Watts (W) or Kilowatts (kW)
BTU/hr
Note: Both input and output must use the same units.
Coefficient of Performance:0.00
function calculateCOP() {
var output = parseFloat(document.getElementById('energyOutput').value);
var input = parseFloat(document.getElementById('energyInput').value);
var resultDiv = document.getElementById('cop-result');
var resultValue = document.getElementById('resultValue');
var interpretation = document.getElementById('interpretation');
if (isNaN(output) || isNaN(input) || input = 4) {
interpretation.innerHTML = "Excellent efficiency. High-performance system.";
} else if (cop >= 3) {
interpretation.innerHTML = "Good efficiency. Typical for modern heat pumps.";
} else if (cop >= 2) {
interpretation.innerHTML = "Average efficiency.";
} else {
interpretation.innerHTML = "Low efficiency. Consider system maintenance or environmental factors.";
}
}
What is the Coefficient of Performance (COP)?
The Coefficient of Performance (COP) is a ratio used to measure the efficiency of heating and cooling systems, such as heat pumps, refrigerators, and air conditioners. Unlike standard efficiency ratings that are expressed as a percentage, COP is a dimensionless number that represents the relationship between the useful energy provided and the energy required to produce it.
COP = Useful Energy Output / Energy Input
How to Calculate COP
To calculate the COP of a heat pump or chiller, you simply divide the amount of heat moved or generated by the amount of electricity consumed. For the calculation to be accurate, both the output and the input must be in the same units (e.g., both in Watts, both in Kilowatts, or both in BTU/hr).
Realistic COP Examples
System Type
Heating/Cooling Output
Power Input
COP
Modern Air Source Heat Pump
12,000 W
3,000 W
4.0
Ground Source Heat Pump
15 kW
3 kW
5.0
Electric Resistance Heater
2,000 W
2,000 W
1.0
Standard AC Unit
10,500 W
3,500 W
3.0
Factors That Affect COP
It is important to understand that COP is not a static number. It changes based on environmental conditions:
Temperature Delta: The greater the difference between the source temperature (e.g., outside air) and the target temperature (e.g., inside your home), the lower the COP will be.
Equipment Age: Older systems experience wear on compressors and heat exchangers, leading to reduced efficiency.
Maintenance: Dirty filters or low refrigerant levels can force a system to work harder, significantly dropping the COP.
Unit Type: Geothermal (ground-source) systems usually maintain a higher COP than air-source systems because ground temperatures are more stable than air temperatures.
COP vs. EER and SEER
While COP is an instantaneous measurement of efficiency, you may also see other terms:
EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio): Usually measured at a specific outdoor temperature (typically 95°F).
SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio): An average efficiency over an entire cooling season, accounting for varying temperatures.
A simple rule of thumb for conversion: COP = EER / 3.412.