Hot Water Heat Pump Pros and Cons
Are you considering installing a heat pump water heater for your
residence? If your water heater needs to be repaired or even replaced, then you
may already consider a heat pump water heater as one of the many options for
you and your home.
Heat pumps have been in use since they were invented in the 1940s.
Although they became popular in the 1970s, many households still rely on
traditional electric or gas heaters for hot water. That's why we put together a
complete guide on heat pump water heaters and all the information you need to
know when making this decision.
How does the heat pump water heater work?
Many homeowners may overlook the importance of a good water heater and
the unexpectedly high price tag for hot water. The average family spends US$400
to US$600 each year for the luxury of hot showers and warm water. This price is
partly due to the inefficiency of traditional water heaters. They can account
for up to 20% of your entire utility bill. This is why many homeowners switch
to heat pump water heaters and other energy-saving options.
Before deciding to use heat pump water heaters, you should understand
how they work. Although most water heaters rely on gas or electricity to
generate heat, heat pump water heaters are different-in fact, these pumps do
not directly generate any heat. Instead, they absorb heat from the air and then
transfer the heat to the storage tank of the device. This process is the
working principle of the refrigerator, but the heat pump water heater is the
opposite when the refrigerator discharges hot air. Because they breathe in hot
air, this makes them ideal for warm climates!
7 advantages of heat pump water heaters
Heat pumps are a great choice for your home in many ways. Listed below
are some of the advantages that can be gained by installing a heat pump.
1. Reduce operating costs
Compared with combustion-based systems, heat pumps have lower operating
costs. The higher the energy efficiency of the system, the greater the
long-term energy savings. Although the price of a ground source heat pump may
even be as high as 45,000 pounds, this friendly environmental investment can
help you save up to 1,400 pounds per year.
2. Less maintenance
Heat pumps require less maintenance than combustion heating systems.
Periodically, once a year, certain details of the system must be checked, which
can easily be done by yourself. On the other hand, professional installers must
check every three to five years.
3. Better security
Heat pumps are safer than combustion-based heating systems. They operate
safely, and because they rely on electricity and do not need to burn fuel to
generate heat, they have fewer safety issues compared to similar products.
4. Reduce carbon emissions
The heat pump system can reduce your carbon emissions and has an
efficient energy conversion rate. For example, the efficiency of water source
heat pumps is quite high, close to 600%.
5. Provide cooling
During warm periods, the heat pump can reverse this process, so it acts
like an air conditioning unit. In summer, the air-to-air heat pump can be
easily switched to cooling mode.
6. Long life
The life span of heat pumps is relatively long, up to 50 years, but the
average life span is between 14 and 15 years. Despite these numbers, they are
very reliable and stable heat sources.
7. Eligibility for the RHI program
The government offers two different types of programs to assist in the
installation of renewable heating systems. You may be eligible for payment
under the domestic Renewable Thermal Incentive (RHI) program, which is open to
homeowners, social and private landlords, and self-builders. On the other hand,
non-domestic renewable thermal incentives are open to public sectors such as
companies, organizations, and industries.
7 disadvantages of heat pump water heaters
Heat pumps are one of the most effective home heating solutions.
However, the initial cash outlay may become a disadvantage because of this
choice. Listed below are some disadvantages that need to be considered when
choosing a heat pump.
1. High upfront costs
The upfront cost of heat pumps is high, but on the other hand, their
operating costs translate into long-term savings in energy costs and lead to
ways to reduce carbon emissions.
2. Difficult to install
Considering that research must be conducted to understand the movement
of heat, local geology, especially ground source heat pumps, and the heating
and cooling requirements of your home, heat pumps are quite difficult to
install.
3. Problematic sustainability
Some fluids used for heat transfer have problems with the sustainability
and therefore cause environmental problems. Therefore, it is recommended to use
biodegradable fluids.
4. Need a lot of work
The heat pump installation process requires a lot of work and damages
your house and garden. A related example is the need to penetrate through
building cladding.
5. Cold weather problems
Few heat pumps encounter problems in cold regions, which will eventually
damage the system, so full heat pump efficiency cannot be achieved in cold
weather. Nevertheless, the upgraded heat pump system may overcome this problem.
Always check the seasonal coefficient of performance (SPF) of the heat pump.
6. Not completely carbon neutral
Heat pumps rely on electricity to run, which means that they are
difficult to fully achieve carbon neutrality. However, heat pumps generally
have a higher coefficient of performance (COP), which means that as the outside
air cools, they are more efficient.
7. Need planning permission
Some places require special planning permission, some don’t, depending
on the location and size of your property.
When to buy a new heater?
The water heater is an important part of your home comfort system. If
your heater is working properly, you should work quickly. We will always
provide honest advice on whether you need a new water heater or whether you can
repair the water heater. There are many signs that you may need a new heater,
including:
1. Your heating has been for more than ten years
2. You are short of hot water
3. The hot water runs out quickly
4. The water has a metallic smell or taste
5. The temperature varies greatly-too hot or too cold
6. The water is rust colored
7. Strange noises, including cracking, cracking, or knocking
8. Water leaks from the water tank
9. Please pay attention to your water heater, because if something goes
wrong, you must act quickly to prevent a crisis.
Get the right water heater for you
If you have a problem with your water heater and think you may need to
repair or replace it, you can trust Leomon Technology's well-trained team. We
provide a variety of water heater services, and are happy to discuss with you
the right choice for you and your family.
Leomon Technology is a professional heat pump water heater factory with
more than 25 years of experience-if we do not provide complete customer
satisfaction, we will not have this experience.
