Ground-source heat pumps

Energy Efficiency Regulations

Regulatory definition

Ground-source heat pump, a single package or split-system heat pump that is factory-built, has a cooling or heating capacity of less than 40 kW (135 000 Btu/h) and is intended for application in open- or closed-loop ground-source systems.

Compliance date

Manufactured on or after June 1, 2006

For models manufactured prior, refer to the Regulations

Compliant product models

Ground-source heat pumps as listed on NRCan’s searchable database

Testing standard

CAN/CSA-C13256-1
Table 10A, 1st row for the open-loop system, if any and Table 10A, 2nd row for the closed-loop system, if any

Energy efficiency standard

Energy performance standard for ground-source heat pumps

Product type - Cooling	Minimum efficiency
Open systems – no greater than 40 kW with 15°C entering water	4.75 COPc
Closed loop – no greater than 40kW with 25°C entering water	3.93 COPc
Product type - Heating	Minimum efficiency
Open systems – no greater than 40kW with 10°C entering water	3.6 COPh
Closed loop – no greater than 40kW with 0°C entering water	3.1 COPh

Where:
COP = Coefficient of performance – a ratio for both the cooling (COPc) and heating (COPh) modes calculated by dividing the capacity expressed in watts by the power input in watts, excluding any supplementary heat
kW = kilowatts

Energy efficiency report requirements

• name of product
• brand name
• model number
• manufacturer
• name of the certification body or province whose verification mark will be on the product or its package
• whether a mathematical model as defined in the Regulations was used to generate any of the information provided below
• cooling capacity; in kW (Btu/h)
• heating capacity; in kW (Btu/h)
• Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) classification
• cooling coefficient of performance
• heating coefficient of performance
• whether the heat pump is to be used in a closed-loop or open system, or both a closed-loop and open system

Download the energy efficiency reporting template.

This document does not constitute part of the Energy Efficiency Act (Act) or its associated regulations.  This document is an administrative document that is intended to facilitate compliance by the regulated party with the Act and its associated regulations.  This document is not intended to provide legal advice regarding the interpretation of the Act or its associated regulations. If a regulated party has questions about their legal obligations or responsibilities under the Act or its associated regulations, they should seek the advice of legal counsel.