PerformanceUp to date · Jan 15, 2026
COP (Coefficient of Performance)
The ratio of heating or cooling output to electrical energy input for a heat pump. A COP of 3.0 means the system produces 3 kWh of heat for every 1 kWh of electricity consumed.
Why It Matters
COP is how heat pumps "cheat" physics — they move heat rather than create it. Even in cold weather, modern heat pumps maintain a COP of 1.5-2.5, while electric resistance heating has a COP of exactly 1.0.
Real-World Example
At 47°F outdoor temperature, a typical heat pump has a COP of 3.5 — producing 3.5 kWh of heat per kWh of electricity. This makes it 350% efficient.