Split-system central heat pumps (three-phase) – upcoming requirements

These requirements are not yet in effect. They will come into effect on 9 October 2025.

Energy Efficiency Regulations

Regulatory definition

Split-system central heat pump, three-phase air-to-air central heat pump that is a split-system and that has a cooling or heating capacity of less than 19 kW (65,000 Btu/h).

Compliance date

Manufactured on or after January 1, 2026, for split system central three-phase heat pump

For models manufactured prior, refer to the Regulations

Early compliance (effective from October 9, 2025, to December 31, 2025)

A split system central heat pump that is manufactured on or after January 1, 2025, and before January 1, 2026, is deemed to satisfy the requirements in the Energy Efficiency Regulations (sections 213 and 214) if it satisfies the requirements that will apply to the split system central three-phase heat pumps manufactured on or after January 1, 2026.

Testing standard

10 C.F.R. Appendix F1, except that the very low temperature heating test (H4) must be conducted

Energy efficiency regulations by province

Some provinces also have their own energy efficiency regulations for many of the federally regulated products – find out which ones!

Energy efficiency standard

Energy performance standard for split-system air conditioners and heat pumps under 19 kW (65,000 Btu/h)

Energy-using product Energy performance standard
Split system central heat pumps, other than those that are space-constrained or small-duct and high-velocity SEER 2 ≥ 14.3
HSPF 2 (Region V) ≥ 6.0
Split system central heat pumps that are space-constrained SEER 2 ≥ 13.9
HSPF 2(Region V) ≥ 5.6
Split system central heat pumps that are small-duct and high-velocity SEER 2 ≥ 14.0
HSPF (Region V) ≥ 5.5

Seasonal energy efficiency ratio (2) – the total cooling of a central heat pump in Btu during its normal annual usage period for cooling, divided by the electric power usage in watt-hours during the same period as determined in accordance with 10 C.F.R. Appendix F1.Heating seasonal performance factor (2) (Region V) – the total heating output of a heat pump during its normal annual usage period for heating, divided by the total electric power input in watt-hours during the same time period as determined in accordance with 10 C.F.R. Appendix F1. Heating seasonal performance factor (2) (Region V) – the total heating output of a heat pump during its normal annual usage period for heating, divided by the total electric power input in watt-hours during the same time period as determined in accordance with 10 C.F.R. Appendix F1.
Btu/h = British thermal units per hour
kW = kilowatts
W = watts

Energy efficiency report requirements

  • name of product
  • brand name
  • model number
  • manufacturer
  • name of the certification body or province whose verification mark will be on the product or its package
  • whether a mathematical model as defined in the Regulations was used to generate any of the information provided below
  • Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) classification type
  • Type
    • split system, other than space-constrained or small-duct and high-velocity;
    • small-duct and high-velocity split-system; or
    • space-constrained split-system
  • Type of split system
    • Single split system (non-ducted)
    • Single split system (ducted)
    • Multi-Head Mini-Split (all non-ducted)
    • Multi-Head Mini-Split (all ducted)
    • Multi-Head Mini-Split (mixed-ducted and non-ducted)
    • Multi-Split, Multi-Circuit (all non-ducted)
    • Multi-Split, Multi-Circuit (all ducted)
    • Multi-Split, Multi-Circuit (mixed-ducted and non-ducted)
  • cooling capacity in kW (Btu/h)
  • heating capacity at 8.3°C (47°C) in kW (Btu/h) (if a heat pump) heating
  • seasonal energy efficiency ratio 2 (SEER 2)
  • heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF 2) for Region V
  • heating capacity at −15°C (5°F) in kW (Btu/h)
  • coefficient of performance at −15°C (5°F)
  • phase of electric current

Sign in to the Compliance Regulatory Energy Efficiency Database (CREED) to download and submit an energy efficiency report for this product.

This document does not constitute part of the Energy Efficiency Act (Act) or its associated regulations.  This document is an administrative document that is intended to facilitate compliance by the regulated party with the Act and its associated regulations.  This document is not intended to provide legal advice regarding the interpretation of the Act or its associated regulations. If a regulated party has questions about their legal obligations or responsibilities under the Act or its associated regulations, they should seek the advice of legal counsel.