What does COP stand for in relation to geothermal heat pump ratings?

The term COP refers to the Coefficient of Performance in the context of geothermal heat pump ratings. COP is a crucial metric that measures the efficiency of a heat pump by comparing the amount of heat energy it delivers to the amount of electrical energy it consumes.

A higher COP indicates a more efficient heat pump, meaning it can provide more heating or cooling output for less electrical input. This is particularly important in geothermal systems because they are designed to extract heat from the ground or transfer heat to the ground, providing an effective means of temperature control in buildings.

Understanding COP is essential for evaluating the performance of geothermal heat pumps and making informed decisions about their installation and use, as it directly impacts energy consumption and operating costs.