The Ins and Outs of Heat Pump Hot Water Systems
Certain household appliances are considered household staples, and water heaters are one of those. As a result, practically every homeowner must decide what kind of water heater to install.
What is a Heat Pump Hot Water System
Heat pump systems are water heaters that use electricity to transfer the heat in the air surrounding the unit to heat the water. In Australia, many homes have them installed as reverse-cycle air conditioners, which can be used for cooling rooms during hot seasons.
How Do Heat Pump Systems Work?
Heat pump systems have similar components to a refrigerator, such as a fan, refrigerant, compressors, evaporators, and heat exchangers. The fan draws air surrounding the unit into the system’s evaporator containing the liquid refrigerant. This liquid refrigerant is then converted to gas when it comes in contact with the hot air in the piping of the heat pump.
An electrical compressor compresses the refrigerant, which is now in gaseous form, further increasing the temperature within the system. With this temperature increase, the heat exchanger gets activated to carry the generated heat from the refrigerant gas pipes to where the water is stored, causing it to heat up. After this, the refrigerant is converted back to a liquid state as it has lost all the heat it gained, and the cycle repeats.
Pros and Cons of a Heat Pump Hot Water System
Heat pump hot water systems aren’t right for every homeowner. Read about some pros and cons below to learn more about whether it’s the right choice for you:
Pro: Energy Conservation
The heat pump hot water system is about four times more efficient than the traditional one. It helps conserve electrical energy by using only about 25% of the energy used by electric water heaters. It can also renew energy by transferring excess thermal energy into the water to heat it.
Con: High Cost of Installation
The initial installation of a heat pump hot water system installation is slightly more expensive than traditional heaters. However, considering the money it saves you over time on electricity bills, you might find the price difference worth the purchase.
Pro: Saves Money
By helping conserve electrical energy, heat pump hot water systems inadvertently help you to save as much as $400 on electricity bills every year.
Con: Space Requirement
A heat pump system requires plenty of space and fresh air to function effectively. It’s usually best to place these units outside the home or in a well-ventilated area.
Final Thoughts
If you are considering installing a heat pump hot water system in your home, we hope you find this article helpful in determining whether it can meet your needs. With the many types available, it can get a bit confusing when trying to find out what type of hot water system works best for you. Rather than worrying about those details, find an experienced plumber who will use the information you provide to help you decide which one to buy.