A research team from China's Hebei University of Technology has proposed an innovative air-source heat pump coupled energy storage (ASHPCES) system for buildings, which combines an air-source heat pump with thermal energy storage to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and lower operating costs. The system stores thermal energy during off-peak electricity tariff periods and uses it during peak demand hours, resulting in a significant reduction in energy consumption compared to a conventional ASHP system without thermal storage. Using a storage-assisted configuration led to a 21.9 MWh reduction in annual electricity consumption, an 8.8% decrease in carbon emissions, and a 51.4% cut in annual operating costs, with a dynamic payback period of approximately 3.57 years. This approach also reduced the number of heat pump units needed and upfront investment costs, highlighting the benefits of utilizing time-of-use tariffs and peak-valley electricity prices for improved economic and environmental performance.