2. What is the coefficient of performance (COP) of an air source heat pump?
Air Source Heat Pumps

What is the coefficient of performance (COP) of an air source heat pump?

An air source heat pump’s COP is the ratio of useful heating provided to the energy consumed. 

Along with seasonal coefficient of performance (SCOP), COP is a critical measure, offering insights into how efficiently an ASHP operates. 

 

Read on to learn more about: 

 

  • How COP is calculated

  • The difference between COP and SCOP

  • Why COP is important for you as the homeowner

  • What can affect COP and SCOP

  • Ways to maximise COP and SCOP 

What is COP and SCOP in an air source heat pump - coefficient of performance of ASHP

Calculating COP: the formula for efficiency

Calculating (COP) is worked out by using the following formula: COP = Heat Output (in kW) / Electrical Input (in kW). 

 

This calculation helps determine how efficiently a system like a heat pump converts electrical energy into heat under certain operating conditions. For example, the performance that is achieved when the heat pump runs at 45°C when the outside temperature is 2°C.

 

There is no set limit for COP ratings, however the higher the score, the greater the efficiency of the heat pump. For instance, if a heat pump’s COP rating is 3, this means that it provides three units of heating for every unit of electricity consumed.

COP is calculated using the following formula: Heat Output (kW) / Electrical Input (kW).  

What is Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP)?

 

Seasonal coefficient of performance, or SCOP, is similar to COP. It provides a ratio for the total heat that is produced against the energy used throughout the course of a heating season. 

Why SCOP and COP are important for homeowners

 

A higher rating for both COP and SCOP can, over time, lead to energy savings and reduce your environmental impact. While COP is an important indicator for choosing the most efficient air source heat pump based on your needs, for a true, accurate reflection of your ASHP’s efficiency, the SCOP value may hold greater weight particularly when looking at how efficient it will be in real-life operations.