Heat Pump COP Comparison by Brand UK: The Complete Efficiency Table
COP is the single most important number when comparing heat pump brands. It tells you how many kilowatt-hours of heat you get for every kilowatt-hour of electricity consumed. A COP of 3.5 means 3.5kWh of heat per 1kWh of electricity — and the difference between a COP of 3.0 and 4.0 can be £200+ per year on your energy bills. This guide compares every major brand's COP at different operating conditions so you can make an informed choice based on real efficiency data.
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Manufacturer-Rated SCOP Comparison
| Brand & Model | SCOP at 35°C | SCOP at 55°C | Refrigerant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nibe F2120 | 5.03 | 3.50 | R290 |
| Viessmann 250-A | 5.00 | 3.40 | R290 |
| Panasonic L-Gen | 4.65 | 3.30 | R290 |
| Vaillant Arotherm+ | 4.65 | 3.37 | R290 |
| Daikin Altherma 3 | 4.64 | 3.19 | R32 |
| Samsung EHS | 4.60 | 3.25 | R32 |
| LG Therma V | 4.60 | 3.20 | R290 |
| Worcester Bosch | 4.56 | 3.15 | R290 |
| Grant Aerona3 | 4.52 | 3.10 | R32 |
| Bosch 7000i | 5.00 | 3.40 | R290 |
| Mitsubishi Ecodan | 4.30 | 3.10 | R32 |
| Stiebel Eltron WPL | 4.50 | 3.20 | R290 |
Data from manufacturer product data sheets for flagship models. SCOP measured to EN 14825 standard at average climate conditions.
Real-World COP: What You Actually Get
Manufacturer figures are measured in laboratories. Real-world performance is typically 0.5–1.0 lower, depending on installation quality, system design, and usage patterns.
Impact of Flow Temperature on COP
Flow temperature is the single biggest factor in real-world COP — bigger than brand choice. Running at 35°C versus 55°C can improve COP by 40–60%, regardless of brand. This is why upgrading to larger radiators or using underfloor heating can save more money long-term than choosing a premium brand.
If you are weighing up whether to spend £2,000 extra on a premium brand or £2,000 on larger radiators, the radiators will almost always save you more money over the system's lifetime. Consider solar panels to reduce the cost of the electricity your heat pump consumes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good COP for a heat pump?
SCOP of 3.0+ at 35°C is good. Above 3.5 is very good. The best brands achieve 4.0+ in real-world conditions.
Does COP matter more than price?
A COP difference of 0.5 saves roughly £100–£200/year. Over 20 years: £2,000–£4,000. Whether that justifies a higher purchase price depends on your budget.
Why is real-world COP lower than manufacturer figures?
Lab conditions vs real homes. Expect real-world COP 0.5–1.0 lower than quoted SCOP figures.
Which brand has the highest COP?
Nibe F2120 (SCOP 5.03) and Viessmann 250-A (SCOP 5.0) lead manufacturer ratings. Real-world: both deliver COP 3.8–4.5.
Does flow temperature affect COP?
Yes, hugely. Running at 35°C delivers ~50% better COP than 55°C. This is the single biggest factor in real-world efficiency.
Is COP the same as efficiency?
COP measures instantaneous efficiency. SCOP averages over a season and is more useful for comparison.
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Understanding Heat Pump Efficiency
COP data helps homeowners make informed decisions, but remember: installation quality and system design matter more than marginal brand differences. The BUS grant makes all brands more accessible, and pairing with solar panels can slash the electricity costs that determine your actual running costs.