What is the term for the outdoor temperature at which the heat pump offsets the heat loss of the conditioned space?

The term that describes the outdoor temperature at which the heat pump effectively offsets the heat loss of the conditioned space is indeed referred to as the initial balance point. At this specific temperature, the amount of heat the heat pump can produce matches the amount of heat lost from the building due to various factors such as insulation quality, window efficiency, and air leakage.

Understanding this concept is crucial for designing and selecting heat pump systems, as it helps determine when the heat pump can maintain comfortable indoor conditions efficiently. Below this initial balance point, the heat pump may struggle to maintain the desired temperature, resulting in increased energy consumption or the need for supplemental heating sources.

The other terms listed do not accurately describe this specific temperature. For example, the defrosting point pertains to the temperature at which ice begins to form on the evaporator coil, necessitating a defrost cycle. The initial cooling point typically relates to cooling modes in air conditioning, while the thermostat setting point represents the temperature set by the user to maintain indoor comfort.