What is the effect of thermal bridging on heat pump efficiency?

Thermal bridging occurs when heat flows through a material with high thermal conductivity, creating areas where heat can transfer rapidly and often leading to loss of heat in a building. In the context of heat pump efficiency, thermal bridging can significantly undermine performance by allowing unwanted heat loss in the colder months or limiting heat gain in warmer months.

When heat loss occurs due to thermal bridging, the heat pump must work harder to compensate for the lost heat, which can lead to increased energy consumption and decreased overall efficiency. Therefore, when thermal bridging is present, it detracts from the heating effect of the heat pump, resulting in increased operational costs and reduced effectiveness in maintaining desired indoor temperatures. This makes the choice indicating that thermal bridging can increase heat loss and reduce efficiency the most accurate, as it highlights the negative impact on the heat pump's operation.