How Do You Measure Heat Pump Efficiency?

Are you looking for an alternative method of heating and cooling your home? Many people are turning to heat pumps. However, how do you measure heat pump efficiency? Well, there are four types of measurements that are used to describe the specific efficiency. Any of these specific measurements can be used at any one time.

This article will attempt to provide some light on the ways of determining heat pump efficiency. One method is to compare the amount of energy delivered by the pump to the actual amount it consumes.

One thing to keep in mind, when comparing measurements for heat pump efficiency is the higher the number, the higher the actual efficiency of the pump.

The most common measurement used for heat pump efficiency ratings is the Coefficient of Performance or COP. This refers to the ratio of the heat pump's BTU heat output to the BTU electrical output. A water or ground source heat pump has a rating of three to five. An air source heat pump usually has a COP rating of two to four. When the outside temperature drops, the COP of air source heat pumps decreases. Therefore, when you compare these ratings, make sure they are based on the same outside air temperature.

Another method of determining heat pump efficiency is the Energy Efficiency Ratio or EER. This evaluates the efficiency during the cooling cycle of the particular unit. This rating is also used for air conditioners. If the EER rating is higher than ten, then that is a good machine.

Keep in mind that these heat pump efficiency measurements are basically factory or lab tests. The heat pump in question could actually have a different measurement in actual usage. The measurement could vary depending on the weather or how much additional heat is required. Therefore, the best or more realistic measurement is one based on seasonal calculations. The seasonal ratings are HSPF and SEER.

The Heating Seasonal Performance Factor or HSPF is another of the heat pump efficiency measurements. If the rating is between five to seven, then that is a good rating to have. SEER or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio is the measurement of total cooling in BTU's. A good SEER rating is between eight and ten.