| Are you looking for an alternative method of | | | | heat pump usually has a COP rating of two to |
| heating and cooling your home? Many people are | | | | four. When the outside temperature drops, the |
| turning to heat pumps. However, how do you | | | | COP of air source heat pumps decreases. |
| measure heat pump efficiency? Well, there are | | | | Therefore, when you compare these ratings, |
| four types of measurements that are used to | | | | make sure they are based on the same outside |
| describe the specific efficiency. Any of these | | | | air temperature. |
| specific measurements can be used at any one | | | | Another method of determining heat pump |
| time. | | | | efficiency is the Energy Efficiency Ratio or EER. |
| This article will attempt to provide some light on | | | | This evaluates the efficiency during the cooling |
| the ways of determining heat pump efficiency. | | | | cycle of the particular unit. This rating is also used |
| One method is to compare the amount of energy | | | | for air conditioners. If the EER rating is higher than |
| delivered by the pump to the actual amount it | | | | ten, then that is a good machine. |
| consumes. | | | | Keep in mind that these heat pump efficiency |
| One thing to keep in mind, when comparing | | | | measurements are basically factory or lab tests. |
| measurements for heat pump efficiency is the | | | | The heat pump in question could actually have a |
| higher the number, the higher the actual efficiency | | | | different measurement in actual usage. The |
| of the pump. | | | | measurement could vary depending on the |
| The most common measurement used for heat | | | | weather or how much additional heat is required. |
| pump efficiency ratings is the Coefficient of | | | | Therefore, the best or more realistic |
| Performance or COP. This refers to the ratio of | | | | measurement is one based on seasonal |
| the heat pump's BTU heat output to the BTU | | | | calculations. The seasonal ratings are HSPF and |
| electrical output. A water or ground source heat | | | | SEER. |
| pump has a rating of three to five. An air source | | | | |