⚡ Cu ρ (75°C): 0.0214 Ω·mm²/m 🔌 NEC / IEC Standards: NFPA 70 & IEC 60364 🇺🇸 US Grid Avg: $0.175/kWh 🇩🇪 DE Grid Avg: €0.345/kWh 🇸🇪 SE Elpris: 1.54 SEK/kWh 🇳🇴 NO Strøm: 1.17 NOK/kWh 🔩 Copper Ref: $9,650/t (2026-10-25)
❄️ Heat Pump & HVAC Thermal Load · EN 12831 & ACCA Manual J Reference

Heat Pump Sizing for 26 m² (280 sq ft) — Central Europe / DACH (-12°C Design, DE/CH/AT/NL)

Thermal heat loss calculation, recommended heat pump capacity (kW, BTU/h & HVAC Tons), SCOP efficiency, and annual electricity consumption.

Recommended Heat Pump1.6 kW5,459 BTU/h (0.45 Tons)
Annual Electricity Usage580 kWh/yrDelivers 2,205 kWh Heat (SCOP 3.8)
Savings vs Direct Electric1,625 kWh/yrSpecific Load: 40.2 W/m²
Electrical Circuit (230V)6 A BreakerPeak Compressor Input: 0.53 kW

Thermal & Electrical Specification Table (26 m² / 280 sq ft)

Heated Floor Area26 m² (280 sq ft)
Climate Zone & Design Outdoor TempCentral Europe / DACH (-12°C Design, DE/CH/AT/NL)
Building Insulation EnvelopeModern / New Build Insulation (35 W/m² Base) (40.2 W/m² Peak)
Peak Space Heating Load1.05 kW Thermal
Recommended Heat Pump Output (Incl. DHW)1.6 kW (5,459 BTU/h · 0.45 Tons)
Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP)3.8 (340%–450% Seasonal Efficiency)
Annual Heat Demand vs Electricity Consumed2,205 kWh Heat → 580 kWh Electricity

Frequently Asked Questions

What kW size heat pump do I need for a 26 m² (280 sq ft) house?

For a 26 m² (280 sq ft) building with Modern / New Build Insulation (35 W/m² Base) in Central Europe / DACH (-12°C Design, DE/CH/AT/NL), the peak space heating load is 1.05 kW (40.2 W/m²). Including domestic hot water allowance, a 1.6 kW (5,459 BTU/h / 0.45 Ton) heat pump is recommended.

How many kWh of electricity does a 1.6 kW heat pump use per year?

With a Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP) of 3.8 over 2100 full-load equivalent heating hours, the heat pump consumes approximately 580 kWh of electricity per year to deliver 2,205 kWh of heat — saving 1,625 kWh/year compared to direct electric radiators.