Heat pumps
Heat pump systems generate heat at a low temperature to ensure maximum efficiency. When calculating the efficiency of a domestic heat pump system for DEAP, you need to consider the heat loss, emitter type and control system.
DEAP methodology for heat pumps
The DEAP methodology is based on mandatory performance requirements for heat pumps across Europe. These come under the Ecodesign (2009/125/EC) and Labelling (2010/30/EU) European Directives. Heat pumps placed on the market from 26th September 2015 must meet these requirements.
Current methodology
The DEAP methodology was updated in February 2016 to take account of the Ecodesign Regulations. It uses test data to the following standards for entry in DEAP.
- I.S. EN 14825-2013 for space heating
- I.S. EN 16147-2011 for water heating
- I.S. EN 15316-4-2-2008 for seasonal performance
Heat pumps installed before 26th September 2015
For heat pumps installed before 26th September 2015 the DEAP methodology uses test data to standard EN14511.
For full details of the methodology for heat pumps read Appendix G of the DEAP manual (version 4.2.3) last updated May 2022
Heat pumps not covered by DEAP
Find guidance for assessing heat pump systems not covered by DEAP.
Guidance and tools
Use this form and calculator to help you assess dwellings with heat pump systems.
Designer installer sign-off form
This sign-off form is required for any heat pump that comes under Ecodesign, EN14825 or EN16147. It must be completed and signed by the designer or installer of the heat pump system in the home that is being assessed.
Room heat loss and radiator sizing calculator
Use this spreadsheet to calculate heat loss and radiator sizing/verification for heat pump systems. It's useful for contractors involved in the design of a heat pump system for a domestic retrofit. It is not a comprehensive guide to heating system design.
Further information
More detailed information is provided in S.R. 50-4:202, available from the NSAI website.
Heat pumps not covered by DEAP
You can enter most heat pump systems directly into the DEAP software, except for the following:
- Low temperature heat pumps
- Gas adsorption/absorption heat humps
- Direct exchange (DX) heat pumps
- Exhaust air-to-air heat pumps
- Multiple heat pump arrangements
To enter these heat pump systems into DEAP, you need to calculate the heat pump efficiency using the calculator and guidance. You then enter the calculated efficiency into your DEAP assessment. The methodology supplements the DEAP Manual, the DEAP software and comes with the Heat Pump Calculator 2020.
Heat Pumps Public Consultation 2019
SEAI sought feedback via a public consultation on proposed changes to the methodology and calculations for heat pumps entered in DEAP assessments for BERs and Part L compliance checking in dwellings. The consultation period ended on the 17th of May 2019.
Learn more about Heat Pumps Public Consultation 2019Introduction to Heat Pumps
15 December 2020
This webinar covers the different types of heat pumps, how heat pumps work, understanding heat pump data and the space and water heating inputs in DEAP.
Heat Pumps webinarNon-default Efficiency Data, Installation & Controls
23 February 2021
This webinar covers heat pump data and acceptable documentary evidence, including; Ecodesign reports, test reports, CE-marking and examples of documents that are not acceptable in DEAP.
Efficiency Data webinarNon-Default Flow Temperatures in DEAP
14 September 2021
This webinar focuses on the effect of flow temperature on heat pump operation, the Designer/Installer sign-off workbook and the BER Requirements where a non-default flow temperature is used.
Flow Temperatures webinar