Coefficient of Performance (COP) calculators are tools used to estimate the efficiency of heat pumps. A heat pump is a device that transfers heat from one location to another, typically used for heating or cooling a building. The COP represents the ratio of heating or cooling provided to the electrical energy consumed; a higher COP indicates greater energy efficiency. For example, a heat pump with a COP of 3.0 delivers three units of heating or cooling for every one unit of electricity consumed.
Evaluating the performance of these heating and cooling systems is crucial for energy conservation and cost savings. By determining the COP, it is possible to compare the efficiency of different models, select the most economical option, and estimate long-term operational costs. Historically, COP values have been used to incentivize the development of more efficient heat pump technologies and to establish energy efficiency standards for building codes and appliance labeling programs. The ability to predict operational efficiency also helps in system design and optimization.