Heat Pump COP (Coeffient Of Performance) is defined by the ratio of the output power to the input power. This coefficient is useful when you select a suitable air to air heat pump system for your house or office. By looking at the COP, you can tell how efficient the equipment is.

The best illustration for understanding is to use an electric heater as an example. If an electric heater rated at 10W is used to heat up a space, all the input power of 10W is converted to heat energy of 10W. That means 100% of the power input is fully used to heat up the room without any losses. Therefore the COP of the electric heater is = 10W/10W = 1:1

In heat pump system, the heat from the outside of the house is transferred to the inside of the room by vapor compression cycle. Energy is used to move the outdoor heat to the room.

The amount of heat that can be moved using the same energy depends on the temperature and humidity of the outdoor. If the outdoor temperature drops, the amount of heat that can be moved will also drop hence the COP will also drop.

    Carnot Theorem

    According to Carnot Theorem, the maximum COP that can be obtained in a heat pump system is given by the formula:

    Maximum COP = T(hot)/[T(hot)-T(cold)]

    where T(cold) is the outside temperature in Kelvin, T(hot) is the room temperature that is being heated

    For example, if the outside temperature is 10 °C and the room desired temperature is 25 °C.

    COP(Heating)=[273.15+25]/[(273.15+25)-(273.15+10)]

                       = 298.15/263.15

                       = 35

    This value of 35 is the maximum COP that can be achieved by any equipment according to the theoretical calculation. In actual system, the COP that is obtained is in the region of 2-5.

    Heat Pump COP Using P-H Diagram

    In a vapour compression cycle, the heat pump COP can be obtained by analysing the pressure enthalpy diagram of the compression cycle.

    COP = Total Heat of Rejection : Heat of Compression

    From the diagram, the heat of compression is given by h3-h2 = 145-120 Btu/lb = 25 Btu/lb

    The total heat of Rejection = h3-h1 = 145-45 Btu/lb = 100 Btu/lb

    COP of heat pump = 100 : 25 = 4:1

    This shows that the heat pump system is a better alternative to electric heating as 1 unit of input power is able to output 4 units of power by moving the heat energy from outside the building.

    Take note that as the outdoor temperature drops to 0 °F, the COP will be reduced as the amount of heat that can be moved to the indoor has now been greatly reduced. Therefore, the COP at this temperature could go down to 1.5 : 1. 

    Some units are fitted with auxiliary heater in that when the temperature outside goes below 0 °F, the heater will turn on to supply the necessary heating for the occupants.

    Hence, if the location that you are staying often has sub zero °F, it is better to get a heat pump with auxiliary heater built into the unit to ensure that you will still have sufficient heating during extreme winter condition.

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    Alora Bopray

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    Alora Bopray is a digital content producer for the home warranty, HVAC, and plumbing categories at Today's Homeowner. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of St. Scholastica and her master's degree from the University of Denver. Before becoming a writer for Today's Homeowner, Alora wrote as a freelance writer for dozens of home improvement clients and informed homeowners about the solar industry as a writer for EcoWatch. When she's not writing, Alora can be found planning her next DIY home improvement project or plotting her next novel.

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    Roxanne Downer

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    Roxanne Downer is a commerce editor at Today’s Homeowner, where she tackles everything from foundation repair to solar panel installation. She brings more than 15 years of writing and editing experience to bear in her meticulous approach to ensuring accurate, up-to-date, and engaging content. She’s previously edited for outlets including MSN, Architectural Digest, and Better Homes & Gardens. An alumna of the University of Pennsylvania, Roxanne is now an Oklahoma homeowner, DIY enthusiast, and the proud parent of a playful pug.

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