Location of The Heat Pump Water Heater: Considerations
- Space Because hybrid water heaters utilize the ambient air surrounding the unit, there must be ample space for the water heater. ...
- Noise Hybrid hot water heaters do make some noise. ...
- Other Considerations Most manufacturers will recommend that the water heater be placed near a power source, have access to ductwork, and be close to a floor drain. ...
Can a heat pump hot water heater be placed near a furnace?
For those in a cooler climate, the heat pump hot water heater can be placed near the furnace and use its waste heat to heat the water. This is a very efficient setup that is common in northern areas of the United States. (Read more about How Your Location & Climate Affects Hybrid Water Heaters .)
Where is the best place to install a water heater?
For houses in colder climates, such as east of the Cascades, consider the possibility of freezing conditions in the garage and follow standard location practices in your area. Basements, utility rooms, and laundry rooms also offer excellent locations for the water heater.
Where is the water tank on a heat pump water heater?
Tank: Like a standard hot water heater, one key component of a heat pump water heater is the large water tank. Compressor: Usually located at the top of the heat pump water heater, the compressor pressurizes the refrigerant inside the evaporator and condenser coils causing it to expand and heat up.
How much space do you need for a heat pump water heater?
Manufacturers typically require 700 cubic ft. of air volume in the space where the water heater is installed, along with sufficient space to allow installation and service. For a house with 9-ft. ceilings, this translates to a 9x9 ft. room. Garages are ideal locations, providing ample space for heat pump water heaters.
Where do you install a heat pump water heater?
A garage can be a good place to house the heat pump water heater in warmer climates because the air will stay warm enough year-round for the water heater to be efficient. Attached garages do make installation easier as they are closer to where the plumbing would need to go.
Can I put a heat pump water heater in a closet?
Petersen Plumbing does not recommend installing one of these heaters in a closet, in a very small room, or in the heated part of a house.
How much space does heat pump water heater need?
A heat pump water heater needs to be placed in an unoccupied space with sufficient room (around a thousand cubic feet of air, or a 12' by 12' space) for it to access the heat it needs. It cannot be placed in an area that grows extremely cold in winter such as an unheated garage.
What locations are not suitable for heat pump installation?
Don't install outdoor units in closed areas like garages or attics. Your heat pump will run out of the air to draw heat from, freezing, or heating up that closed space and reduce the comfort level significantly. The unit will lose efficiency because of the restrictions in fresh air delivery.
Is heat pump hot water worth it?
They operate on electricity but are roughly three times more efficient than a conventional electric water heater. When used in the right environment they save energy, save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Are heat pump water heaters worth the money?
Yes, heat pump water heaters are worth the cost. Though the upfront cost can be almost three times higher than a conventional water heater, with a savings of nearly $300 a year you will quickly pay back any upfront cost and begin saving money on your electric bill.
Are heat pump water heaters worth it in cold climates?
Heat pump water heaters are an excellent way to save energy and work efficiently even in cold climates.
Can a heat pump hot water be installed inside?
Heat-pump water heaters are normally a single integrated unit installed outside on the ground. In other cases, the unit is split between the heat-pump, located outside, and a storage tank which can be installed either outside or inside.
Will heat pump water heater make basement cold?
In terms of the effect on basement temperature, the data above show a drop of about 4 °F near the floor as the heat pump water heat operates. Then the temperature recovers pretty quickly. For the 9 homes overall, the average temperature drop during a cycle was 2.3 °F.
What is the downside to a heat pump?
7 Disadvantages of Heat Pumps are: High upfront cost. Difficult to install. Questionable Sustainability. Requires significant work.
How far should heat pump be from house?
When installing a heat pump, you need a clearance of an average of 12 to 24 inches (one to two feet) in all directions, but you can place it as far away as 100 feet from the house.
Can heat pumps be installed anywhere?
The fact that ground source heat pumps work by extracting solar energy stored in the ground means they can be installed virtually anywhere.
Can you put a heat pump water heater in a garage?
Yes, you can install your water heater in the garage. I have my hot water heater installed in my garage, actually. If there's no good location anywhere else in your home, the garage is a great location for a water heater. This is especially true if you don't have a basement, like homes here in Florida.
Do heat pump water heaters need to be vented?
The manufacturer (Rheem) gives a room size that is supposed to be large enough to absorb the cold exhaust air and otherwise recommends venting it out.
Does water heater closet need to be vented?
When a residential, gas fired water heater is installed in a closet, the heater combustion gases must be vented to the outside of the residence and the fresh air needed for combustion must be drawn in from outside the home using double wall metal pipe; single wall pipe is not permitted.
Can you put a heat pump in the basement?
Alternatively, they can be installed beneath a floor (typically in the basement ceiling below). Superinsulated homes with very small heating demands may be good candidates for a small mini-duct indoor unit with ducts throughout the house.
What is a heat pump?
A “heat pump” is a device that moves heat from one place to another. A HPWH moves heat from the surrounding space into the hot water tank. Most heat pumps operate as “hybrid” devices – i.e. they use the heat pump whenever possible, but built-in controls switch to conventional resistance heating when there are large hot water needs.
What is the FHR rating for a water heater?
When selecting a water heater size, the first hour rating (FHR, listed in gallons) is probably the most important factor. The FHR is the amount of hot water that a water heater can deliver in a single hour (when starting with a full tank of hot water).
How efficient are heat pumps?
Although they use electricity, they can be two to three times more energy efficient than conventional electric-resistance water heaters. Heat pump water heaters operate on the same principle as the whole-house air source heat pumps, which move heat with electric compressors and pumps.
What Is a Heat Pump Water Heater?
Unlike a traditional hot water heater, a heat pump water heater uses electricity to move existing heat from one place to another instead of generating heat directly.
How Does a Heat Pump Water Heater?
A heat pump works nearly identically to a refrigerator, the key difference being that a refrigerator is keeping things cold while a heat pump is warming things up. In a refrigerator system, warm air inside is pulled across coils filled with cold refrigerant.
Components of Heat Pump Water Heaters
A heat pump water heater is actually a relatively straightforward system to understand. The system can be broken down into nine main components:
Types of Hot Water Heaters
While in this article we focus on heat pump water heaters, it can be helpful to understand the different types of hot water heaters that are available to you.
Cost of Heat Pump Water Heaters
One of the biggest issues with heat pump water heaters (sometimes called hybrid water heaters) is the upfront cost. A standard 50-gallon hot water heater can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,000 (not including installation) while a heat pump water heater can cost between $1,500 and $3,000.
Factors to Consider Before Getting a Heat Pump Water Heater
Consider a few factors before purchasing a heat pump water heater for your home. These factors will help you determine what type of heat pump water heater you should get or whether you should purchase one at all:
Are Heat Pump Water Heaters Worth It?
Whether you’re in the market for a new electric water heater or struggling with a high electricity bill due to an existing electric water heater, you might find yourself considering switching to a heat pump water heater.
What to do after water heater is installed?
After your water heater is properly installed and maintained, try some additional energy-saving strategies to help lower your water heating bills. Some energy-saving devices and systems are more cost-effective to install with the water heater.
How much air space does a water heater need?
Heat pump water heaters require installation in locations that remain in the 40º–90ºF (4.4º–32.2ºC) range year-round and provide at least 1,000 cubic feet (28.3 cubic meters) of air space around the water heater. Air passing over the evaporator can be exhausted to the room or outdoors.
How does a water heater work?
While a refrigerator pulls heat from inside a box and dumps it into the surrounding room, a stand-alone air-source heat pump water heater pulls heat from the surrounding air and dumps it -- at a higher temperature -- into a tank to heat water.
Why do geothermal heat pumps work?
Because they remove heat from the air, any type of air-source heat pump system works more efficiently in a warm climate. Homeowners primarily install geothermal heat pumps -- which draw heat from the ground during the winter and from the indoor air during the summer -- for heating and cooling their homes.
How does a heat pump work?
How They Work. Heat pump water heaters use electricity to move heat from one place to another instead of generating heat directly. Therefore, they can be two to three times more energy efficient than conventional electric resistance water heaters. To move the heat, heat pumps work like a refrigerator in reverse.
What is triple function geothermal heat pump?
Some manufacturers also offer triple-function geothermal heat pump systems, which provide heating, cooling, and hot water. They use a separate heat exchanger to meet all of a household's hot water needs.
Do heat pumps have higher initial costs than storage water heaters?
Heat pump water heater systems typically have higher initial costs than conventional storage water heaters. However, they have lower operating costs, which can offset their higher purchase and installation prices.
Which direction should solar panels face?
Solar panels should ideally face due north. The angle of pitch your collectors are set at is another important factor to consider. Too vertical and the water will struggle to reach the top of the panel or tube. Too horizontal and the water will reach the top of the collector before it is warm enough.
Can you put hot water in a cupboard?
Sometimes hot water systems need to be installed indoors or under cover. In these circumstances, ensure they are well protected from children, and in a position where they are neither in the way, nor likely to be damaged by anything else – a small cupboard is often used for this purpose.
Is it better to invest in hot water?
There is little point in investing in a hot water system without giving due consideration to where it will be located. Ideally, the best place for a hot water system is as close to the hot taps as possible. The less distance the water has to travel, the more responsive your system will be. It will be more energy efficient too, because you won’t ...
Do water heaters make noise?
Be conscious that some water heaters, especially heat pump water heaters, will put out a certain amount of noise. Plan ahead for this, because having to move it at a later date can be an expensive mistake. Ensure the system is installed at an adequate distance from neighbours, bedrooms and outdoor entertaining areas.
Do you need an exhaust flue for a water heater?
Likewise, indoor gas units require an exhaust flue to be installed so that combusted gases are released outdoors. Be sure not to leave any corrosive chemicals near your water heater, as these can give off fumes which may be drawn into the water heater, corroding it from the inside.
How to install HPWH?
Given these issues, EPA recommends the following for colder climates: 1 Avoid placing HPWHs in conditioned space if possible. If you must place the unit in conditioned space, do not install it near a thermostat or living spaces sensitive to colder temperatures. 2 Avoid placing HPWHs in garages 4 or outdoors where the temperature can be consistently in the freezing range. 3 Install HPWHs in unconditioned or semi-conditioned interior spaces, such as a basement, where temperatures remain above 50 degrees F most of the year. An ideal situation would be near a furnace in a basement that is relatively warm all winter. 4 Consider HPWHs that meet Northern Climate Efficiency Specification developed by the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA). NEEA has identified HPWHs that are efficient in colder climates by using a test procedure that uses lower temperature ambient air and inlet water to reflect conditions in colder climates. A prerequisite to qualify for the Northern Climate HPWH Specification is that the units must be ENERGY STAR certified. These HPWH units generally have larger compressors that cut off at lower temperatures to work more efficiently in colder climates. Click here to learn more#N#(link is external)#N#.
Can HPWHs be placed in a basement?
In colder climates, most HPWHs are placed in unconditioned or semi-conditioned basements. However, if placed in conditioned space, HPWHs will produce cool and dry air that is a benefit in the summer months but will lead to higher heating bills in the winter months. 2.
Can HPWHs be installed in a conditioned room?
Avoid placing HPWHs in conditioned space if possible. If you must place the unit in conditioned space, do not install it near a thermostat or living spaces sensitive to colder temperatures.
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Where should a water heater be located?
Heat pump water heaters exhaust air that is cooler than their surroundings. Therefore, they should not be located in rooms that are frequently occupied. When garage installations are not available, basements, utility, and laundry rooms also serve as excellent locations.
How loud is a heat pump water heater?
Heat pump water heaters have a fan and compressor, both of which make noise. Most heat pump water heaters emit sound at levels less than 55 dBA. Standing on the other side of a wall or door, the sound level drops to 35–40 dBA, which is quieter than a refrigerator. Still, placing the water heater away from bedrooms and living rooms can help mitigate any potential sound issues. Check with manufacturers for best practices regarding isolation pads, foam, and mounting strategies.
What is a condensate pump?
Condensate pumps, commonly paired with air conditioners or condensing furnaces, can be used to drain the condensate produced by a heat pump water heater. A single pump may often be used for both the air conditioner and the heat pump water heater.
How much water does a heat pump produce?
Heat pump water heaters produce a neutral condensate that must be drained away from the water heater. Generally these products only produce a couple cups of water per day during the late spring through early fall seasons. Unlike condensing gas water heaters, which produce acidic condensate as a combustion byproduct, there are no special piping or handling requirements for heat pump water heaters other than to convey the neutral condensate to a drain. However, it is important to make sure the tank is level to ensure the evaporator drain pan drains properly. Also note condensate is not produced in very cold weather.
How many showers can a 50 gallon water heater take?
A 50-gallon tank is enough for up to two consecutive ten-minute showers; a 65-gallon tank will work for 3 ten-minute showers; and an 80-gallon tank is suitable for 4 or more consecutive showers. For maximum efficiency, consider upsizing the tank over your standard practice. Heat
What is hot water solution?
Hot Water Solutions is an initiative of the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) working to accelerate the adoption of heat pump water heaters in the Northwest by providing resources, tools and support to increase sales and installations of heat pump water heaters.
Why do water heaters have auxiliary resistance?
pump water heaters typically come with auxiliary resistance elements to meet periods of increased water demand. This operation is far less efficient than running in heat pump mode alone. Upsizing the tank will minimize inefficient resistance heating, allowing the heat pump to do most of the water- heating work.
How many square feet does a water heater need?
While it’s possible to install other water-heating technologies in areas as small as a closet, HPWHs usually need at least 750 or 1,000 square feet. Any location big enough must also be stable in temperature (ideally never going below 40 degrees or above 90 degrees).
How does a water heater work?
Conventional water heaters use energy—usually either gas or electricity—to generate heat. Heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) operate in an entirely different way. They, too, use energy, but not to generate heat, rather to move it from one place to another—from the air surrounding the appliance to the water held in the unit’s storage tank.
Can you wait for a water heater to give out?
Don't wait for your water heater to give out, leaving you shivering in the shower. Instead, do your homework and learn about an energy-efficient, cost-effective option that might work for you. Homeowners rarely think about their water heater or its vital contribution to the convenience of modern living. Likewise, relatively few think about hot ...
