COP vs SCOP: the difference that matters for your bill
The COP (Coefficient of Performance) is the efficiency at a specific operating point. The SCOP (Seasonal COP) is the average annual efficiency, integrating all climatic conditions. In Alt Empordà, a well-sized system achieves SCOP of 3.5–4.8 for heating.
| Type of home | Annual thermal demand | Typical SCOP | Electricity consumed | Annual cost (~€0.19/kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New home 120 m² (cert. A) | 6,000 kWh | 4.5 | 1,333 kWh | €253/year |
| Standard home 150 m² (cert. C) | 14,000 kWh | 3.8 | 3,684 kWh | €700/year |
| Poorly insulated 150 m² (cert. E) | 22,000 kWh | 3.2 | 6,875 kWh | €1,306/year |
| 200 m² mid-efficiency home | 18,000 kWh | 3.8 | 4,737 kWh | €900/year |
Official Installers in Alt Empordà
Factors affecting real aerothermal consumption
- Emission design temperature: the lower the temperature (underfloor < fan coils < radiators), the higher the SCOP.
- Outdoor temperature: in very cold weather (intense tramontane), the COP drops temporarily.
- Electricity tariff: signing up for a time-of-use tariff can reduce costs by an additional 20%.
- Photovoltaic panels: cover part of the heat pump's electricity consumption, reducing costs by 40–60% during daylight hours.
Frequently asked questions
Does a 16 kW aerothermal system consume twice as much as an 8 kW one?
Not necessarily. Both will consume what the house needs. A 16 kW pump in a house that needs 8 kW will run in short cycles and consume the same or more than an 8 kW pump due to inefficiency.