Heat pump water heaters have become a very popular choice in recent years. These systems work differently than traditional heaters and can lead to significant cost savings. If you’re a homeowner in the market for a new water heater, you should know what heat pumps are, how they work, and how they save money.
How Heat Pump Systems Work
Conventional water heaters work by generating heat. Heat pump water heaters, however, move existing heat from place to place by using electricity. It’s easier to move something than to create something, resulting in a far more efficient water heating system and a lower energy bill.
Heat pumps act as a reverse refrigerator. While refrigerators remove heat from inside the unit and send it into the surrounding air, heat pumps draw in heat from the room and deliver it to the tank.
Because heating demands can fluctuate so drastically, most heat pump water heaters have several operating modes:Â
- Efficiency or economy mode:Â The heater only uses the heat pump to warm up the water.
- Hybrid mode: The system can switch between the heat pump and traditional electric resistance heat. This is ideal when the air’s warmth is insufficient to meet the system’s heating needs.
Benefits of a Heat Pump Water Heater
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, water heating accounts for 18 percent of the average family’s energy use. Switching to a more efficient system can dramatically decrease your utility bill. Installing a heat pump water heater may be more expensive upfront than purchasing a conventional heating system. However, the average household will save money over time because the system can save you hundreds per year on your heating bill.
The system can help make the temperature throughout your home more comfortable. In the summer, it can cool the surrounding space by removing the warm air, which will allow you to use less air conditioning and further reduce your energy bill. In the winter, it can use waste heat from your furnace.
If you’re considering replacing your water heater soon, a heat pump system may be a good option. Although the initial cost is greater, you’ll notice an immediate decrease in your energy bill. All houses have different heating needs, so you can speak with a heating expert to determine which type of heat pump water heater is best for your home.
Ready to upgrade your water heater? Turn to the pros at AAA Service Plumbing, Heating & Electric (303) 313-3333.
