Hot Water System
In 1868, Benjamin Waddy Maughan patented the first instantaneous water heater in London, England. The “Geyser”(storage hot water units) allowed cold water to flow through pipes heated by hot gases from a burner. This process was dangerous as there was no escape ventilation for the heated gases. The first storage-type water heater was patented by Edwin Ruud in 1880. Both tankless and tank-type water heaters have since evolved in operation and design over the last century. Modern hot water system reflect advancing technology and human skills. They are convenient, efficient, and reliably meet all hot water needs. They are available in different sizes and designs to meet household and commercial needs. Over the ages, hot water systems have become essential elements of contemporary living.
A standard electric storage hot water unit uses direct electrical energy to heat your water and run on electricity alone, leading to higher utility bills. A heat pump hot water system extracts heat from the surroundings and transfers it to the tank to heat water. In this blog, learn more about the advantages of heat pump hot water systems over electric heaters and gain insights into how they work, their benefits and why heat pumps are the best choice for your home or business, your wallet and the planet.
Understanding the working of hot water systems
Electric Water Heater
The core components of an electric water heater include a storage tank, electric heating elements, a thermostat, and thermal safety devices. The thermostat’s function is to sense the temperature of the water in the tank and activate the heating elements to warm the water. The heating elements work based on the principle of electrical resistance, and when electric current is passed through, their resistance to electricity generates heat, which is used in water heating. The temperature of the water is regulated by the thermostat, which switches the heating element on and off. A safety switch ensures the power is shut off if the temperature exceeds a safe limit.
Heat Pump Hot Water System
They utilise advanced technology to extract heat from the air and transfer it to heat the water in the tank. The exhaust fan draws warm air from the atmosphere onto the fins in the evaporator. A refrigerant flowing through the evaporator absorbs the heat in the air and then compresses it into a vapour, raising the temperature and pressure. This hot vapour flows through the heat exchanger, which heats the water and cools the refrigerant. The vapourised refrigerant transforms into its liquid state by giving away all the heat and is cycled up again to the evaporator.
Types
Conventional Resistive Hot Water Systems
Conventional resistive units are a type of electric storage tank system that works similarly to an electric kettle. In these systems, electricity is used to heat a resistive element within the water tank, and the heat from this element is then transferred to the water.
Pros— Their simplicity and reliability make them the preferred choice in many households and commercial settings. They are compact, cheaper to buy and easy to install.
Cons— While these systems are effective, they are not the most energy-efficient options available. Compared to heat pump systems, they have higher operating costs and higher energy consumption.
Instantaneous Hot Water Systems
Also known as tankless or on-demand water heaters, these systems do not have a storage tank and provide hot water when needed. They eliminate the standby energy losses associated with storage water heaters. As cold water flows through the heat exchanger in the unit, water is heated either by a gas flame or an electric element, delivering a constant supply of hot water.
Pros— Instantaneous units have a lower purchase price and are available in various sizes. They are safe and efficient and can also be powered by renewable sources.
Cons— Instantaneous systems have a higher operating and energy cost. The slower rate of water heating and longer recovery times make them less suitable for businesses
that require a continuous supply of hot water.
Heat Pump Hot Water Systems
These units use renewable energy to heat your water. Heat pump hot water systems use a refrigeration cycle to extract heat from the surrounding air. They then use a heat exchanger to heat water in an insulated storage cylinder.
Pros— Heat pump systems typically use 60-75% less electricity than conventional electric resistance water heaters. They are considered 2-3 times more energy efficient than conventional water heaters and can supply large quantities of warm water at only 1/4th the cost. In terms of maintenance, heat pump water heaters are designed according to European standards to ensure safety and superior conduction of heat
Cons— They have a higher initial cost and require space clearance for installation. Also, they rely on surrounding air to extract heat, and colder climates can reduce their efficiency.
WHY SWITCH TO A HEAT PUMP HOT WATER SYSTEM?
Energy efficiency
Heat pump hot water systems use less energy than an electric heater because electricity is used to operate the heat pump and not to heat the water directly through the heating element. Firstly, their impressive Energy Factor (EF) ratings indicate higher efficiency and substantial cost savings. They produce three times more energy as output with every unit consumed, making them an eco-friendly choice. This translates to reduced energy bills and a lowered carbon footprint. Though electric water heaters have made strides in efficiency in the last decade, they still have lower energy factor ratings compared to heat pumps.
Environmental Impact
Switching to a heat pump hot water system helps reduce your carbon footprint by using less energy than electric units. On average, they save up to 2000 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions annually, equivalent to growing 15 trees. Besides, they use electricity only to transfer heat and consume 75% less electricity than electric hot water units, hence, reducing the need for fossil fuels. By using ambient heat, they reduce reliance on electricity and fossil fuels.
Cost Considerations
The initial investment for a heat pump is higher, with additional components and labour required for the installation. However, from a long-term perspective, heat pumps represent a leap in energy efficiency. The primary reason lies in their operation method. Electric heaters directly use electricity to heat water, leading to higher energy consumption and increased electricity bills. On the flip side, heat pumps extract heat from the surrounding air to warm the water and consume significantly less electricity.
Though the initial purchasing cost can be higher, you can save substantially on energy bills over time, making it an economically sound choice to minimise expenses. Additionally, government rebates and incentives can significantly reduce the upfront cost, further enhancing financial viability of these systems. Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) rebate program provides free upgrades to eligible businesses and rebated installations for home owners in Victoria to support the adoption of energy-efficient technologies.
Maintenance and Longevity
Heat pump hot water systems are an investment and can provide reliable hot water for many years with proper maintenance. Their lifespan averages 15-20 years, and annual maintenance like cleaning coils and draining the tank prevents buildup and corrosion, ensuring maximum lifespan. The storage tank’s condition can also impact the longevity of the system. Enamel-lined tanks in heat pump hot water system can last longer and protect the tank from rusting.
Space Requirements
Heat pump hot water systems require more space for installation than electric water heaters. You should place the compressor outdoors and ensure it has adequate clearance for proper air circulation. Install outdoor units in a space with at least 400 cubic feet of free air and a ceiling height of 6-7 feet, with clearance on either side. Though they require more space, the benefits they offer can outweigh this constraint.
Installation Complexity
Installation of a heat pump hot water system can be complex and requires proper clearance and expert technician support to ensure optimal performance and efficiency. But their long-term advantages justify this initial challenge. Equally important, quality installation leads to energy savings, reduced environmental impact and improved efficiency, giving peace of mind to business owners and households upgrading to a heat pump system.
User Convenience and Smart Controls
Heat pump hot water systems provide a reliable hot water supply and are available in bigger tank sizes to meet the needs of industrial and commercial establishments. In contrast, electric water heaters usually come in small tank sizes and do not provide continuous hot water supply over long hours. Modern heat pump hot water systems have touchscreen control interfaces that enable the users to control the unit efficiently and set their preferred water temperatures.
Conclusion
Traditional electric water heaters have been a reliable choice for many households for the past few decades. However, in recent times, heat pump hot water systems have become a proven choice for energy efficiency and cost savings. They have remarkable energy-saving capabilities and eco-friendly operation, making them ideal for environmental consciousness.
Australia’s abundant sunshine makes heat pump hot water systems a brilliant choice for utilizing ambient natural energy to heat water. In addition, with advanced technology becoming accessible and affordable, it is the best time to switch towards sustainable energy solutions. Under the Victorian Energy Upgrade (VEU) program, Eco Foot is helping businesses and households upgrade to heat pump hot water systems for free, promoting sustainable living and energy efficiency. By embracing heat pump technology, you can save on utility bills, contribute to environmental sustainability, and experience comfort like never before.
Frequently Asked Questions
Heat pump hot water systems produce 10 kWh of heat for every 2 kWh of electricity consumed. They utilize thermal energy from the atmosphere and consume only about 25-30% of energy compared to electric storage water units.
They work optimally in a wide temperature range and provide a steady hot water supply. The maximum temperature depends on the type of heat pump, and the advanced systems can reach 70 °C.
Heat pumps are more efficient and produce 3-4 times as much energy as they use in electricity. Though their efficiency decreases in winter, they are still 3X more efficient than an electric storage water unit.
Choosing the right model for your premise based on the demand ensures you have a continuous hot water supply. The tank’s ability to meet the demand will also depend on the recovery rate. If you size the tank efficiently, you can enjoy the comfort of hot water throughout the day.
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