Heat Pump Efficiency By: Chislon Chow Objective: To explore the validity of the claims of heat pumps
Heat Pump Efficiency Overview Ground source, air source heat pumps: “2 to 3 times more efficient” Transfer of heat instead of creating Tennessee Valley
Ratings of Efficiency EF (energy factor) Furnaces < 1, HP >= 2 COP (coefficient of performance) Non-standard SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor)
Factors Affecting Efficiency Supplemental heat Cycling losses Defrost (air source) Buildings that need lots of hot water Steady need for AC Mild or cool climates
Findings Ratings not easily comparable with furnaces HP sometimes needs to create heat too Ground source Generally 2.5-4 times more efficient Air source HP efficiency depends on climate Can be up to 1.5 to 3 times more efficient
Sources http://energyoutlet.com/res/heatpump/ http://energyoutlet.com/res/heatpump/efficiency.html http://homeenergy.org/archive/hem.dis.anl.gov/eehem/97/970710.html http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/thermo/heatpump.html http://tva.apogee.net/res/rehpeff.asp http://www.eere.energy.gov/femp/technologies/eep_electric_waterheaters.cfm http://www.energy.wsu.edu/ftp-ep/pubs/building/res/ht_pmp_water_htrs.pdf http://www.energyright.com/heatpump/dare2compare.htm http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=airsrc_heat.pr_as_heat_pumps http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=geo_heat.pr_geo_heat_pumps http://www.flex.net/~lonestar/hpumps.htm http://www.fsec.ucf.edu/bldg/pubs/pf362/ http://www.ornl.gov/sci/btc/apps/hotwater.html http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/housing/energy-savers/shoppingguide.html