Cooling
Heating
Conversion Formulas
SEER2 = SEER x 0.92 (approx.) SEER = SEER2 / 0.92
COP (heat) = HSPF / 3.412 HSPF2 = HSPF x 0.85 (approx.)
EER = COP x 3.412 COP = EER / 3.412
Note: SEER/HSPF conversions are seasonal averages, not single-point.
NRCan Minimum Efficiency Standards (Canada, 2023+)
| Equipment Type | SEER / SEER2 | HSPF / HSPF2 | Effective |
|---|---|---|---|
| Split-system central A/C | 14.5 / 13.4 | N/A | Jan 2023 |
| Split-system air-source heat pump | 15.5 / 14.3 | 7.1 / 6.0 | Jan 2023 |
| Single-package A/C (rooftop) | 14.6 / 13.4 | N/A | Jan 2023 |
| Single-package heat pump | 14.6 / 13.4 | 6.4 / 5.4 | Jan 2023 |
| Small-duct high-velocity A/C | 12.0 / 11.0 | N/A | Jan 2023 |
| Through-the-wall A/C | EER 10.0 | N/A | Existing standard |
| Window room A/C (<6000 BTU/hr) | EER 11.0 | N/A | Existing standard |
| Mini-split heat pump (<65,000 BTU/hr) | 16.0 / 14.7 | 9.0 / 7.5 | NRCan proposed |
ENERGY STAR Canada Certification Thresholds
| Equipment Type | SEER2 min. | HSPF2 min. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central A/C (split) | 15.2 | N/A | Also EER2 min. 11.7 |
| Air-source heat pump (split) | 15.2 | 7.5 | Also EER2 min. 11.7 |
| Single-package central A/C | 14.3 | N/A | Package units |
| Single-package heat pump | 14.3 | 7.2 | Package units |
| Cold-climate heat pump (CCHP) | 20.0 | 10.5 (at -8.3°C) | Advanced cold-climate spec |
| Mini-split (ductless) A/C | 20.0 | N/A | Premium ductless standard |
| Mini-split (ductless) heat pump | 20.0 | 10.5 | Full cold-climate capable |
Canadian Heat Pump Efficiency Reference
| Heat Pump Type / Tier | SEER | HSPF | Approx. COP (heat) | Canadian Climate Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level split (NRCan min.) | 15.5 | 7.1 | 2.08 | Mild climates (BC coast, southern ON) only |
| Mid-efficiency split | 16 - 18 | 9 - 10 | 2.6 - 2.9 | Suitable to -15°C; most of southern Canada |
| High-efficiency split | 18 - 20 | 10 - 11 | 2.9 - 3.2 | Good for most of Canada with backup heat |
| Cold-climate heat pump (CCHP) | 18 - 22 | 10 - 13 | 3.0 - 3.8 | Rated to -25°C or below; Prairie-capable |
| Variable-speed inverter (premium) | 20 - 30+ | 12 - 15+ | 3.5 - 4.5+ | Best cold-climate performance; high COP at part load |
| Ground-source (GSHP) | 17 - 25 (EER) | 3.0 - 5.0 (COP) | 3.0 - 5.0 | All Canadian climates; ground loop not affected by air temp |
HSPF and SEER values are rated under standard test conditions, not actual field performance. Cold-climate performance varies significantly by outdoor temperature and equipment model. Always check manufacturer performance data at Canadian design temperatures. Use the Heat Load Calculator and COP / EER Converter for full system analysis.
How to Use the SEER / COP / HSPF Converter
Type a SEER, SEER2, EER, or cooling COP into the Cooling section. All other cooling metrics update instantly. Use the quick presets to load NRCan minimum (SEER 14.5), ENERGY STAR level (SEER2 15.2), or a high-performance cold-climate unit (SEER 20+).
Type an HSPF, HSPF2, or heating COP into the Heating section. All other heating metrics update instantly. Cooling and heating sections are independent -- you can convert both at the same time for a heat pump spec sheet comparison.
The result panel identifies where your cooling efficiency falls relative to NRCan minimum, ENERGY STAR Canada, and cold-climate heat pump tiers. This confirms at a glance whether the equipment meets code, qualifies for rebates, or is suitable for a Prairie climate application.
The NRCan minimum standards table, ENERGY STAR Canada thresholds, and Canadian heat pump efficiency reference cover everything from code minimums to Passive House-grade cold-climate performance. Use these to verify equipment specifications against program requirements when preparing rebate applications or equipment submittals. For efficiency-based operating cost analysis, see the Energy Cost Calculator.
SEER, HSPF, and COP -- Complete Guide for Canadian HVAC
Efficiency ratings for air conditioners and heat pumps use seasonal metrics -- SEER for cooling and HSPF for heating -- rather than instantaneous COP because real equipment operates across a range of outdoor temperatures and load conditions throughout the year. Converting between these metrics is essential for comparing equipment across datasheets, verifying code compliance, and calculating operating costs.
SEER and COP -- Cooling Efficiency
SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) measures cooling output in BTU divided by electrical input in watt-hours over a cooling season. SEER 16 means 16 BTU of cooling per watt-hour of electricity. Converting to COP: divide SEER by 3.412 (since 1 watt-hour = 3.412 BTU, a relationship set out in the NIST Guide to the SI, Appendix B). SEER 16 divided by 3.412 equals a seasonal cooling COP of approximately 4.69. This is a seasonal average -- instantaneous COP at peak conditions may be lower, and part-load COP is typically higher. For a single-point COP comparison, use EER (same conditions as COP but in BTU/watt-hour): EER / 3.412 = COP. The dedicated COP / EER Converter handles single-point efficiency conversion.
SEER2 -- The Updated Canadian Standard
SEER2 uses the M1 test procedure adopted by both US DOE and NRCan in 2023. It applies additional external static pressure to the air handler during testing, more closely reflecting real installed system resistance. SEER2 values are typically 7-8% lower than SEER for the same equipment. The conversion is approximately SEER2 = SEER x 0.92, though the exact factor varies by model. NRCan's Energy Efficiency Regulations now reference SEER2 and HSPF2 for new equipment sold in Canada as of January 2023, with minimum values that differ by equipment type -- split-system heat pumps have a higher SEER2 minimum than single-package units, and Canadian HSPF2 minimums (Climate Region V) are lower than the equivalent US figures (Climate Region IV) for the same equipment class. When comparing equipment labels, confirm whether the rating shown is SEER or SEER2 before comparing models.
HSPF and Heat Pump Heating in Canada
HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) measures heat pump heating output in BTU divided by electrical input in watt-hours over a heating season. Higher HSPF means more efficient heating. HSPF 8.2 converts to a seasonal heating COP of 2.40 -- for every kilowatt of electricity, the heat pump delivers 2.40 kW of heat. An HSPF 12 heat pump delivers a seasonal heating COP of 3.52 -- nearly comparable to a ground-source heat pump. Cold-climate heat pumps rated for operation to -25 degrees C or below (required for Prairie Canada) typically achieve HSPF 10 to 13 or higher at the standard test conditions, though actual performance at -25 degrees C will be significantly lower than at the rated test temperature of 8.3 degrees C. The Heat Pump Sizing Calculator accounts for this derating when sizing equipment.
Canadian Rebate Programs and Efficiency Thresholds
The Canada Greener Homes Grant and provincial programs require ENERGY STAR Canada certification for heat pumps and air conditioners. ENERGY STAR Canada for cold-climate heat pumps (CCHP) requires SEER2 of at least 20.0 and HSPF2 of at least 10.5 (measured at -8.3 degrees C). The Greener Homes Grant has specific lists of eligible equipment. Quebec's Chauffez vert, BC's CleanBC, and Alberta's Energy Savings for Business programs each have their own efficiency thresholds, some stricter than the federal baseline. Always verify current program requirements directly with the program administrator, as thresholds change. Use the Upgrade Payback Calculator to model the payback period for efficiency upgrades against Canadian electricity rates of $0.10-0.17/kWh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Divide SEER by 3.412 to get an approximate seasonal COP. SEER 13 equals COP 3.81, SEER 16 equals COP 4.69, and SEER 20 equals COP 5.86. This works because 1 watt-hour = 3.412 BTU, so dividing BTU/watt-hour by 3.412 converts to watt/watt (dimensionless COP). Note this is a seasonal average COP, not a single operating point value. For single-point conversion, use EER: COP = EER / 3.412. See the COP / EER Converter for that conversion.
NRCan requires a minimum SEER of 14.5 (SEER2 of 13.4) for split-system central air conditioners in Canada as of January 2023. Single-package units need SEER 14.6 (SEER2 13.4). ENERGY STAR Canada certification requires SEER2 of at least 15.2 for split-system A/C. Many provincial rebate programs require ENERGY STAR certification, effectively making 15.2 SEER2 the practical threshold for rebate eligibility. The equipment must be sold as new -- used equipment cannot earn rebates regardless of efficiency rating.
SEER2 uses the M1 test procedure which adds external static pressure (0.5 in w.g.) to the air handler during testing, better reflecting real installed system performance. SEER2 values are typically 7 to 8 percent lower than SEER for the same equipment. The conversion is approximately SEER2 = SEER x 0.92, so SEER 16 is roughly SEER2 14.7. NRCan adopted SEER2 as the Canadian standard starting January 2023. When comparing equipment, always check whether the label shows SEER or SEER2 -- comparing SEER to SEER2 directly overstates one unit's efficiency by about 8%.
HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) measures heat pump heating efficiency: total BTU of heat output divided by watt-hours of electricity consumed over a heating season. NRCan requires minimum HSPF2 of 6.0 (HSPF 7.1) for split-system air-source heat pumps as of 2023. ENERGY STAR Canada requires HSPF2 of 7.5 for most heat pumps, and HSPF2 10.5 for cold-climate heat pump certification. A cold-climate heat pump with HSPF 12 delivers a seasonal heating COP of about 3.52 -- significantly better than a standard heat pump, especially at Canadian winter temperatures below -15 degrees C.