What’s All The Buzz About Heat Pump Hot Water?
BM on
You may have heard of the environmental benefits of heat pump hot water systems that have been generating excitement in the sustainability community. But what is a heat pump? In this blog, we will explore what heat pump hot water systems are, how they work, and why you should consider them for your home.
What are heat pump hot water systems?
A heat pump hot water system is a type of water heating system that uses the heat in the air to heat the water. Unlike traditional water heaters that generate heat using gas or electricity, heat pump hot water systems use a compressor and refrigerant to transfer heat from the surrounding air to the water in the tank. This makes them much more energy-efficient, as they require less energy to transfer heat than to create it.
How do they work?
Heat pump hot water systems work by using energy from the air to heat up water. There are three main parts of the system: the evaporator, the compressor, and the condenser.
The evaporator contains a special fluid called refrigerant, which absorbs heat from the surrounding air and turns it into a gas. The compressor then squeezes this gas, which makes it really hot. The hot gas then travels to the condenser, where it transfers its heat to the water in the tank. This heats up the water, and the gas turns back into a liquid and goes back to the evaporator to start the process all over again.
What are the benefits?
To begin with, heat pump hot water systems are incredibly energy-efficient. They can use up to 80% less energy than traditional heating systems as they make use of the existing heat in the air. As a result, they require fewer resources to generate heat than traditional water heaters, which can lead to substantial cost savings and a decreased carbon footprint for consumers. Additionally, these systems operate quietly and are low-maintenance due to their uncomplicated design. This means they are less prone to breakdowns and require fewer repairs over their lifespan. The graph below provides a visual representation of the cost savings that can be achieved with a heat pump hot water system in comparison to traditional water heaters:
