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Heating & Cooling

COP (Coefficient of Performance)

The ratio of heat (or cooling) output to electrical input for a heat pump. A COP of 3 means 3 units of heat for every 1 unit of electricity. Higher COP means better efficiency.

Example

A heat pump with COP 4 uses one-fourth the electricity of electric resistance heat for the same warmth.

Related Terms

SEER RatingHSPFHeat Pump