What You Need to Know About Heat Pump Water Heaters

Heat pump water heaters are one of the most energy- and cost-efficient methods of heating water and are becoming the top choice for many households in recent years. Unlike a conventional hot water heater, a heat pump water heater utilizes energy to transport existing heat from one location to another instead of creating heat directly. Homeowners usually use heat pumps to warm and cool their houses, but they may also be used as a stand-alone water heater or as part of a system that provides both hot water and space conditioning.

How Do Heat Pump Water Heaters Work?

A heat pump operates similarly to a refrigerator, but in reverse. A fan draws warm air from wherever the heat pump is placed and blows it over a series of refrigerant-filled evaporator coils. The refrigerant is pushed through a compressor to boost the pressure and temperature. It is then transferred through condenser coils wrapped around or passed inside a water tank. The heated refrigerant transfers its heat to the water, cools down, and then returns to the evaporator coils, collecting warm ambient air and continuing its cycle.

Heat pump water heaters in the Philippines must be built in areas where the temperature is at least 32° Celsius throughout the year. Otherwise, they will not perform effectively or at all. Heat pump water heaters are inefficient in cold environments because they tend to chill their surroundings. Installing them in a room with excessive heat will improve their performance.

What to Consider When Choosing a Heat Pump Heater

• Cost

Heat pump heaters have a greater initial investment than traditional storage water heaters. However, they have reduced running expenses, which might compensate for the higher purchase and installation prices.

• First-hour Rating

One of the most important things to look for in a heat pump heater is its first-hour rating, which generally refers to the number of gallons a heater can supply in an hour. The water heating unit’s capacity should cater to the demand, especially during peak hours when the water heater is used for various activities.

• Energy Efficiency

Each heating unit comes with an energy factor that tells how many gallons of water the heater can produce per unit of power or fuel. This is important as a larger energy factor means the heater is more efficient, allowing you to save money on bills and be more environmental-friendly.

• Size

Heat pump water heaters come in different sizes, and it is vital that you get a unit that fits perfectly where you are planning to place it. Doing so can help prevent the need for costly remodeling work just for you to have a safe and secured spot in your basement or garage.

Installation and Maintenance

The energy efficiency of your heat pump heater can be maximized through proper installation and maintenance. Installation quality is contingent on a variety of factors. These elements include the kind of fuel, environment, local construction code restrictions, and safety concerns. A certified plumbing and heating contractor or geothermal heat pump system installer/designer should install your heat pump. In addition, regular water heater maintenance can also help increase its life and avoid efficiency loss.

Follow the steps below when choosing a competent professional:

• Request written cost estimates,

• Ask for references,

• Check and validate the company and the professional credentials; and

• Determine whether the firm will seek a local permit if one is required and if it is familiar with local building rules.

Heat Pump Water Heater Components

The system is composed of nine primary components:

1. Tank – Like storage water heaters, heat pump heaters have a big tank where water is stored and constantly heated.
2. Evaporator – The evaporator coils are situated towards the heat pump’s top and absorb warm air drawn by the fan. The inside-circulating refrigerant heats up, is compressed, and vaporizes, resulting in high pressure and heat.
3. Compressor – Commonly situated at the top of the heat pump heating unit, the compressor causes the refrigerant inside the evaporator and condenser coils to expand and heat up by applying pressure.
4. Condenser – These coils are located either around or inside the water tank. Here, the refrigerant transfers the heat to the stored water as it loses its pressure before becoming a liquid again.
5. Fan – This component is responsible for drawing warm air from the surrounding of the heat pump water heater. This is why it is commonly placed on the upper part of the unit.
6. Thermostats – The thermostats have overall control of the system, instructing whether the stored water needs to be heated. Heat pump heaters usually feature two thermostats, each measuring the water temperature at the top and bottom sections of the tank.
7. Cold Water Inlet – The inlet pipe is where cold water from the property’s main line enters the unit’s tank.
8. Hot Water Outlet – This is where warm water exits the heater as it travels to the various water points throughout the house, including the sink, shower, and garden hoses.
9. Drain – The release drain is located at the bottom of the heater and is mainly used in case the tank needs to be emptied for general cleaning or maintenance work.

Advantages of Having Heat Pump Water Heaters

•  It is More Efficient

Heat Pump Water Heaters use ambient heat around the unit, which makes them substantially more efficient than storage or instant water heaters. They absorb and transmit the surrounding heat to the water rather than requiring energy, fuel, and a separate heating element to create new heat. In return, heat pump heaters can help you save hundreds of pesos in the long run.

• Environmentally Responsible

Heat pump heating units use less electricity and natural gas, helping reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This is important as decreasing the amount of GHG discharge is a priority for many companies and households, especially with many places already feeling the effects of global warming. Investing in heat pump heaters can ensure that you’re doing your part in protecting nature while still having a reliable supply of warm water for your property.

• It is More Convenient

Heat pumps are more convenient to install and maintain than solar heaters, gas/oil-fired heaters, and boilers. Solar water heaters need regular roof cleaning to preserve the performance of solar collectors. Gas/oil-fired heaters and boilers use flammable fuel, necessitating skilled maintenance to ensure their safety and optimal performance.

In comparison, heat pump maintenance resembles air conditioner maintenance. Consequently, it is simpler to locate people who can maintain them. Also, they often have innovative electronic features allowing users to monitor the heater’s condition through their mobile phones.

Conclusion

As more Filipinos continue to discover the importance of warm water in various daily activities, numerous individuals will look to invest in quality heaters for their homes. Purchasing a heat pump heater is becoming popular because of its reliability in supplying heated water to various water points without adding a significant amount to the electric bill.

If you are already searching for the best heat pump heater brand in the market, why not choose Rheem Philippines? With almost 100 years in the water heating industry, Rheem has constantly focused on innovating and creating more advanced, high-quality water heating solutions to suit our customers’ unique needs. With Rheem, you can enjoy reliability, durability, and functionality.

Browse Rheem’s extensive range of heat pump water heaters and other water heater types that is ideal for any property in the Philippines. For any inquiries or more information about our products, you can also talk to one of our representatives by clicking here.