How much energy does a heat pump consume?

Heat pumps have become one of the most commonly chosen solutions for heating installations. Thanks to their high energy efficiency, they allow buildings to produce heat efficiently. However, many people still wonder how much energy a heat pump actually consumes and whether it is an economical solution. In this article, we take a closer look at this topic

How does a heat pump work?

A heat pump is a device that uses the principle of transferring heat from one source to another by means of mechanical work. The pump takes heat energy from a lower heat source (air, ground or water) and transfers it to the building for the heating system

Read more about the principle of a heat pump

Energy efficiency of heat pumps

Energy efficiency is a measure of how efficiently a unit converts electricity into heat or cooling. It is expressed as a coefficient of energy efficiency (COP). The COP value indicates how many units of heat or cooling a heat pump generates for each unit of electricity it uses. The higher the COP value, the more efficientthe heat pump

It should be noted that the COP is quoted by the manufacturer based on laboratory tests and may vary depending on the model and operating conditions. It is advisable to go for the unit with the highest possible COP when choosing a heat pump, but also to consider other factors that affect its efficiency

What influences the energy efficiency of a pump?

The most important factors affecting the efficiency of a heat pump are

1. The temperature of the lower heat source: Is crucial for the efficiency of the heat pump. The higher the source temperature, the higher the COP. Heat pumps using air as the heat source are less efficient in very cold climates. In such cases, ground or water source heat pumps may be a better choice.
2. Building insulation: A well-insulated building requires less heat to heat, which translates into lower energy consumption for the heat pump.
3. Type of heat exchanger: The choice between underfloor heating and radiators has important implications for the energy efficiency of the pump. A system with underfloor heating has a higher COP than one with radiators.
4. Type and quality of working medium: Certain working fluids have better thermodynamic properties and can improve the performance of the heat pump.
5. Regular maintenance: Regular maintenance of the heat pump, such as cleaning the filter and checking the condition, is essential to keep its efficiency at a high enough level. Neglecting this aspect can lead to a decrease in efficiency.

Annual energy consumption of the heat pump

Estimated annual energy consumption for buildings with the following parameters are shown below

These calculations were made for Daikin air-to-water split heat pumps. These are pumps with an improved energy efficiency class. The building is located in Poland. It has 4 permanent residents. The calculations were made for a hot water temperature of 43° C. Each household member uses 30-50 litres of hot water per day

Before purchasing a heat pump, it is advisable to obtain detailed information from a pump installation specialist in order to accurately determine the actual needs and adapt the solution to the specific conditions. This is an extremely important step and enables you to choose an efficient, reliable system. If you need help selecting a heat pump, write to us!

Summary

How much energy does a heat pump use? Our answer: “IT DEPENDS” 😊! Many factors affect its energy efficiency. The key to achieving the highest possible efficiency is to choose the right model of heat pump and adapt it to the climate conditions and insulation of the building.