How it works.

Heat pump water heating offers increased efficiency for consumers currently using standard electric water heaters. The installation of a heat pump water heater can save you up to 50% on your electric water heating costs (savings vary based on local electricity rates).

Heat pump water heaters feature established technology that has been used to heat and cool homes for years. Heat pumps utilize warmth already present in the air and transfer it to water in the tank. Fans pull warm air in from the space surrounding the unit before passing it over an evaporator, transferring the heat to an environmentally friendly refrigerant. When cool water comes into contact with the heated refrigerant lines in a heat exchanger, the heat is transferred to the water. The hot water is then stored in an insulated tank similar to standard electric water heaters. Units also feature conventional heating elements to boost the temperature and production of hot water in the event of additional demand.

You can control it.

Most heat pump water heaters are operated using a control panel that allows the homeowner to select water temperature and operation mode. These units work most efficiently in heat pump mode—which is typically the default setting—but do have a standard electric resistance heating mode that supplements the heat pump.  Homeowners can change operating modes during times when the air is colder, or when a large volume of hot water is needed.

It is important to understand that increased usage of conventional heating elements result in decreased efficiency. Most heat pump water heaters have features such as a vacation mode, which saves you money while you are away! 

Installation information.

Most homeowners find that their garage is best suited a for heat pump water heater installation. Heat pump water heaters require an interior location with good air supply and a minimum average temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Installation space needs to be at least 10 feet x10 feet x 10 feet in size.

Typical operation of a heat pump water heater requires the release of cool, dry air. Homeowners should also take this into account when considering the placement of a heat pump water heater in their garage. Fans and compressors generate noise while the unit operates. The amount of noise is similar to that of a window air conditioner. Heat pump water heaters are slightly larger than standard electric water heaters.

Connections on a heat pump water heating unit are comparable to standard electric water heaters: cold water supply, hot water outlet, electrical connection, temperature/pressure relief valve, and a drain. The connections on some heat pump water heaters are all located on the top of the unit, while others have connections on both the top and side of the unit. The location of the connections on the unit should be considered when determining installation location.

Unlike a standard electric water heater, heat pump units typically pull humidity out of the air as it passes through an evaporator. The humidity is condensed into water before it is drained out of the unit. Condensation needs to be routed into a suitable location to ensure proper drainage.