What does the Coefficient of Performance measure?

The Coefficient of Performance (COP) is a specific measure used to evaluate the performance of heat pumps and other heating and cooling systems. It quantifies the efficiency of a heating or cooling system by comparing the useful heating or cooling provided to the energy input required to produce that heating or cooling.

For heat pumps, the COP is critical because it indicates how effectively the heat pump converts electrical energy into heating or cooling. A higher COP means that the system is more efficient, producing more output in terms of heating or cooling relative to the energy consumed. This is particularly relevant for energy-efficient building analysis, as understanding how well a heating or cooling system performs can greatly impact overall energy consumption and operational costs.

Other options might refer to aspects related to HVAC systems, but they do not specifically address the unique function of COP in measuring the performance of heat pumps.