<\/span><\/h2>\nHeat pump energy labeling is the process of declaring a heat pump\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The current individual space-heating label uses an efficiency scale from A+++ to D<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\nWhat does \u201cheat pump environment\u201d mean?<\/h3>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The main entities are:<\/p>\n
\n- The heat pump<\/li>\n
- Outdoor air, ground, groundwater or another heat source<\/li>\n
- Underfloor heating, radiators or other heat emitters<\/li>\n
- Domestic hot-water storage<\/li>\n
- Buffer storage<\/li>\n
- Temperature and room controls<\/li>\n
- Photovoltaic systems<\/li>\n
- Solar thermal systems<\/li>\n
- Smart meters and variable electricity tariffs<\/li>\n
- Building or energy management systems<\/li>\n
- Monitoring and remote-service platforms<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The energy label describes only part of this environment. It standardizes product or package performance. It does not replace building design or operational monitoring.<\/p>\n
Energy label, ErP label and energy-efficiency label<\/h3>\n
These terms are often used for the same visible product label.<\/p>\n
\n- Energy label<\/strong> is the general term.<\/li>\n
- Energy-efficiency label<\/strong> emphasizes the efficiency class.<\/li>\n
- ErP label<\/strong> is common industry shorthand for labeling under the EU framework for energy-related products.<\/li>\n
- Energieeffizienzlabel<\/strong> and Energieetikett<\/strong> are common German terms.<\/li>\n
- Energy labelling<\/strong> is the spelling used in EU legislation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Ecodesign and energy labeling are related but separate. Ecodesign establishes mandatory product requirements. Energy labeling communicates and ranks performance for buyers.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Core purpose of energy labeling<\/span><\/h2>\nThe 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.<\/p>\n
Energy labeling serves five main purposes.<\/p>\n
Standardized comparison<\/h3>\n
Definition:<\/strong> Standardized comparison means that products are assessed using defined conditions and calculation methods.<\/p>\nPurpose:<\/strong> It reduces the effect of inconsistent marketing claims. Products can be compared using the same general measurement basis.<\/p>\nBenefit:<\/strong> The buyer can create a more reliable shortlist.<\/p>\nExample:<\/strong> Two air-to-water heat pumps can be compared at the same 55\u00b0C temperature application instead of comparing one product at 35\u00b0C with another at 55\u00b0C.<\/p>\nClear performance communication<\/h3>\n
Definition:<\/strong>\u00a0Performance communication converts technical efficiency data into a class and supporting values.<\/p>\nPurpose:<\/strong> It makes product information accessible to both specialists and non-specialists.<\/p>\nBenefit:<\/strong>\u00a0Important differences become visible earlier in the purchasing process.<\/p>\nExample:<\/strong> A buyer can see that a product has different efficiency classes for low-temperature and medium-temperature heating.<\/p>\nRegulatory compliance<\/h3>\n
Definition:<\/strong> Compliance means meeting applicable duties for labels, product information, advertising, documentation and model registration.<\/p>\nPurpose:<\/strong> It ensures that the same declared information follows the product through the supply chain.<\/p>\nBenefit:<\/strong> Manufacturers, distributors and installers reduce the risk of presenting incomplete or misleading energy information.<\/p>\nExample:<\/strong> An online advertisement that includes price or energy information must also communicate the required energy class for the specific model.<\/p>\nMarket transparency<\/h3>\n
Definition:<\/strong> Market transparency means that declared model data can be traced and examined.<\/p>\nPurpose:<\/strong> It supports consumers, professional purchasers and market-surveillance authorities.<\/p>\nBenefit:<\/strong> Incorrect declarations are easier to identify.<\/p>\nExample:<\/strong> A purchaser can search EPREL by brand, model name or registration number and download the available product information sheet.<\/p>\nProduct development<\/h3>\n
Definition:<\/strong> Product development is the technical improvement of efficiency, sound performance and related product characteristics.<\/p>\nPurpose:<\/strong> A visible classification system creates a commercial reason to improve products.<\/p>\nBenefit:<\/strong> Manufacturers compete on measurable performance, not only on price or general claims.<\/p>\nExample:<\/strong> A manufacturer can improve part-load operation or reduce auxiliary electricity consumption to improve the underlying seasonal performance.<\/p>\n<\/span>Why energy labeling is needed<\/span><\/h2>\nHeat 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.<\/p>\n
Energy labeling is needed because buyers commonly face several comparison problems.<\/p>\n
Products can appear more similar than they are<\/h3>\n
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 \u201chigh efficiency\u201d do not provide a common measurement basis.<\/p>\n
The label creates a first standardized comparison. The product information sheet then provides the underlying values needed for closer evaluation.<\/p>\n
Flow temperature changes performance<\/h3>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The current label addresses this issue through low-temperature and medium-temperature applications. Heat pump documentation commonly presents values for 35\u00b0C and 55\u00b0C operation. The applicable temperature basis must remain visible when a class is communicated.<\/p>\n
Climate changes output and efficiency<\/h3>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Domestic hot water creates a separate load<\/h3>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Sound creates planning risk<\/h3>\n
Air-source heat pumps include fans and compressors. Sound performance affects outdoor-unit location, planning approval, neighbour protection and user comfort.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Packages are more complex than individual products<\/h3>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Buyers need evidence, not only claims<\/h3>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The label, product information sheet and EPREL record create an evidence chain. This supports residential sales, tendering, public procurement and portfolio reporting.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Regulatory context in the main target markets<\/span><\/h2>\nEuropean Union<\/h3>\n
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.<\/p>\n
For covered hydronic heaters:<\/p>\n
\n- The energy-label scope extends to a rated heat output of 70 kW<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
- Ecodesign requirements extend to 400 kW<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
- A product label and product information sheet must be provided as required.<\/li>\n
- Suppliers must provide technical documentation to authorities.<\/li>\n
- Energy-related or price advertising must state the relevant class.<\/li>\n
- Dealers must display the label at the point of sale and in applicable distance-selling formats.<\/li>\n
- Covered models must be registered in EPREL by the responsible supplier or importer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Switzerland<\/h3>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
English-speaking and non-EU markets<\/h3>\n
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.<\/p>\n
For international projects:<\/p>\n
\n- Identify the country of sale and installation.<\/li>\n
- Confirm the applicable product regulation.<\/li>\n
- Confirm the relevant test standard.<\/li>\n
- Compare the underlying numerical performance data.<\/li>\n
- Verify local electrical, refrigerant, acoustic and building requirements.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
Current label and proposed rescaling<\/h3>\n
The current EU heater label still uses plus classes. The individual space-heating scale was updated to A+++\u2013D in 2019. The European Commission\u2019s proposed replacement would rescale the label to A\u2013G and add a QR code, a noise scale and other symbols.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Key features of a heat pump energy label<\/span><\/h2>\nA 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n\n\n| Feature<\/th>\n | Main question answered<\/th>\n | Practical use<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n |
\n\n| Supplier and model identifier<\/td>\n | Which exact product is being declared?<\/td>\n | Match quotations, labels and EPREL records<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\n| Energy-efficiency class<\/td>\n | How does standardized performance rank?<\/td>\n | Create an initial shortlist<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\n| 35\u00b0C and 55\u00b0C applications<\/td>\n | At which water-temperature basis was the class determined?<\/td>\n | Compare underfloor-heating and radiator applications correctly<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\n| Seasonal space-heating efficiency, \u03b7s<\/td>\n | What numerical value supports the class?<\/td>\n | Compare products within the same application<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\n| Rated heat output<\/td>\n | How much standardized heat output is declared?<\/td>\n | Begin capacity screening<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\n| Climate-zone information<\/td>\n | How does declared performance vary by climate condition?<\/td>\n | Screen cold- and warm-climate suitability<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\n| Sound power level, LWA<\/td>\n | How much sound energy does the product emit?<\/td>\n | Begin acoustic planning<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\n| Water-heating class<\/td>\n | How efficiently does a combination unit produce hot water?<\/td>\n | Assess domestic hot-water performance<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\n| Declared load profile<\/td>\n | Which standardized hot-water demand pattern applies?<\/td>\n | Compare hot-water products on the same basis<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\n| Package class<\/td>\n | What is the calculated class of the regulated combination?<\/td>\n | Evaluate heat pump, control and solar thermal packages<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\n| Product information sheet<\/td>\n | Which detailed values support the label?<\/td>\n | Technical evaluation and tender verification<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\n| EPREL record<\/td>\n | Where can registered model data be checked?<\/td>\n | Traceability and procurement<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/span>Detailed explanation of energy-label features<\/span><\/h2>\nSupplier name and model identifier<\/h3>\nDefinition:<\/strong> The model identifier is the code that distinguishes one model from other products supplied under the same brand.<\/p>\nPurpose:<\/strong> It connects the visible label to the product information sheet, technical documentation and EPREL record.<\/p>\nBenefit:<\/strong> It prevents data from one model or output size from being applied to another.<\/p>\nExample:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\nSpace-heating energy-efficiency class<\/h3>\nDefinition:<\/strong> The space-heating class is a letter-based ranking derived from seasonal space-heating efficiency under regulated conditions.<\/p>\nPurpose:<\/strong> It summarizes a complex efficiency calculation in an accessible format.<\/p>\nBenefit:<\/strong> It supports rapid comparison before detailed engineering begins.<\/p>\nExample:<\/strong> A heat pump may be declared A+++ for a 35\u00b0C application and A++ for a 55\u00b0C application. This does not represent a contradiction. It shows that the temperature lift is higher at 55\u00b0C.<\/p>\nThe 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.<\/p>\n Low-temperature application at 35\u00b0C<\/h3>\nDefinition:<\/strong> The 35\u00b0C application is the standardized low-temperature heat-distribution condition used for heat pump comparison.<\/p>\nPurpose:<\/strong> It represents systems that can deliver useful heat with relatively low water temperatures.<\/p>\nBenefit:<\/strong> It helps evaluate products for low-temperature emitters.<\/p>\nExample:<\/strong> A well-designed new building with underfloor heating may be assessed primarily against the 35\u00b0C label value.<\/p>\nThe 35\u00b0C value is not a promise that the building will always operate at exactly 35\u00b0C. A weather-compensated system normally changes the flow temperature according to outdoor conditions.<\/p>\n Medium-temperature application at 55\u00b0C<\/h3>\nDefinition:<\/strong> The 55\u00b0C application is the standardized medium-temperature condition.<\/p>\nPurpose:<\/strong>\u00a0It provides a more relevant comparison for many radiator systems and higher-temperature heating requirements.<\/p>\nBenefit:<\/strong>\u00a0It reduces the risk of selecting a product only from an attractive low-temperature class.<\/p>\nExample:<\/strong>\u00a0A renovation with existing radiators may require a design flow temperature close to 50\u00b0C or 55\u00b0C during cold weather. The 55\u00b0C class and associated performance data are therefore more relevant than the 35\u00b0C class.<\/p>\nFor most heat pumps other than legally defined low-temperature heat pumps, the medium-temperature class is used on the space-heater package label.<\/p>\n Seasonal space-heating energy efficiency, \u03b7s<\/h3>\nDefinition:<\/strong> Seasonal space-heating energy efficiency, written as \u03b7s<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\nPurpose:<\/strong> It represents seasonal performance rather than performance at one operating point.<\/p>\nBenefit:<\/strong> It captures more information about part-load operation, auxiliary consumption and seasonal demand.<\/p>\nExample:<\/strong> Two products may have the same class but different \u03b7s values. The product with the higher \u03b7s value has stronger standardized performance within that class and application.<\/p>\nAn \u03b7s 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.<\/p>\n Rated heat output, Prated<\/h3>\nDefinition:<\/strong> Rated heat output, written as Prated<\/strong>, is the declared heat output at the regulatory standard rating conditions. It is expressed in kilowatts.<\/p>\nPurpose:<\/strong> It provides a standardized capacity reference.<\/p>\nBenefit:<\/strong> It helps identify products that could be suitable for the building\u2019s calculated heating load.<\/p>\nExample:<\/strong> 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\u2019s capacity table at the actual design condition.<\/p>\nRated 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.<\/p>\n Climate-zone performance<\/h3>\nDefinition:<\/strong> Climate-zone information describes standardized performance under warmer, average and colder European climate conditions.<\/p>\nPurpose:<\/strong> It reflects the fact that heat-pump output and seasonal performance vary with source temperature and heating demand.<\/p>\n |