The Benefits of a Heat Pump Water Heater

When you are looking to minimize your energy consumption, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save money on utility bills, a heat pump water heater may be a great choice.

They work similarly to a reverse-cycle air conditioner, drawing heat from ambient air to provide hot water, but only when needed. They also operate in hybrid mode, using electric coils when demand becomes high.

1. Energy Efficiency

Heat pump water heaters pull heat from the surrounding air to heat your hot water. This makes them three times more energy efficient than traditional electric units and 50% more efficient than gas. Moreover, since they don’t burn fossil fuels to create electricity like traditional hot water heaters, heat pump water heaters emit significantly less greenhouse gases than their conventional counterparts.

The evaporator coils in a heat pump water heater pull in ambient air through a fan. This air is heated by the heat pump and then transferred to the water tank, where it’s used to heat the water. The condenser coils are located either surrounding the tank or inside of it, where the refrigerant loses pressure and cools down to a liquid state, which then transfers its heat to your hot water.

Heat pump water heaters also tend to help dehumidify the space they’re in, which is why they work best in basements or similar confined spaces. Additionally, if your current hot water heater is nearing the end of its lifespan, replacing it with an ENERGY STAR certified heat pump water heater may be financially beneficial given the various rebates available such as a Mass Save rebate and Federal income scaled tax credits.

2. Environmentally Friendly

A heat pump water heater uses electricity to move thermal energy from the ambient air into your hot water tank — similar to how a refrigerator works. It consumes less electricity than a traditional electric water heater of the same size. This technology minimises waste and optimises energy performance. heat pump water heater It’s also a key part of decarbonization efforts, as water heating is the second largest energy user in a home.

In addition to the step-change energy efficiency benefits, ENERGY STAR-certified heat pump water heaters are environmentally friendly. They use the non-toxic, non-flammable refrigerant R744, which has a low Global Warming Potential of one, and can be sourced from renewable sources.

As more builders embrace HPWHs, local governments and utilities may offer rebates and other incentives to help offset the initial purchase cost. Additionally, many homeowners are choosing to connect their heat pump water heater to a photovoltaic system to maximise their environmental sustainability and cut electricity consumption even further.

3. Versatility

Heat pump water heaters can function in both hot and cold climates. They don’t generate heat, they simply move the heat energy from the air or ground to where it’s needed most – your home and hot water tank.

There are two different types of heat pump water heaters – hybrid and non-hybrid. A hybrid heat pump water heater is the best option for most households. They operate in both heat pump and traditional electric heating mode, allowing them to select the most effective method for your home.

They also allow you to control the operation of your water heater from a smartphone app, and provide convenient features like vacation mode that saves energy when you are away from your house. If you’re on a time-of-use energy rate, they’ll even automatically heat your water during off-peak hours at lower electricity costs and store it for when you need it. They can also work with solar systems to maximize your solar benefits! EBCE can put you in touch with a Home Energy Advisor to determine if a heat pump water heater is right for your home and assist with procuring up to $2,000 in rebates.

4. Reliability

Your home’s water heater is one of the most important appliances in your household. It’s essential for starting your day and ending it with a hot shower, but it also takes a toll on your energy bill. In fact, water heating accounts for 20% of the average household’s energy usage.

A heat pump water heater uses electricity to move heat from the air and transfer it to your home’s water storage tank. This makes it 2-3x more energy efficient than traditional electric resistance water heaters.

Heat pumps work well even in cold climates. However, they do require a larger space than other types of water heaters. This is because they must be kept in a well-insulated basement or utility room that can accommodate the fan and evaporator.

The average water heater lasts about 15 years, so it’s important to replace it before it fails. Waiting until yours is failing can lead to a flooded house and costly repairs. A new heat pump water heater can save you money and make your life much more comfortable.

5. Cost

While heat pump water heaters are more expensive upfront than electric heat pump water heater or tankless models they save money in the long run. In addition, there are a number of rebates available that can offset the cost of the system. The federal government offers a $300 tax credit while states like Maine and large utilities like Xcel offer instant $500 rebates. To find out which incentives are available in your area visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency.

In addition to reducing energy costs heat pump water heaters also reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions in your home. The EPA estimates that if every household replaced their traditional water heater with an ENERGY STAR certified model it would prevent 150 billion pounds of greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere each year.

If you’re considering making the switch to a heat pump water heater contact your local contractor to learn which brand and model best suits your household. It’s also worth remembering that a heat pump water heater requires a properly insulated utility room.