What are the COP and SCOP values for heat pumps?
What these figures really say about the efficiency of heat pumps
FAQ 01.12.2025The differences between heat pumps and conventional heat generators go beyond the technical. When it comes to assessing their efficiency and funding potential, figures such as the COP, SCOP, annual performance factor (APF) and seasonal energy efficiency all play a role. The values on which these are based are crucial for the proper planning and design of the heat pump system. After all, the values achieved by the systems also decide the funding they are eligible to receive – no matter who the manufacturer may be.
COP VALUE
DefinitionCoefficient of Performance (COP)
The coefficient of performance (COP) denotes the ratio between the generated heating capacity and the deployed electric capacity for a heat pump. It can be used above all to compare different systems, but only if the same operating points are specified. The coefficient of performance (COP) value always includes the type and temperature level of the heat source, as well as the flow temperature for the room heating. For example, the COP value at the operating point A7/W35 describes the efficiency achieved by an air-to-water heat pump at an outside temperature of 7 °C.
SCOP VALUE
DefinitionSeasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP)
An even more meaningful value than that provided by the COP is the seasonal coefficient of performance (SCOP). The SCOP is based on the calculation of four measuring points. For the purpose of assessing heat pumps in Europe, the continent is additionally divided into three climate zones: Northern, Central and Southern Europe. Germany belongs to the Central Europe region, which uses the average temperature in Strasbourg as a reference. Once the weighted results are offset against one another, the SCOP generates the energy efficiency of a heat pump across an annual cycle that is as realistic as possible.
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COP and SCOP Values for Heat Pumps
FAQThe COP (Coefficient of Performance) describes the efficiency of a heat pump at a specific operating point under defined test conditions. It indicates the ratio of heat output to electrical power consumption. A COP of 4 means that, theoretically, the heat pump provides about 4 kilowatt-hours of usable heat for every 1 kilowatt-hour of electricity consumed—by additionally utilizing ambient heat from the air, ground, or water.
The SCOP (Seasonal Coefficient of Performance) describes the seasonal efficiency of a heat pump under standardized conditions. Unlike the COP, the SCOP considers not just a single operating point, but various temperature and load conditions within a defined heating season. This makes it well-suited for comparing the efficiency of modern heat pumps. However, it remains a standardized metric and does not replace an individual energy consumption calculation for a specific building.
The main difference lies in the time frame under consideration. The COP is an instantaneous value measured under clearly defined conditions, such as at a specific outdoor and supply water temperature, e.g., A7/W35. The SCOP, on the other hand, represents multiple operating points over a standardized heating season. This makes it more meaningful for comparing units, but it does not provide a one-to-one reflection of how efficiently the heat pump operates in the specific conditions of an individual building.
A high SCOP value indicates high seasonal efficiency. The higher the value, the less electricity the heat pump requires to provide heat under comparable conditions. This can lower operating costs and reduce CO₂ emissions—depending on the electricity mix, the building, the heating system, and usage patterns. In Germany, seasonal efficiency metrics also play a role in determining eligibility for subsidies, particularly the seasonal space heating energy efficiency.
The flow temperature has a major impact on a heat pump’s efficiency. It refers to the temperature of the heating water that is circulated through radiators or underfloor heating systems. As a general rule, the smaller the temperature difference between the heat source and the heating system, the less work the compressor has to do. Low-temperature systems such as underfloor heating therefore typically achieve better COP and SCOP values than heating systems with traditional radiators, which often require higher flow temperatures.
Both SCOP and APF describe efficiency over a longer period of time, but differ in the data on which they are based. SCOP is a standardized metric determined under specified test conditions that allows for the comparison of different heat pumps. The annual performance factor, on the other hand, is a practical measure specific to a particular building. It describes the actual ratio of heat supplied to electricity consumed by an installed system over the course of a year. This takes into account individual factors such as the condition of the building, flow temperature, hydraulic balancing, hot water production, user behavior, and regional weather conditions.
More about the Annual Performance Factor (APF) of heat pumps
