Energy Labeling in the Heat Pump Environment

Energy labeling in the heat pump environment is a regulated method for describing and comparing the standardized energy performance of a heat pump or heat pump package. It assigns an energy-efficiency class and presents essential product data. This data can include the temperature application, rated heat output, domestic hot-water function and sound power level.

Manufacturers and suppliers calculate the label from prescribed test data. Dealers and installers display the applicable product or package label. Buyers use the information to compare equivalent systems before examining the complete technical specification. In EU legislation, the process is normally called energy labelling, while “energy labeling” is the common international spelling.

Energy labeling matters because the term “heat pump” alone says little about system suitability. Performance changes with flow temperature, outdoor temperature, hot-water demand and control strategy. A high label class creates a useful starting point, but correct sizing, installation, commissioning and operation determine the final result.

Energy labeling at a glance

• What it is: A standardized product-information system for communicating energy performance.
• What it does: It converts technical test results into comparable classes and declared values.
• How to use it: Compare the same function, temperature application, climate basis and product type.
• Why it matters: It improves purchasing decisions, supports regulatory compliance and reduces specification risk.
• What it does not do: It does not predict the exact electricity bill or guarantee installed-system performance.

EU regulatory status, July 2026: Regulation (EU) No 811/2013 remains listed by the European Commission as the energy-label regulation in application for space heaters, combination heaters and related packages. The Commission consulted on a replacement label in late 2025 and early 2026. The draft proposed an A–G scale, QR code, noise scale and new product information, but the current official legislation list still identifies Regulation 811/2013 as the applicable rule. The current space-heating scale therefore remains relevant until replacement legislation is adopted, published and becomes applicable.

What is heat pump energy labeling?

Heat pump energy labeling is the process of declaring a heat pump’s standardized energy performance in a prescribed visual and technical format. The visible energy label provides the main information. A product information sheet and technical documentation provide supporting detail.

In the EU, Regulation (EU) No 811/2013 covers hydronic space heaters and combination heaters with a rated heat output of up to 70 kW. A hydronic heat pump supplies heat to a water-based central heating system. Ecodesign requirements under Regulation (EU) No 813/2013 have a broader scope and apply to covered space and combination heaters up to 400 kW.

The current individual space-heating label uses an efficiency scale from A+++ to D. This scale has applied since 26 September 2019. A combination heat pump can also have a separate water-heating class for domestic hot-water production.

What does “heat pump environment” mean?

The heat pump environment is the complete operating context around the heat generator. It includes the building, heat source, heat distribution, domestic hot water, control system, storage, electricity supply and connected energy systems.

The main entities are:

• The heat pump
• Outdoor air, ground, groundwater or another heat source
• Underfloor heating, radiators or other heat emitters
• Domestic hot-water storage
• Buffer storage
• Temperature and room controls
• Photovoltaic systems
• Solar thermal systems
• Smart meters and variable electricity tariffs
• Building or energy management systems
• Monitoring and remote-service platforms

The energy label describes only part of this environment. It standardizes product or package performance. It does not replace building design or operational monitoring.

Energy label, ErP label and energy-efficiency label

These terms are often used for the same visible product label.

• Energy label is the general term.
• Energy-efficiency label emphasizes the efficiency class.
• ErP label is common industry shorthand for labeling under the EU framework for energy-related products.
• Energieeffizienzlabel and Energieetikett are common German terms.
• Energy labelling is the spelling used in EU legislation.

Ecodesign and energy labeling are related but separate. Ecodesign establishes mandatory product requirements. Energy labeling communicates and ranks performance for buyers.

Core purpose of energy labeling

The core purpose of energy labeling is to make technically complex products easier to compare. It creates a common language between manufacturers, installers, planners, authorities and customers. The EU framework states that energy labeling should enable customers to choose more efficient products and reduce energy consumption.

Energy labeling serves five main purposes.

Standardized comparison

Definition: Standardized comparison means that products are assessed using defined conditions and calculation methods.

Purpose: It reduces the effect of inconsistent marketing claims. Products can be compared using the same general measurement basis.

Benefit: The buyer can create a more reliable shortlist.

Example: Two air-to-water heat pumps can be compared at the same 55°C temperature application instead of comparing one product at 35°C with another at 55°C.

Clear performance communication

Definition: Performance communication converts technical efficiency data into a class and supporting values.

Purpose: It makes product information accessible to both specialists and non-specialists.

Benefit: Important differences become visible earlier in the purchasing process.

Example: A buyer can see that a product has different efficiency classes for low-temperature and medium-temperature heating.

Regulatory compliance

Definition: Compliance means meeting applicable duties for labels, product information, advertising, documentation and model registration.

Purpose: It ensures that the same declared information follows the product through the supply chain.

Benefit: Manufacturers, distributors and installers reduce the risk of presenting incomplete or misleading energy information.

Example: An online advertisement that includes price or energy information must also communicate the required energy class for the specific model.

Market transparency

Definition: Market transparency means that declared model data can be traced and examined.

Purpose: It supports consumers, professional purchasers and market-surveillance authorities.

Benefit: Incorrect declarations are easier to identify.

Example: A purchaser can search EPREL by brand, model name or registration number and download the available product information sheet.

Product development

Definition: Product development is the technical improvement of efficiency, sound performance and related product characteristics.

Purpose: A visible classification system creates a commercial reason to improve products.

Benefit: Manufacturers compete on measurable performance, not only on price or general claims.

Example: A manufacturer can improve part-load operation or reduce auxiliary electricity consumption to improve the underlying seasonal performance.

Why energy labeling is needed

Heat pumps are system products. Their performance depends on operating conditions. A single maximum-output value or individual COP value cannot describe the whole heating season.

Energy labeling is needed because buyers commonly face several comparison problems.

Products can appear more similar than they are

Two products may use the same heat source and refrigerant but have different seasonal efficiency, output range, noise or hot-water performance. Marketing terms such as “high efficiency” do not provide a common measurement basis.

The label creates a first standardized comparison. The product information sheet then provides the underlying values needed for closer evaluation.

Flow temperature changes performance

A heat pump normally works more efficiently when it produces a lower water temperature. This creates a comparison problem between underfloor-heating applications and radiator applications.

The current label addresses this issue through low-temperature and medium-temperature applications. Heat pump documentation commonly presents values for 35°C and 55°C operation. The applicable temperature basis must remain visible when a class is communicated.

Climate changes output and efficiency

Outdoor temperature affects air-source heat pumps directly. Ground and water temperatures also affect source-side conditions. A unit that performs well in a mild climate may need closer examination for an Alpine or Finnish project.

EU heat pump information is based on seasonal methods and three European climate conditions. These standardized zones improve comparison, but project-specific design temperatures must still be checked.

Domestic hot water creates a separate load

Space heating and domestic hot-water production operate at different temperature levels. A combination heat pump can therefore have strong space-heating performance but less suitable hot-water performance for the intended demand.

The separate water-heating class and load profile make this distinction visible. They help prevent a space-heating class from being treated as a complete assessment of the system.

Sound creates planning risk

Air-source heat pumps include fans and compressors. Sound performance affects outdoor-unit location, planning approval, neighbour protection and user comfort.

The label declares sound power rather than site-specific sound pressure. This helps create an acoustic starting point, but it does not replace a siting or propagation assessment.

Packages are more complex than individual products

A heating offer can include a heat pump, supplementary heater, temperature control and solar thermal components. The individual product class does not describe the calculated performance of the full regulated package.

A package label provides a separate result. The result follows the prescribed package calculation and must be clearly distinguished from the individual heat pump label.

Buyers need evidence, not only claims

A quotation may include efficiency, cost and environmental claims. Without a model-specific label and product information sheet, the buyer cannot easily verify the basis of those claims.

The label, product information sheet and EPREL record create an evidence chain. This supports residential sales, tendering, public procurement and portfolio reporting.

Regulatory context in the main target markets

European Union

Austria, Germany, Italy including South Tyrol, Spain, Poland and Finland follow the EU product-level energy-label framework. Regulation (EU) 2017/1369 provides the general framework. Regulation (EU) No 811/2013 provides the specific rules for hydronic space heaters, combination heaters and defined packages.

For covered hydronic heaters:

• The energy-label scope extends to a rated heat output of 70 kW.
• Ecodesign requirements extend to 400 kW.
• A product label and product information sheet must be provided as required.
• Suppliers must provide technical documentation to authorities.
• Energy-related or price advertising must state the relevant class.
• Dealers must display the label at the point of sale and in applicable distance-selling formats.
• Covered models must be registered in EPREL by the responsible supplier or importer.

National authorities perform market surveillance. National building, acoustic, planning and subsidy rules continue to apply separately. A compliant product label does not automatically demonstrate compliance with every national or local building requirement.

Switzerland

Switzerland applies its own Energy Efficiency Ordinance rather than EU law directly. Swiss requirements for space and combination heaters are set out in the Energy Efficiency Ordinance, including Annex 1.16, and reference the corresponding EU heater regulations.

The Swiss Federal Office of Energy states that the label for space and combination heaters up to 70 kW provides information on energy efficiency, rated heat output and sound power. It also states that minimum requirements apply up to 400 kW. The authority specifically notes that installation, commissioning and maintenance have a major effect on energy efficiency.

English-speaking and non-EU markets

Countries outside the EU and Switzerland can use different product categories, test conditions and label scales. A class from one market should not be translated directly into a class from another market.

For international projects:

1. Identify the country of sale and installation.
2. Confirm the applicable product regulation.
3. Confirm the relevant test standard.
4. Compare the underlying numerical performance data.
5. Verify local electrical, refrigerant, acoustic and building requirements.

Current label and proposed rescaling

The current EU heater label still uses plus classes. The individual space-heating scale was updated to A+++–D in 2019. The European Commission’s proposed replacement would rescale the label to A–G and add a QR code, a noise scale and other symbols.

These proposed features should not be presented as current requirements. In particular, a QR code is part of the proposed replacement design, not a required feature of the current Regulation 811/2013 label. Current products can instead be searched directly in EPREL using the supplier and model information.

Key features of a heat pump energy label

A heat pump energy label can contain several layers of information. The visible label gives the main result. The product information sheet provides more detailed technical values.

Detailed explanation of energy-label features

Supplier name and model identifier

Definition: The model identifier is the code that distinguishes one model from other products supplied under the same brand.

Purpose: It connects the visible label to the product information sheet, technical documentation and EPREL record.

Benefit: It prevents data from one model or output size from being applied to another.

Example: A quotation for a 12 kW model should not include the label of a similar 8 kW model from the same product family. The complete model identifier must match.

Space-heating energy-efficiency class

Definition: The space-heating class is a letter-based ranking derived from seasonal space-heating efficiency under regulated conditions.

Purpose: It summarizes a complex efficiency calculation in an accessible format.

Benefit: It supports rapid comparison before detailed engineering begins.

Example: A heat pump may be declared A+++ for a 35°C application and A++ for a 55°C application. This does not represent a contradiction. It shows that the temperature lift is higher at 55°C.

The current EU individual space-heating scale extends from A+++ to D. The class should always be read together with the relevant temperature application and product category.

Low-temperature application at 35°C

Definition: The 35°C application is the standardized low-temperature heat-distribution condition used for heat pump comparison.

Purpose: It represents systems that can deliver useful heat with relatively low water temperatures.

Benefit: It helps evaluate products for low-temperature emitters.

Example: A well-designed new building with underfloor heating may be assessed primarily against the 35°C label value.

The 35°C value is not a promise that the building will always operate at exactly 35°C. A weather-compensated system normally changes the flow temperature according to outdoor conditions.

Medium-temperature application at 55°C

Definition: The 55°C application is the standardized medium-temperature condition.

Purpose: It provides a more relevant comparison for many radiator systems and higher-temperature heating requirements.

Benefit: It reduces the risk of selecting a product only from an attractive low-temperature class.

Example: A renovation with existing radiators may require a design flow temperature close to 50°C or 55°C during cold weather. The 55°C class and associated performance data are therefore more relevant than the 35°C class.

For most heat pumps other than legally defined low-temperature heat pumps, the medium-temperature class is used on the space-heater package label.

Seasonal space-heating energy efficiency, ηs

Definition: Seasonal space-heating energy efficiency, written as ηs, is the ratio between the heating demand supplied during a designated heating season and the annual energy consumption required to meet that demand. It is expressed as a percentage.

Purpose: It represents seasonal performance rather than performance at one operating point.

Benefit: It captures more information about part-load operation, auxiliary consumption and seasonal demand.

Example: Two products may have the same class but different ηs values. The product with the higher ηs value has stronger standardized performance within that class and application.

An ηs value above 100% does not mean that the heat pump creates energy. A heat pump transfers ambient energy from air, ground or water into the heating system. The delivered heat therefore includes both the purchased electricity and the captured environmental heat.

Rated heat output, Prated

Definition: Rated heat output, written as Prated, is the declared heat output at the regulatory standard rating conditions. It is expressed in kilowatts.

Purpose: It provides a standardized capacity reference.

Benefit: It helps identify products that could be suitable for the building’s calculated heating load.

Example: A 10 kW rated output does not automatically mean that 10 kW is available at every combination of outdoor and flow temperature. The project designer must verify the manufacturer’s capacity table at the actual design condition.

Rated output is not a substitute for a building heat-load calculation. Selecting a heat pump only from floor area or the output of an old boiler can cause oversizing or insufficient cold-weather capacity.

Climate-zone performance

Definition: Climate-zone information describes standardized performance under warmer, average and colder European climate conditions.

Purpose: It reflects the fact that heat-pump output and seasonal performance vary with source temperature and heating demand.

Benefit: It helps prevent a mild-climate result from being used without qualification in a colder project.

Example: A project in southern Spain and a project in northern Finland should not rely on the same average-climate interpretation. Each project must examine the relevant capacity and efficiency data.

The regulated climate zones support comparison. They do not replace the local design outdoor temperature or the source-temperature assessment for the actual site.

Indoor and outdoor sound power, LWA

Definition: Sound power level, written as LWA, is the A-weighted sound power emitted by the product. It is expressed in decibels.

Purpose: It provides a standardized description of the sound source.

Benefit: It supports initial product comparison and acoustic planning.

Example: An outdoor unit with lower sound power generally provides a better starting point for a restricted site. The final sound pressure at a neighbour’s window still depends on distance, barriers, reflections, operating mode and installation.

Sound power must not be confused with sound pressure. Sound power describes the source. Sound pressure describes the level at a particular position. The EU rules use indoor and outdoor sound-power declarations for heat pumps.

Water-heating class

Definition: The water-heating class describes the standardized efficiency of domestic hot-water production.

Purpose: It separates domestic hot-water performance from space-heating performance.

Benefit: It helps users compare combination heat pumps with similar hot-water functions.

Example: A product can have an excellent space-heating class but a less suitable hot-water result for a large household, hotel or multi-residential project.

Under the current rules, the water-heating function of an individual combination heater has its own scale. Dedicated heat pump water heaters are covered by Regulation (EU) No 812/2013 rather than the space-heater regulation.

Declared hot-water load profile

Definition: The load profile is a standardized hot-water draw-off pattern. Profiles can be identified by sizes such as M, L, XL or other regulated categories.

Purpose: It creates a repeatable test demand for water heating.

Benefit: Products tested for equivalent hot-water demand can be compared more fairly.

Example: An XL profile indicates a different standardized demand from an M profile. It should not be interpreted only as tank volume or a fixed number of occupants.

A real project must still calculate peak flow, stored volume, recovery time, hygiene requirements and simultaneous demand.

Product label

Definition: The product label describes the individual heat generator as a regulated product.

Purpose: It provides a standardized result that is independent of one specific building installation.

Benefit: Buyers can compare the base performance of competing heat pumps.

Example: An air-to-water heat pump can have a product label even when several different controls or storage configurations are available.

Package label

Definition: A package label describes a regulated combination of a space or combination heater with eligible components. These components can include temperature controls, supplementary heating and solar thermal equipment.

Purpose: It reflects the standardized calculated effect of eligible package components.

Benefit: It provides more information than the heat-pump product label alone.

Example: A heat pump with a qualifying temperature control and solar thermal system can receive a package result that differs from the product class.

The package class is calculated. It is not a measurement of the completed building after installation. Installers can design packages using eligible components and their declared information.

Solar device

Definition: Under Regulation 811/2013, a solar device refers to solar thermal components. These include a solar collector, solar hot-water storage tank or collector-loop pump.

Purpose: The definition identifies the solar thermal contribution that can be included in the package calculation.

Benefit: It prevents unrelated technologies from being added to the regulated package result.

Example: A roof-mounted solar thermal collector can contribute to a package calculation. A photovoltaic array produces electricity and is not the “solar device” defined by this regulation.

Product information sheet

Definition: The product information sheet is a standardized document containing more detailed product data than the front label.

Purpose: It supports technical comparison, compliance review and market surveillance.

Benefit: Buyers can examine the numerical values behind the class.

Example: A planner can use the product information sheet to check ηs, rated output, annual energy information, climate data and sound declarations.

EPREL record

Definition: EPREL is the European Product Registry for Energy Labelling.

Purpose: It provides registered model information to customers, professional purchasers and market-surveillance authorities.

Benefit: It improves traceability and reduces dependence on isolated marketing documents.

Example: A buyer can search for the exact model by supplier and model identifier, view the product details and download the available product information sheet.

Manufacturers and importers must register covered products in EPREL to comply with EU energy-labeling requirements.

How energy labeling works

Energy labeling involves several parties. Each party has a different role. The label remains useful only when the model, product type and declared configuration remain consistent.

Manufacturer, authorized representative or importer

The responsible supplier establishes the product declaration. It must identify the applicable regulation and product category. It must then use the prescribed measurements and calculations.

A typical supplier process includes:

1. Classify the product and confirm regulatory scope.
2. Determine the applicable test and calculation methods.
3. Measure or calculate the required parameters.
4. Determine the energy-efficiency class.
5. Create the energy label.
6. Create the product information sheet.
7. Compile the technical documentation.
8. Register the model in EPREL where required.
9. Provide printed and electronic label information to dealers.
10. maintain supporting evidence for market-surveillance authorities.

The declared values must refer to the exact model. A model-family brochure cannot replace model-specific information.

Dealer and distributor

The dealer communicates the supplier’s declaration to the customer. The label must be visible in the applicable sales environment. Distance-selling information must also follow the relevant display requirements.

The dealer should:

• Match the label to the exact model.
• Display the required class in applicable advertising.
• Provide access to the full label and product information.
• Distinguish product and package classes.
• Avoid removing the 35°C or 55°C context.
• Avoid applying one model’s label to another output size.
• Retain the documentation supplied with the product.

EU rules place display and promotional-material obligations on both suppliers and dealers.

Installer and package designer

The installer can become responsible for package information when combining eligible components. The installer must use the regulated calculation and declared component data. A package class must not be estimated from general assumptions.

The installer should:

1. Confirm which components form the offered package.
2. Obtain the heat-pump product information.
3. identify the eligible temperature-control class.
4. Include supplementary heaters where required.
5. Include only eligible solar thermal data.
6. Complete the regulated package calculation.
7. Provide the package label and package information.
8. State clearly which class applies to the heat pump and which applies to the package.

The standardized contribution from a temperature control is a calculation input. It is not a guaranteed percentage reduction in the customer’s actual energy bill.

Planner or consultant

The planner uses the label as screening data. The planner then moves to project-specific performance data.

The planner should examine:

• Building design heat load
• Required flow and return temperatures
• Outdoor or source design temperature
• Part-load operating range
• Domestic hot-water demand
• Defrost and backup-heater strategy
• Hydraulic design
• Sound propagation
• Electrical connection
• Control interfaces
• Refrigerant requirements
• Service and commissioning provisions

The label should therefore sit inside the specification process. It should not replace that process.

Buyer or building owner

The buyer should compare equivalent products first. The lowest-temperature or most attractive class should not be selected automatically.

A practical buyer process is:

1. Define the required heating and hot-water functions.
2. Ask for the exact model identifier.
3. Obtain the complete energy label.
4. Check whether the class refers to 35°C or 55°C.
5. Review the product information sheet.
6. Search the model in EPREL where applicable.
7. Check rated output against the calculated heat load.
8. Review cold-climate and sound information.
9. Ask whether the quotation is for a product or a package.
10. Request a commissioning and monitoring plan.

Operator

The operator controls the system after installation. The actual result depends on operating temperatures, control settings, domestic hot-water schedules, backup heating and maintenance.

The operator should monitor:

• Heat delivered
• Electricity consumed
• Seasonal performance factor
• Flow temperatures
• Compressor operating hours
• Starts and stops
• Backup-heater consumption
• Hot-water temperatures
• Alarm history
• Source temperatures where applicable

The Swiss Federal Office of Energy specifically identifies professional installation, commissioning and maintenance as major influences on actual heater efficiency.

Types of energy labels relevant to heat pumps

Heat pumps do not all use the same label. The applicable label depends on function, heat-transfer medium and rated capacity.

Regulation 812/2013 specifically covers water heaters up to 70 kW and hot-water tanks up to 500 litres. Regulation 626/2011 applies to electric air-to-air air conditioners with a rated capacity of up to 12 kW.

Space-heating heat pump

This product supplies heat to a water-based heating system. It does not receive a domestic hot-water class unless it is legally declared as a combination heater.

Typical applications include:

• Underfloor heating
• Low-temperature radiators
• Fan-coil systems
• Mixed emitter systems
• Central heating for houses or smaller buildings

Combination heat pump

A combination heat pump provides space heating and domestic hot water. It therefore has separate performance information for the two functions.

The hot-water declaration should match the actual product configuration. A heat generator sold with several possible indoor units may require configuration-specific information.

Low-temperature heat pump

“Low-temperature heat pump” can be a specific legal product category. It should not be used merely as a marketing description for any heat pump that performs well at 35°C.

A legally defined low-temperature product has different class treatment. Product classification should therefore come from the supplier’s compliance documentation.

Package label

A package label can include the regulated contribution of eligible controls and solar thermal devices. It can be prepared by a manufacturer or an installer.

The package label does not automatically cover:

• Photovoltaic electricity
• Dynamic electricity tariffs
• Building thermal mass
• General home-energy management
• Site-specific hydraulic losses
• Site-specific commissioning quality
• Field-measured annual efficiency

Large heat-pump system

A hydronic heat pump above 70 kW falls outside the current Regulation 811/2013 consumer-label scope. This does not mean that performance is unregulated or unimportant. Ecodesign requirements can still apply up to 400 kW, and other product legislation remains relevant.

Large systems require deeper technical assessment, including:

• Project operating points
• Part-load efficiency
• Seasonal energy simulation
• Redundancy
• Cascade control
• Simultaneous heating and cooling
• Source availability
• Electrical demand
• Hydraulic separation
• Metering
• Maintenance strategy

Use cases for heat pump energy labeling

New building with underfloor heating

Situation. The building has a low design heat load and low-temperature emitters.

Label use. The 35°C class and ηs value provide a useful initial comparison.

Practical limit. The designer must still check minimum modulation, domestic hot water and summer cooling requirements.

Renovation with existing radiators

Situation. The building may require higher flow temperatures during cold weather.

Label use. The 55°C result is more relevant than the 35°C result.

Practical limit. A room-by-room emitter assessment is still required. Improving radiators or the building envelope can reduce the required flow temperature.

Alpine or cold-climate project

Situation. The design outdoor temperature is lower than the average-climate reference.

Label use. Cold-climate output and supporting performance data help screen the product.

Practical limit. The planner must check exact output, defrost operation and backup heating at the local design condition.

Dense residential area

Situation. The outdoor unit is close to bedrooms, boundaries or neighbouring buildings.

Label use. Outdoor sound power supports product comparison.

Practical limit. A site-specific acoustic calculation is needed. The label does not predict sound pressure at the receiver.

Installer quotation

Situation. An installer offers a heat pump, control, storage tank and solar thermal equipment.

Label use. The product label describes the heat pump. The package label describes the regulated combination.

Practical limit. The quotation must make clear which class belongs to which object.

E-commerce and remote sales

Situation. A customer cannot inspect the product physically before purchase.

Label use. The required electronic label information provides a standard comparison.

Practical limit. The displayed label must match the exact model and must not hide the relevant temperature application.

Professional procurement

Situation. A housing provider, developer or public purchaser needs comparable evidence across bids.

Label use. The label, product information sheet and EPREL record establish a minimum evidence set.

Practical limit. Procurement should also specify project output, acoustics, refrigerant, control interfaces, service and field-performance reporting.

Large commercial or district system

Situation. The selected heat pump exceeds the 70 kW label limit.

Label use. An individual 811/2013 consumer label is not the main selection instrument.

Practical limit. Selection must rely on project-specific technical schedules, certified data where available, energy simulation and contractual performance requirements.

Benefits of heat pump energy labeling

Better comparability

Energy labeling gives buyers a common starting point. It reduces the need to interpret every manufacturer’s performance claim from the beginning.

Faster product screening

The class, temperature application, output and sound values can remove clearly unsuitable products from a shortlist. The technical team can then focus on the most relevant models.

Lower specification risk

The label encourages the project team to state the comparison basis. This reduces errors such as comparing a 35°C result with a 55°C result.

Improved purchasing evidence

The label and product information sheet create a documented decision path. This is useful for tenders, internal approvals and quality assurance.

More transparent quotations

A model-specific label helps expose incomplete proposals. It also helps identify whether an attractive class belongs to the product or to a larger package.

Better market surveillance

EPREL and technical documentation allow authorities to compare declared information with product evidence. EPREL also supports consumers, bulk purchasers and public procurement.

Support for product improvement

Visible classes create incentives to improve seasonal efficiency and related characteristics. Ecodesign removes products that fail minimum requirements, while the label differentiates products above the minimum.

Environmental screening

Lower standardized energy demand can support lower use-phase environmental impact. However, the label is not a complete environmental assessment.

It does not fully account for:

• The carbon intensity of the electricity used
• Refrigerant leakage
• Embodied emissions
• Manufacturing impacts
• Transport
• Installation materials
• Product life
• End-of-life recovery
• Actual operating temperatures
• Maintenance quality

How to select a heat pump using energy-label information

The label should be used as part of a staged selection process. The correct sequence moves from the building requirement to the product, and then from the product to the complete system.

Step 1: Define the required function

Determine whether the product must provide:

• Space heating
• Domestic hot water
• Active cooling
• Passive cooling
• Pool heating
• Process heat
• Simultaneous heating and cooling

A space-heating class does not describe every additional function.

Step 2: Calculate the building heat load

Use a recognized heat-load method. Include the local design outdoor temperature and ventilation losses.

Do not select the new heat pump from:

• The old boiler’s nameplate
• Floor area alone
• Historic fuel consumption without correction
• A generic watts-per-square-metre rule

Step 3: Determine the required flow temperature

Assess the heat emitters at room level. Identify the flow temperature needed at the design outdoor condition.

This value determines whether the 35°C or 55°C label result is more relevant. It also affects actual operating efficiency.

Step 4: Compare the same product category

Compare space heaters with space heaters. Compare combination heaters with equivalent combination heaters. Do not compare an air-to-air label directly with an air-to-water label.

Step 5: Compare the same temperature application

Keep the 35°C and 55°C results separate. A higher class at 35°C does not prove stronger performance at 55°C.

Step 6: Review both class and ηs

The class provides the category. The numerical ηs value provides finer differentiation.

Two products in the same class can have different:

• ηs values
• Output ranges
• Cold-climate performance
• Sound levels
• Domestic hot-water results
• Control functions

Step 7: Verify output at the design condition

Check the manufacturer’s capacity table at the required outdoor or source temperature and flow temperature.

Confirm:

• Available compressor output
• Defrost allowance
• Backup-heater contribution
• Bivalent point
• Maximum electrical demand
• Capacity at domestic hot-water temperature

Step 8: Examine part-load operation

Most heating systems operate below design load for much of the year. Minimum output and modulation range therefore matter.

An oversized unit with poor minimum modulation can cycle frequently. Cycling can reduce comfort and operating efficiency even when the label class is high.

Step 9: Check domestic hot-water performance

For combination units, review:

• Water-heating class
• Declared load profile
• Storage volume
• Reheat time
• Maximum hot-water temperature
• Backup-heater use
• Simultaneous demand
• Hygiene strategy

Step 10: Assess sound

Use the sound-power declaration as the source value. Then perform site-specific acoustic planning.

Consider:

• Distance to the receiver
• Walls and corners
• Reflective surfaces
• Unit elevation
• Barriers
• Night operating mode
• Fan and compressor speed
• Multiple units
• Local limits

Step 11: Review the package label

Determine whether the offer includes a regulated package. Confirm the eligible control and solar thermal components.

Do not treat the package label as a field-performance certificate. It is a standardized calculated result.

Step 12: Review the refrigerant separately

The current energy class does not provide a complete assessment of refrigerant climate impact. Refrigerants are addressed through separate product information and legislation, including Regulation (EU) 2024/573 on fluorinated greenhouse gases.

Check:

• Refrigerant type
• Charge
• Global warming potential
• Safety class
• Installation restrictions
• Service availability
• Leak-check obligations
• End-of-life recovery

Step 13: Verify EPREL and product documents

Match the model identifier across:

• Quotation
• Energy label
• Product information sheet
• EPREL record
• Technical data sheet
• Installation manual
• Declaration of conformity

Any mismatch should be resolved before purchase.

Step 14: Model operating cost

The label does not know the future electricity tariff or building use. Calculate expected electricity consumption using project-specific demand and realistic seasonal performance.

Include:

• Space-heating demand
• Hot-water demand
• Distribution losses
• Backup heating
• Pumps and auxiliary equipment
• Electricity tariff
• Fixed charges
• Photovoltaic self-consumption
• Maintenance

Step 15: Plan commissioning and monitoring

Define how actual performance will be checked. Useful requirements include heat metering, electricity sub-metering and performance reporting.

A high-class product can still perform poorly when:

• The heating curve is too high
• The hydraulic system is unbalanced
• The backup heater operates unnecessarily
• Domestic hot-water temperatures are excessive
• Pumps run continuously
• Sensors are incorrectly positioned
• Filters or heat exchangers are blocked

Minimum evidence to request

A well-supported quotation should contain:

• Exact product designation
• Product energy label
• Product information sheet
• EPREL identification where applicable
• Building heat-load calculation
• Emitter and flow-temperature assessment
• Output data at the design operating point
• Sound-power data
• Site-specific acoustic assessment where needed
• Domestic hot-water sizing
• Hydraulic schematic
• Control description
• Package label where applicable
• Refrigerant information
• Electrical requirements
• Commissioning plan
• Warranty and service information

Energy-label comparisons

Energy label vs Ecodesign vs building certificate vs refrigerant law

The EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive addresses the energy performance of buildings. It considers the building envelope, systems and renewable energy at building level. This is different from the product-level energy label.

Product label vs package label

COP vs SCOP vs ηs vs SPF or JAZ

The boundaries must remain consistent. One SPF may include only the compressor. Another may include pumps, controls and backup heating. These values are not directly comparable unless the measurement boundary is the same.

Energy class vs annual electricity bill

An energy class is not a cost class. The label uses standardized energy-performance conditions. The electricity bill depends on the building and tariff.

A lower-class product in a low-load, low-temperature building can consume less electricity than a higher-class product in a large, high-temperature building. The class remains useful for comparing equivalent products, not for comparing unrelated buildings.

Energy label vs environmental label

The energy label primarily describes use-phase energy performance. It does not provide a complete lifecycle environmental score. The current heater framework also treats refrigerant effects through separate legislation.

A full environmental assessment may also consider:

• Electricity generation mix
• Refrigerant
• Embodied carbon
• Materials
• Product lifetime
• Repairability
• Transport
• Recycling
• Actual annual efficiency

Integration with other heat pump systems

The energy label establishes a standardized product baseline. System integration determines how the heat pump operates in the building. Several integration features can improve real performance without being fully visible in the individual product class.

Weather-compensated temperature control

Definition: Weather compensation changes the heating-water temperature according to outdoor temperature.

Purpose: It supplies only the temperature needed to maintain indoor comfort.

Benefit: Lower average flow temperatures can improve heat-pump efficiency.

Example: The control can reduce the flow temperature during mild weather instead of maintaining a constant 50°C setting.

Eligible temperature controls can contribute to a regulated package calculation. The calculated contribution should not be presented as guaranteed site savings.

Room control and zoning

Definition: Room control adjusts heat delivery according to room-level demand.

Purpose: It maintains comfort and limits unnecessary heat delivery.

Benefit: It can reduce overheating and provide more transparent operation.

Example: Bedrooms can operate at a lower setpoint than living areas while the central control coordinates heat-pump output.

Poorly coordinated zoning can also create low water flow and short cycling. Room control and heat-pump control must therefore work as one system.

Solar thermal integration

Definition: Solar thermal equipment converts solar radiation directly into usable heat.

Purpose: It can support domestic hot water or, in some systems, space heating.

Benefit: Eligible solar thermal equipment can reduce the heater’s calculated package demand.

Example: A solar collector and solar hot-water storage tank can form part of a regulated package calculation.

Solar thermal is the “solar device” recognized by the current heater package rules.

Photovoltaic integration

Definition: A photovoltaic system converts solar radiation into electricity.

Purpose: It can supply part of the heat pump’s electrical demand.

Benefit: Coordinated operation can increase on-site use of photovoltaic electricity and reduce purchased electricity during suitable periods.

Example: The control can raise domestic hot-water temperature or charge thermal storage when surplus photovoltaic power is available.

Under the current legal package definition, photovoltaic panels are not the regulated solar device. PV integration can improve real electricity use and cost, but it does not normally create a solar contribution in the current Regulation 811/2013 package calculation.

Thermal storage

Definition: Thermal storage retains heat in water or in the building structure for later use.

Purpose: It separates heat generation from immediate heat demand.

Benefit: It can support hot-water availability, tariff optimization, defrost operation or hydraulic stability.

Example: A domestic hot-water tank can be heated during a photovoltaic-surplus period.

Storage is not automatically beneficial. Excessive storage temperature, standing losses or unnecessary buffer volume can increase electricity consumption.

Smart tariffs and energy management

Definition: Energy management coordinates the heat pump with electricity prices, photovoltaic generation and other energy loads.

Purpose: It moves flexible demand to suitable periods while maintaining comfort.

Benefit: It can reduce operating cost and improve the use of locally generated electricity.

Example: The system can preheat the building slightly before a high-price period and reduce operation during the price peak.

The current product label does not model the customer’s tariff. Dynamic optimization therefore belongs to the operating layer rather than the product-label layer.

Building management systems

Definition: A building management system connects heating, cooling, ventilation, metering and other building services.

Purpose: It coordinates multiple systems and provides central supervision.

Benefit: It can improve fault detection, scheduling and portfolio reporting.

Example: A large heat pump can communicate operating state, temperatures and alarms through a building-automation interface.

The specification should define:

• Communication protocol
• Available data points
• Write permissions
• Alarm handling
• Cybersecurity
• Data ownership
• Update responsibilities
• Fail-safe operation

Monitoring and optimization

Definition: Monitoring records operating data from the installed system.

Purpose: It verifies whether design assumptions are being achieved.

Benefit: It can identify excessive temperatures, backup-heater use, cycling or reduced source performance.

Example: Monthly heat and electricity data can be used to calculate an SPF or JAZ and compare one heating season with the next.

Monitoring completes the performance chain:

1. The label describes standardized product performance.
2. System design predicts project performance.
3. Commissioning establishes correct operation.
4. Monitoring verifies actual performance.
5. Optimization corrects deviations.

Common energy-labeling mistakes

Mistake 1: Comparing 35°C with 55°C

This is not a like-for-like comparison. Always keep the temperature application visible.

Mistake 2: Treating the class as an electricity-consumption forecast

The class does not know the building load, tariff or user behaviour.

Mistake 3: Ignoring rated output

A highly efficient product can still be undersized for the design condition.

Mistake 4: Using rated output as the only sizing value

Output changes with source and flow temperatures. The complete performance table is required.

Mistake 5: Confusing sound power with sound pressure

Sound power describes the source. Local sound pressure requires a site-specific calculation.

Mistake 6: Treating the package label as a field test

The package result is calculated from regulated component data. It is not measured after installation.

Mistake 7: Calling photovoltaic panels a package “solar device”

The current regulatory definition refers to solar thermal equipment.

Mistake 8: Using a product label for a different output size

Every quoted model must match its own label and documentation.

Mistake 9: Comparing a heat-pump water heater with a combination heater without checking the function

Dedicated water heaters and combination heaters use related but different product categories.

Mistake 10: Assuming every heat pump must have an 811/2013 label

The consumer-label limit for covered hydronic space and combination heaters is 70 kW. Larger systems require a different evidence approach.

Mistake 11: Confusing product labeling with a building energy certificate

The product label assesses the heat generator or package. The building certificate assesses the building.

Mistake 12: Presenting the proposed A–G heater label as current

The A–G design was proposed in the 2025–2026 revision process. The current applicable heater framework still uses the existing label until replacement rules take effect.

Energy labeling and iDM heat pump systems

Energy labeling provides the first product-comparison layer. An iDM system specification should then connect the declared product data with the building’s heat load, temperature requirements, heat source, hydraulics, controls and monitoring.

iDM Energiesysteme offers heat-pump systems from approximately 2 kW to 1,500 kW. Only the part of this range that falls within the relevant product-label scope should be assessed through the Regulation 811/2013 consumer label. Larger iDM systems require project-specific performance schedules and engineering calculations rather than reliance on an individual consumer label.

The iDM NAVIGATOR provides control and monitoring for iDM heat pumps. iDM also documents interfaces for photovoltaic inverters and variable electricity prices. The iON optimization function uses inputs such as weather forecasts, day-ahead electricity prices, connected PV data, PV yield forecasts, predicted hot-water demand and a digital building model. These functions operate above the energy-label layer and address how the system uses energy in the actual building.

A complete iDM evaluation should therefore use four levels:

1. Product declaration: Energy label, ηs, output, sound and product information.
2. System design: Heat load, flow temperature, source, emitters, hydraulics and hot water.
3. System coordination: NAVIGATOR control, room control, PV, tariffs and connected systems.
4. Operational verification: Commissioning, monitoring, analysis and optimization.

This approach positions the energy label correctly. The label creates the shortlist. Engineering selects the system. Intelligent control coordinates operation. Monitoring verifies the outcome.

Energy labeling is the standardized starting point for understanding heat-pump performance. It identifies the product, communicates the energy class and provides key information about temperature application, seasonal efficiency, output, domestic hot water and sound. It also supports compliant sales, procurement and market surveillance.

The label should be used to create a technically valid shortlist. The final selection must also consider building heat load, required flow temperature, local climate, emitter design, domestic hot-water demand, acoustics, refrigerant, control integration and service. Commissioning and monitoring then determine whether the installed system achieves its intended performance.

For an iDM heat pump system, the energy label establishes the regulated product baseline. System planning connects that baseline to the building. NAVIGATOR-based control and connected energy management then support coordinated operation across heating, cooling, domestic hot water, photovoltaic generation and variable electricity conditions.

Frequently asked questions

Is A+++ the best current EU heat pump class?

A+++ is the highest class on the current individual space-heating scale. It is only meaningful when the product category and temperature application are the same. An A+++ result at 35°C should not be treated as an A+++ result at 55°C.

Why does a heat pump show two energy classes?

Many hydronic heat-pump labels show results for 35°C and 55°C applications. The two classes represent different heating-water temperature conditions. The lower-temperature condition normally allows more efficient heat-pump operation.

Does an A+++ heat pump guarantee a low electricity bill?

No. The bill also depends on heat demand, flow temperature, climate, hot-water use, electricity tariff, backup heating and system operation. The class supports product comparison under standardized conditions.

Can two A+++ heat pumps have different performance?

Yes. They can have different ηs values, output ranges, cold-weather capacities, sound levels, hot-water performance and control functions. The complete product information must be compared.

What is the difference between the product label and package label?

The product label describes the individual heat generator. The package label describes a regulated combination with eligible controls, supplementary heating and solar thermal equipment.

Does a photovoltaic system improve the package label?

Not under the current Regulation 811/2013 definition of a solar device. That definition covers solar thermal equipment. PV can improve real electricity self-consumption and operating cost, but it does not normally add a solar contribution to the current package calculation.

Does the current heat pump label have a QR code?

A QR code was included in the European Commission’s proposed rescaled label. It is not a required element of the current Regulation 811/2013 heater label. Current registered model information can be searched directly in EPREL.

Does the label show the refrigerant’s climate effect?

The current class does not provide a complete refrigerant assessment. Refrigerant type, charge, global warming potential and applicable F-gas requirements must be reviewed separately.

Is a heat pump above 70 kW energy-labeled?

The current Regulation 811/2013 consumer-label scope for covered hydronic space and combination heaters ends at 70 kW. Ecodesign requirements extend to 400 kW. Larger projects must rely on technical schedules and project calculations.

Is the EU label directly applicable in Switzerland?

No. Switzerland applies its own Energy Efficiency Ordinance. Swiss requirements reference the relevant EU heater regulations and use a closely related framework.

Can the label replace a heat-load calculation?

No. The label describes the product. A heat-load calculation describes the building’s required heating capacity.

Can the label replace an acoustic assessment?

No. The label declares sound power. An acoustic assessment calculates expected sound pressure at relevant receiver positions.

Why can heat-pump efficiency be higher than 100%?

The heat pump transfers environmental heat in addition to using electrical input. The delivered heat therefore exceeds the purchased electrical energy. This does not mean that energy is created.

What should a customer request from the installer?

The customer should request the exact product label, product information sheet, model identification, heat-load calculation, output data at the design condition, acoustic information, hydraulic schematic, package label where applicable and commissioning plan.