Choose the Right Efficiency Level
Here’s a quick cheat sheet to help you:
| Use Case | Suggested Ratings |
|---|---|
| Budget Replacement | SEER2 ≥ 13.4 / EER2 ≥ 10.6 / HSPF2 ≥ 7.5 |
| Rental Property | SEER2 ≥ 14 / EER2 ≥ 11 |
| Hotel/Senior Housing | SEER2 ≥ 15 / EER2 ≥ 11.5 |
| High-Efficiency, All-Electric | SEER2 ≥ 16 / HSPF2 ≥ 9.5 |
Want to crunch numbers yourself? Try the PTAC Savings Calculator from Energy Star for rebate info and efficiency comparisons.
8. Efficiency Ratings and Rebates
In many states, choosing a PTAC with high SEER2/EER2/HSPF2 ratings can qualify you for:
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Utility rebates
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Energy Star tax credits
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Commercial building efficiency programs
To find offers in your zip code, use the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE)—a one-stop rebate and incentive tool.
Don’t leave money on the table.
9. Myths vs. Reality
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| “Higher SEER is always better.” | Not if EER or HSPF is low. Look at all three. |
| “Old PTACs work fine, no need to upgrade.” | Older units can cost 30–50% more to operate. |
| “All SEER2-rated units are Energy Star.” | Energy Star has its own, stricter requirements. |
| “My climate isn’t cold, so HSPF doesn’t matter.” | Even mild-winter zones can benefit from efficient heat pumps. |
10. Mark’s Final Takeaway
Here’s the bottom line: SEER, EER, and HSPF matter—big time.
They determine how much you pay each month, whether you qualify for rebates, and whether your building meets the latest codes. If you’re shopping PTAC heat pumps for a property in 2025 or beyond, go with a unit that meets or exceeds SEER2, EER2, and HSPF2 baselines.
Need a head start? Browse The Furnace Outlet’s PTAC Collection for energy-efficient units that hit all the right marks.
