Hot Water Heat Pump vs Electric Water Heaters
Hot Water Heat Pump
Just like your air conditioner and refrigerator, a hot water heat pump draws heat from the surrounding air. It then uses electricity to transfer
ambient heat to the water tank.
Unlike traditional resistance systems, hot water heat pumps just
transfer heat from one place (air) to another place (water); they do not use
energy to generate new heat.
Because of this highly efficient process, three units of energy are
produced for every unit of energy that enters the heat pump.
Therefore, although traditional power systems are fortunate to be able
to achieve 100% efficiency (you get as much energy as you put in), ordinary
heat pumps provide 300% efficiency.
Advantages of heat pump
1. High energy efficiency
Most heat pump heaters today are very efficient. This is because these
pumps use the heat in the air to preheat water. Therefore, they do not generate
heat like standard electric water heaters. Naturally, the cost savings are
greater in warm climates than in cold weather, because only a heat pump is
needed to heat the water, and the heating elements have less or no bonding.
2. Space cooling
Another advantage of heat pump water heaters, especially in warm
climates, is that it provides space cooling. The heat pump sucks in the hot air
around and discharges the cold air; it helps to reduce the cost of air
conditioning.
3. Reduce maintenance costs
Similarly, heat pumps can not only save energy costs, but also save
long-term maintenance costs. First, quite a few models have a longer life than
standard electric heaters. Second, they are easier to maintain, thereby
reducing maintenance costs.
Disadvantages of heat pump
In other words, these mixing pumps have some disadvantages. In fact, it
is helpful for users to understand how these pumps work. If you don't
understand the technology, this kind of pump will make people feel like a waste
of money. This brings us to the first scam.
1. Initial upfront cost
Generally speaking, the cost of heat pump water heaters is much higher
than that of ordinary water heaters. Moreover, although you can install a
standard electric heater yourself, it is not recommended to use a hybrid car.
Mainly because you can get higher energy efficiency after professional
installation. Therefore, for heat pumps, you have to contend with water heaters
and installation costs.
2. It may be noisier than ordinary electric water heater
Similarly, most heat pump water heaters are loud because they use
electric fans. Far more than electric heaters. This can be a big disadvantage,
especially for those who have noise-sensitive equipment installed near the
bedroom or living room.
3. It may not make much sense in cold climates
These pumps then operate using a technology that draws heat away from
the home. This may be a problem if you live in a cold place where the house
needs to be heated. This means you will spend more on heating, which will
reduce cost efficiency.
Electronic Water Heater
Although we have talked a lot about heat pump water heaters, electric
water heaters have not been excluded. They have their uses, and in some cases
they are the first choice. In fact, electric water heaters have been widely
used.
However, these water heaters are driven by electricity. Moreover, since
a large amount of hot water is used in the home, they constitute the majority
of energy consumption.
Advantages of electric water heater
1. Low initial cost
In general, the models of electric water heaters are usually cheaper
than other types of water heaters. You may find it difficult to find a more
affordable domestic water heater.
In addition, the installation cost is not very high. If you like DIY,
you can even install the heater yourself. If not, you can hire a plumber at any
time.
2. Reasonable energy efficiency
Yes, the electricity bill is indeed high, mainly when it is used to
power the water heater. However, compared to gas heaters, electric heaters are
more efficient, especially compared to traditional types.
Of course, the efficiency of a water heater depends on several factors.
Like model, heater size, insulation, power, ventilation, and even climate.
3. Easy to get
Moreover, this may be the number one reason why electric water heaters
are so popular. Heaters are available, as are the methods of powering them.
It's as simple as plugging in the heater and turning it on, because most homes
are connected to the grid.
Disadvantages of electric water heaters
Let's face it; there are better heating solutions for your home than
electric water heaters. This is the reason.
1. Slow heating time and recovery
Now, you may have to wait a long time to heat the hot water. If you
have, then you are already familiar with one of the disadvantages of electric
water heaters. They take a long time to heat up, and once the hot water runs
out, you have to wait a long time. This may not be a big problem for small
families, but it is a problem for large families.
2. Insufficient hot water during power failure
Likewise, if a storm or power outage occurs for any reason, there will
be no hot water. This can be very inconvenient.
3. Long-term expensive
Basically, these heaters are not expensive to install, but they require
regular maintenance. In addition, for example, they tend to need to be replaced
more frequently than hybrid or gas heaters. Then, it increases the cost of
electricity bills.
Heat pump water heater vs. electric water heater
So, what are the advantages of heat pump water heaters compared to
electric water heaters?
1. Working principle:
The standard electric water heater introduces cold water through the dip
tube and uses the electric heating element in the water tank to heat it. The
hot water rises to the top of the water tank and is then distributed throughout
the home for use. Heat pump water heaters use electricity to transfer heat from
one place to another, like an air conditioner, but in turn, draw heat from the
surrounding air into a storage tank.
2. More efficient:
Standard electric water heaters are wasteful and require a lot of energy
to heat water. Heat pump water heaters use less energy to heat the same amount
of water by transferring heat instead of generating heat. Compared with
standard electric vehicles, you can reduce energy consumption by up to 60%.
3. Save energy costs:
Using heat pump water heaters, a two-person family can save up to US$174
per year, while a family of five can save up to US$435 per year. For example,
for an 80-gallon fuel tank, your upgrade investment is expected to get a return
of 4.8 years. In addition, consider that many utility companies are offering
rebates, such as Inland Power & Light’s $600 rebate, Modern Electric Water
Company’s $500 rebate, Vera Water & Power’s $500 rebate, or Avista’s $215
rebate.
So, what is the most suitable water heater choice for you?
Well, it depends on several factors. For example, the size of your
family and the area where you live may be factors to consider.
If you have a large family or live in a cold climate, then an electric
water pump may be the best. However, if you have a small house or you are in a
warm climate, you may want to consider using a heat pump.
In short, when choosing a water heater, you may want to pay attention to
the energy saving of the water heater. Moreover, this is not a bad thing.
However, while the specific model you are considering may be very efficient,
other factors may cause it to become more expensive.
Carefully consider all factors and choose the water heater that best suits your needs.
