The chances are right now, you have the traditional tank-style water heater in your home. But, it has aged and is making sounds like it at a bowl of red peppered chili, and you know it is time to replace it. Before you buy another tank-style or invest in a tankless water heater, consider a heat pump water heater this time.
What is the difference between a tank-style water heater and a heat pump water heater?
The traditional tank-tyle water heater heats the water when the burner or element is signaled. Water fills the tank, and the burner or element turns on, using electricity or gas, and heats the water. With a heat pump water heater, the water is heated using the air’s ambient warmth to heat a refrigerant inside the unit.
Is a heat pump water heater better energy-wise than a traditional tank-style water heater?
A heat pump water heater moves heat from one area to another using electricity instead of directly generating heat. This makes it more energy efficient than the conventional tank-style electric water heater as much as three times more efficient according to the U.S. Department of Energy. When comparing the energy efficiency of a heat pump water heater to a gas-powered water heater, it has more than 50% improved energy efficiency.
How often does a heat pump water heater run?
You can have your heat pump water heater installed with a timer and set the times you want it to run. During the busy time of day when your household may have several people taking showers, the heat pump water heater may need to run for a longer time. But the beauty is that you get to choose when it will run with the timer upgrade!
Are heat pump water heaters expensive?
Okay, yes, a heat pump water heater will cost up to three times more than the traditional tank-style water heater upfront, plus the installation. But this is a long-term investment and you’ll save almost $300, maybe more, over a year in energy costs! You could recoup that cost within 3 to 4 years, and then keep saving on energy costs every year after that.
What are the disadvantages of a heat pump water heaters?
In addition to the high upfront installation cost, other disadvantages of a heat pump water heater to consider are:
- The Installation
Heat pump water heaters have specific installation conditions. Your home may not be a viable option, so you’ll want a professional to inspect your home and determine if it is your home that is a candidate for a heat pump water heater. They will check the average air temperature surrounding your home and make sure you have a space that is adequate with proper ventilation.
- Maintenance & Repairs
Every type of water heater will need some level of maintenance, and heat pump water heaters aren’t any different. In fact, because of the components used in them, like a compressor and an evaporator, they need specialized maintenance. This is an additional cost, like having central air conditioning versus window units.
- The Climate
A heat pump water heater will work better in a moderate climate of consistent temperatures, above freezing year-round. You can have a heat pump water heater in a colder climate, but the efficiency decreases and the energy consumption increases.
What is the lifespan of a heat pump water heater?
The lifespan of a heat pump water heater is another plus! They last longer! The standard tank-style water heater has an average lifespan of 8 years, some will last up to 12 years, maybe longer. A heat pump water heater, however, has a lifespan of up to 15 years when you follow the recommended maintenance routine. Depending on the quality of the water in your area, you could get up to 20 years.
Can you use a water softener system with a heat pump water heater?
Yes, you can use a water softener system with a heat pump water heater. In fact, if there are high levels of calcium and magnesium in your water, resulting in having hard water, it is recommended. A water softener installed BEFORE the water gets to the heat pump water heater will extend the lifespan of the unit and give you better-tasting water.
A heat pump water heater is an investment, the cost of the unit plus the cost to install it isn’t something you’ll want to do again any time soon. So, taking these additional steps will help extend the service life of a heat pump water heater:
- Quality: Choose the best heat pump water heater you can afford to get the longest lifespan and best quality.
- Regular Service: Have your heat pump water heater serviced regularly like you do all of your appliances. If the company that installs the unit offers a maintenance program, take it!
- Cold Water: Using cold water as much as possible will extend the lifespan of your heat pump water heater. Save the hot water for dishes, laundry, and showers.
- Install a Timer: Traditional water heaters stay on 24/7/365. To extend your heat pump water heater, have it installed with a timer so that it is only at certain times of the day/night when it is needed.
- Expansion: When water is heated, it expands and if it doesn’t have anywhere to go, it increases the pressure inside the heat pump, which increases the water volume while decreasing the pressure. Have an expansion tank installed along with the heat pump water heater and timer, you’ll ease the strain on the heat pump.
In Closing – Is It Worthwhile?
Yes, for a busy household, a heat pump water heater will be worth the initial expense because of the annual savings in utilities! However, for a small home with less than 4 to 6 people, it may not be worthwhile to make the investment.
