1. What is a Heat Pump Wattage Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the electrical wattage consumption of a heat pump based on its BTU output and Coefficient of Performance (COP).

Purpose: It helps homeowners and HVAC professionals determine the electrical power requirements of heat pump systems.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( W \) — Electrical wattage (watts)
• \( BTU \) — Heat output (British Thermal Units)
• \( COP \) — Coefficient of Performance (dimensionless)
• 3.412 — Conversion factor (BTU per watt-hour)

Explanation: The BTU output is divided by the product of 3.412 (BTU per watt-hour) and the COP to determine the electrical input power required.

3. Importance of Heat Pump Wattage Calculation

Details: Accurate wattage calculation helps in sizing electrical circuits, estimating energy costs, and comparing system efficiency.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the heat pump's BTU output and its COP (default 3.5 for typical systems). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is COP in heat pumps?
A: COP (Coefficient of Performance) measures efficiency - the ratio of heat output to electrical energy input.

Q2: What's a typical COP value?
A: Most modern heat pumps have COPs between 3.0-4.0, with higher values indicating better efficiency.

Q3: How do I find my heat pump's BTU rating?
A: Check the manufacturer's specifications or nameplate on the outdoor unit.

Q4: Why 3.412 in the formula?
A: This converts between BTU/hr and watts (1 watt = 3.412 BTU/hr).

Q5: Does this account for startup surges?
A: No, consider adding 20-30% for startup current when sizing electrical components.