A heat pump moves heat from outdoors instead of making it, which is why it can deliver more heat than the electricity it uses. The colder it gets, the less heat there is to move.
| Measure | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Seasonal heating COP (measured, British Columbia) | 2.4 to 3.3 | BC Cold Climate Heat Pump Study |
| Minimum COP at 5°F for cold-climate certification | 1.75 | NEEP cold-climate ASHP spec |
| Where most central units cut back or stopped heating | 37°F to 23°F (3°C to -5°C) | BC Cold Climate Heat Pump Study |
| Backup coil share of heating and cooling energy (average) | 22% (some of it defrost) | BC Cold Climate Heat Pump Study |
| Electric backup strips and bitcoin miners | COP 1 (all power becomes heat) | Physics of resistance heat |
Do they work together?
Yes. A miner can carry hot water and base heat all year, while the heat pump handles cooling and the coldest days. The Heat Calculator compares a miner against a heat pump adjusted for your climate and elevation.