How a Heat Pump Hot Water System Works
By Precise Plumbing and Electrical|September 27, 2022
Most homes in Australia have a water heating system. Still, homeowners must look into the various available options to decide which one best suits their needs. Below is all you need to know about the heat pump hot water system.
What is a Heat Pump Hot Water System
A heat pump hot water system is a type of water heater that heats water by transferring heat from the environment into the water using electricity. Although this kind of heat pump system uses electricity, it is more like refrigerators than electrical heaters as they use the refrigeration cycle to function.
How a Heat Pump Hot Water System Works
Unlike refrigerators, pumps transfer heat from the air into the unit, not away from it. This heat is carried into the evaporator of the heat pump system, where it converts the liquid refrigerant to gas. This gaseous form of the refrigerant is then carried through pipes to the electrical compressor, where it is compressed, thus generating further heat. The heated refrigerant is then carried through gas pipes into the tank containing the water, where it transfers all the heat and returns to a liquid state.
Advantages of a Heat Pump Hot Water System
Heat pump hot water systems have a lot of advantages over other types of water heaters like electric and gas water heaters.
Heat pump hot water does have its drawbacks. However, proper planning during installation and maintenance can overcome these cons. Limitations of a heat pump hot water system include:
Your choice of heater to install in your home depends on your needs and preferences. If you want to install a heat pump hot water system, you should call a plumber to find out what system is best for you, as there are different kinds of units available.
What is a Heat Pump Hot Water System
A heat pump hot water system is a type of water heater that heats water by transferring heat from the environment into the water using electricity. Although this kind of heat pump system uses electricity, it is more like refrigerators than electrical heaters as they use the refrigeration cycle to function.
How a Heat Pump Hot Water System Works
Unlike refrigerators, pumps transfer heat from the air into the unit, not away from it. This heat is carried into the evaporator of the heat pump system, where it converts the liquid refrigerant to gas. This gaseous form of the refrigerant is then carried through pipes to the electrical compressor, where it is compressed, thus generating further heat. The heated refrigerant is then carried through gas pipes into the tank containing the water, where it transfers all the heat and returns to a liquid state.
Advantages of a Heat Pump Hot Water System
Heat pump hot water systems have a lot of advantages over other types of water heaters like electric and gas water heaters.
- It is Energy Efficient
They use only about 25% of the energy used by electrical heaters, making them over three times more energy efficient than conventional water heaters.
- It is Cost Effective
A heat pump hot water unit can last as long as 15 years with proper maintenance, unlike traditional heaters that last about 8-12 years. Double this to the amount of money you save each year on utility bills, and you will find yourself with over $3000 of savings in 10 years of using the unit.
Heat pump hot water does have its drawbacks. However, proper planning during installation and maintenance can overcome these cons. Limitations of a heat pump hot water system include:
- Slow Heating Time
Heat pump hot water systems take more time to heat large amounts of water than traditional heaters. While this might not constitute a problem in the summer, it is pretty inconvenient during winter as the air from which it draws heat is much cooler.
- Installation Cost
Heat pump hot water systems cost a few hundred dollars more than conventional heaters, but the more expensive ones could cost up to 2 times more than other types of heaters. Despite that, they are still an excellent investment over the years as it saves you up to $300 each year.
Your choice of heater to install in your home depends on your needs and preferences. If you want to install a heat pump hot water system, you should call a plumber to find out what system is best for you, as there are different kinds of units available.
