How is a heat pump's heating capacity commonly measured?

A heat pump's heating capacity is commonly measured in British thermal units (BTUs). This unit quantifies the amount of heat energy that the heat pump can provide to a space in one hour. It reflects the system's ability to transfer heat from one area to another, which is fundamental to understanding its operational efficiency and suitability for specific heating needs.

British thermal units are a standard measure used across the HVAC industry, allowing for consistent comparison between different heating appliances and systems. By using BTUs, HVAC professionals can select the right size heat pump for a particular space, ensuring that it can adequately meet the heating demands of that environment.

The other options, while related to HVAC systems, measure different characteristics. Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) ratings refer to cooling efficiency, kilowatts measure electrical power consumption, and cubic feet per minute (CFM) measures airflow rather than heating capacity. Each of these metrics serves a different purpose in evaluating HVAC system performance.