1. What is a Heat Pump Calculator for a House?

Definition: This calculator estimates the electrical power required by a heat pump to deliver a specified heat output based on its coefficient of performance.

Purpose: It helps homeowners and HVAC professionals determine the appropriate heat pump size and estimate energy consumption.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( P \) — Electrical power required (watts)
• \( Q \) — Heat output (watts)
• \( COP \) — Coefficient of Performance (unitless)

Explanation: The heat output is divided by the COP to determine the electrical power needed to achieve that heating capacity.

3. Importance of Heat Pump Calculation

Details: Proper calculation ensures efficient system sizing, prevents energy waste, and helps estimate operating costs.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the required heat output in watts and the heat pump's COP (default 3.5 for typical systems). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical COP value?
A: Modern heat pumps typically have COPs between 3.0-4.0, with higher values indicating better efficiency.

Q2: How do I find my heat output requirement?
A: This can be calculated from a heat loss analysis of your home or obtained from HVAC sizing tools.

Q3: Does this account for temperature variations?
A: No, COP varies with temperature. Use winter design temperatures for worst-case calculations.

Q4: Can I use this for cooling calculations?
A: Yes, but use the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) instead of COP for cooling mode.

Q5: How does this relate to SEER and HSPF ratings?
A: SEER and HSPF are seasonal averages, while COP is an instantaneous measure at specific conditions.