Note: Heat Pumps are only available for the Dutch market. A heat pump requires electricity to produce heat. The efficiency of a heat pump refers to the amount of heat energy it delivers compared to the amount of electricity (energy) consumed in the process. In this article, we take a closer look at the efficiency of a heat pump. So how much energy does a heat pump actually use compared to, for example, a gas-fired boiler? We explain it in this article.
Efficiency of a heatpump
The efficiency of a device represents its performance, which can be quantified as a specific figure for each product. The efficiency of a heat pump is a crucial metric, as it represents the core strength of the technology. An average air-to-water heat pump delivers energy with an efficiency factor of between 3 and 5. This means it generates 3 to 5 times more energy than the appliance consumes in electricity. For comparison, an average high-efficiency central heating boiler achieves an efficiency of 0.9 to 1. This means that the efficiency of a central heating boiler is significantly lower than that of a heat pump.
Heat pump COP and SCOP
As discussed above, efficiency is a figure used to map out performance. For a heat pump, efficiency is expressed in COP and SCOP. COP stands for Coefficient of Performance, while SCOP stands for Seasonal Coefficient of Performance. The difference between COP and SCOP is that SCOP accounts for the system's efficiency across an entire heating season. It is therefore calculated based on fluctuating outdoor temperatures and cold weather periods.
On average, an air-to-water heat pump achieves an SCOP of between 3 and 4. For an average ground-to-water heat pump, the SCOP ranges between 4 and 5. This SCOP is higher because a ground-to-water heat pump extracts heat from the earth, which has a much more stable temperature than the outdoor air used by an air-to-water heat pump.
Heat pump efficiency calculation example
Because a highly efficient device delivers more energy than it consumes, it is highly interesting to see how much you can save on your energy bill. To reach a conclusion, we first calculate the generated energy per kWh.
1. Heat pump efficiency calculation
Suppose an air-to-water heat pump has an SCOP of 4, representing an efficiency of 400%. If this appliance consumes 1 kWh of energy (electricity), it delivers 4 kWh of heat. The cost for this is simply the price of 1 kWh of electricity, which currently averages €0.26. Therefore, 4 kWh of heat energy produced by the heat pump costs €0.26.
2. Cost of heat energy generated by a central heating boiler
In most commercial properties and apartment complexes, heat is generated using a gas-fired central heating boiler. An average boiler delivers 9 kWh of heat from 1 cubic meter ($m^3$) of gas. The current cost for 1 cubic meter of gas is approximately €1.25. Therefore, 9 kWh of heat energy generated by a boiler costs €1.25.
3. Comparing the costs of a boiler and a heat pump
In the calculation example above, 9 kWh of heat generated with a central heating boiler costs €1.25. With a heat pump, 4 kWh of heat costs €0.26. Consequently, generating 9 kWh of heat with the heat pump costs €0.58
We can now calculate that for every 9 kWh of heat generated, you save €0.67 (€1.25 - €0.58 = €0.67) compared to heating with a central heating boiler. This roughly translates to a heat pump being 2.2 times more cost-effective to run than a central heating boiler.
What are the financial returns of heat pump efficiency?
In conclusion, a heat pump is roughly 2.2 times cheaper to operate than a central heating boiler. This is entirely due to the high efficiency of the heat pump. A caveat to this calculation is that you remain dependent on fluctuating gas prices, electricity prices, and the specific SCOP of the heat pump. However, it is undeniable that you will save on your energy bill, making a long-term investment in a heat pump highly attractive.
Meer weten over het rendement van de warmtepomp?
Do you want to learn more about the efficiency of our heat pumps? Or are you considering purchasing a heat pump? Then take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of a heat pump. Would you like more information about a calculation for your specific situation? Please feel free to contact us. We can provide calculations to show what a heat pump could deliver for you. Every situation is unique, and we provide tailored advice. You are also welcome to visit our factory, where we have a heat pump on display that you can see in person.
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