What is the EHPA seal of approval for heat pumps?

The EHPA Seal of Quality is a European quality label issued by the European Heat Pump Association. In Germany, it is awarded by the National Quality Seal Commission at the Federal Heat Pump Association (BWP) e.V. It indicates that a heat pump or model series meets defined technical requirements as well as country-specific quality and service standards. In addition to energy efficiency, these include verified performance and noise data, as well as defined quality and service requirements.

To qualify for the EHPA seal of approval, the technical specifications of the devices must be verified by independent, accredited testing laboratories. In addition to performance and noise data, the seal evaluates key service criteria provided by the manufacturer. These include, among other things, clear planning documents in the local language, proper documentation, defined warranty and service offerings from the manufacturer, and a commitment to supply replacement parts for at least ten years.

The EHPA seal of approval provides specialized contractors, planners, and end customers with guidance in selecting products. It certifies that the manufacturer has demonstrated both the technical capabilities and the necessary service infrastructure required for reliable, long-term operation. However, the seal of approval is solely a certification of the product and is no substitute for careful, building-specific professional planning and installation.

No, the EHPA seal of approval is not a legal requirement, but rather a voluntary quality mark. However, because it transparently demonstrates compliance with high standards, it is often used in the market as proof of the reliability of a system and the manufacturer’s associated service.

In government funding programs, such as the Federal Funding Program for Efficient Buildings (BEG) in Germany, manufacturer-independent testing and quality certifications play an important role. The EHPA seal of approval can serve as additional proof of quality. However, the decisive factors for approval are always the funding guidelines in effect on the date the application is submitted, as well as the listing or recognition of the specific model by the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA).

In practice, the two certifications can build on one another: The Heat Pump KEYMARK focuses primarily on the independent testing of technical product and performance data in accordance with European standards. The EHPA seal of approval often uses such technical tests as a basis but goes a step further in its list of requirements: It also evaluates the manufacturer’s country-specific service and distribution structures, such as warranty periods, customer service availability, and spare parts availability.

No, the seal of approval certifies the quality and efficiency of the unit under standardized test conditions. Actual operating costs in real-world use depend on a variety of other factors—including the building’s thermal performance, the chosen heating system, the flow temperature, the heating surfaces, individual usage patterns, and proper commissioning and calibration of the system.