Heat Pumps and Electricity

Yes, heat pumps typically run on electricity. They are designed to transfer heat energy from a heat source to a heat sink. Unlike traditional heating systems that convert fuel or electricity directly into heat, a heat pump moves existing heat from one place to another. This operation usually makes heat pumps more energy-efficient compared to conventional heating and cooling systems.

COP (Coefficient of Performance)

The efficiency of a heat pump is commonly measured by its Coefficient of Performance (COP). The COP is defined as the ratio of useful heat output (or cooling) to the energy input required to achieve that heat transfer. A higher COP value indicates greater efficiency.

A COP of 1 would indicate that the heat pump is transferring energy with 100% efficiency. In most cases, the COP for heat pumps is above 1, often ranging between 2 and 5, meaning that the heat pump can deliver 2 to 5 times as much heat energy as the electrical energy it consumes. As it gets colder outside, the available heat in the air decreases, causing the COP of the heat pump to also decrease. High efficiency heat pumps maintain a COP of 2 even when the temperature outside drops to 5 degrees. For the majority of the year heat pumps are more efficient than a furnace or boiler. Traditional heating systems typically have a COP ranging from .78 to .96. This means that a typical furnace or boiler loses 4 to 22 cents worth of heat via hot exhaust for every dollar spent on fuel.

Heat Pump Efficiency

Heat pumps are generally more energy-efficient compared to traditional heating and cooling systems, primarily because they move existing heat instead of generating it through combustion or electrical resistance. The efficiency can vary based on various factors such as the type of heat pump, its installation, and the temperature differential it has to overcome.