What Is Needed To Install A Heat Pump Water Heater?

Your water heater is one of the least efficient appliances in your home. In fact, according to Energy.gov, electric water heaters account for an average of 18 percent of your electric bill. The older your water heater is, the less energy efficient it is.

Enter the heat pump water heater: a new, energy-efficient improved electric water heater. Sarah Widder of the U.S. Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory says, "Heat pump water heaters use 63 percent less energy than conventional electric water heaters ."

As long as your electric water heater heat pump is working properly, you won't have to spend a lot of time thinking about your water heater. But when the water heater is taken out of service at the end of its 10-15 year life, you may find yourself standing in a cold water shower. Or worse, the heater's tank has corroded, turning your basement, garage or utility room into a damp mess and adding to the costs spent on sheetrock repairs and carpet cleaning.

 Heat Pump Water Heaters

How much can a heat pump water heater save you?

According to ENERGY STAR, if every home in America used a heat pump water heater (under 55 gallons), the annual savings in energy costs would be more than $8.2 billion. According to the government website Energy Star, a heat pump water heater can save your family of four about $330 per year on their electric bill. The larger your home, the faster you'll see a return on your investment. The next heat pump water heater supplier will explain how to install and maintain a heat pump water heater.

Installing and Maintaining a Heat Pump Water Heater

The first three things to consider when choosing to install a water pump heater are the type of fuel, location and electrical capacity in your home.

Fuel type

If you currently have a gas water heater, most installers and utility companies recommend that you stick with gas. Even with the impressive efficiency ratings achieved by heat pump water heaters, in most cases, heat pump water heaters still cost more to operate than gas water heaters. After considering electricity generation and line losses, use natural gas to heat water from an overall cost and environmental standpoint.

Location 

Most incentives are offered only when the heat pump water heater is located in a garage or other unheated, unconditioned space. Installation in a room with 1,000 cubic feet of space is usually required to have enough ambient air for the water heater to operate effectively. If you need to relocate your water heating system to accommodate this, ask the installer to inform you of what is involved.

Electrical 

Most heat pump water heaters require a 30-amp circuit breaker and a 10-gauge wire. If you have questions about the electrical, ask your installation contractor for a step-by-step guide to check it out. In some cases, you may need to have an electrician make some modifications before you can install it.

When estimating the total cost of installing a heat pump water heater, the installer should carefully read the current plumbing code and allow you to carry the cost with you before you can begin working in your home. Make sure you understand the requirements so that the water heater can be installed safely.

Also, ask your installer to help you understand the regular maintenance requirements for your heat pump water heater. Although maintenance is low, it is important to clean the air filter regularly to extend the life of your heat pump. Read your owner's manual for more tips and advice.

If you're in the market for a new electric water heater, consider splitting the extra cash for a heat pump water heater. The savings can be significant, especially for larger households. Heat pump water heaters last longer (about 13 to 15 years) than traditional electric water heaters (about 8 to 12 years), which makes them a great investment. If you want to know about the water heater pump price, welcome to contact us.