Heat pump systems are a household hot water heater option that is significantly underrated in Australia.
Many Australian states get access to lots of sunshine and warmth, making them ideal for heat pump installations which extract heat surrounding the unit and transfer it into energy.
These systems are basically solar operated (with some electric backup to make the compressor work) but they do not require large roof space or solar panels and can save as much as two-thirds off your existing hot water bill.
This is a genuine way to help reduce your household bills and save the environment.
What is a heat pump hot water system?
Heat pump water heaters absorb warmth from the air and transfer it to heat water, which is why you might also hear them called air-source heat pumps.
They are compatible with most existing electric hot water piping and while they do require some electricity to operate, they are around three times more energy-efficient than a standard household electric water heater, reducing your energy bill by 60-70%.
If you live in a warm climate you can harvest the heat in the air to save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, day and night.
How heat pump systems work
A heat pump works using an internal refrigerant that, when exposed to warm air, evaporates to a gas, even at low temperatures. Rather than using electricity or gas to heat the entire tank or water in use, (which takes a considerable amount of heat to get it to 30-40 degrees) the surrounding air is used to heat the refrigerant to boil at -26C degrees. Once the gas state has been achieved it is compressed and the temperature rises enough to heat the tank water. It is then passed through a condenser which heats the water and cools the gas back to liquid form, ready to repeat.
Pros & Cons
Understanding what the advantages and drawbacks are are important for making a smart choice about the right hot water service for your home.
Advantages of a heat pump hot water system:
- Increased energy efficiency – three times more power-efficient than an electric storage hot water system
- No panels or roof space required
- Does not require sunlight to operate so is perfect for night use and rainy seasons (particularly in tropical climates where air remains warm even during rainy season)
- Lowers greenhouse gas emissions
Drawbacks of a heat pump hot water system:
- Usually needs to be installed outside for best ventilation
- The compressor can be noisy while operating
- It’s only suitable for year-round warm climates
- Costs a lot initially which might be too much of a financial strain for some families
- There is not a great uptake in Australia as yet so it might be hard to find a professional who can install and service your heat pump system
Knowing what the drawbacks are before purchasing gives you time to put measures in place to counter these and make the most of heat pump efficiency.If it’s time to switch to greener energy without the hassle of solar, call a plumber to decide if a heat pump system is right for you. It’s worth taking a look to see what government rebates might be available to help make this an affordable upfront cost so you can get savings.
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