The Complete Guide to Choosing and Installing a Domestic Heat Pump Water Heater

Domestic Heat Pump Water Heaters

With many homes switching to energy-efficient domestic heat pump water heaters, many are wondering how to choose and install these devices. If you’re one of such people, you’re reading the right blog. In this piece, you’ll learn how to choose and install the right domestic heat pump water heater.

Choosing a Domestic Heat Pump Water Heater

Like purchasing any other item, there are factors you need to consider before choosing a heat pump for your domestic hot water needs. In this section, we’ll cover some of these factors to help you choose correctly.

  • Size: You cannot pick any heat pump water heater you find simply because it is big. You need to choose a heat pump water heater based on the hot water consumption of the house. Generally, each habitant will require 20 gallons of hot water so a family of 4 needs 80 gallons of hot water.
  • Energy Efficiency: An energy-efficient device can save more energy than regular heaters. You can find out whether a product is energy efficient by checking its performance coefficient.  All water heaters have a Universal Energy Factor (UEF).  The higher the number the better the energy efficiency.  Arctic Heat Pump Water Heaters have a UEF of 4.14 the highest in North America!
  • Overall Costs: Heat pump water heaters can be quite expensive. Don’t just decide on a system based on the purchase price alone. Consider the installation, maintenance, and other costs. This will ensure you can carry out the project.  Arctic Hot Water heat pumps are designed to be complete retrofits which reduce the installation costs.
Arctic Hot Water heat pumps

Installation Requirements for Domestic Heat Pump Water Heater

Before purchasing a heat pump water heater, you should consider its installation. The heat pump water heater installation requirements will determine if the device you have chosen is suitable for your home and space. Here are the requirements you need to consider:

  • Space: The water heater needs ample space of about 700 cubic feet to absorb heat properly. Most people install their domestic water heaters in their basements, garages, or utility rooms to give them the required space. 
  • Temperature: Since the water heater will gather heat from the air around it, it must be placed in a suitable temperature environment. As such, it shouldn’t be exposed to extreme cold. Install it in a space with an ambient temperature between 50° and 90°F. 
  • Accessibility: You’ll occasionally have to carry out routine maintenance. Therefore, you need to install the water heater in a space that allows accessibility. This way, the technicians will be able to inspect, service, and drain the device when necessary. The control panel and the data connection ports must also be easily accessible.
  • Manufacturer’s Requirements: In addition to the general requirements that apply to all heat pump water heaters, you must comply with the requirements of your product’s manufacturer. 

Some models may be designed with special functions and can only operate optimally when certain conditions are met. Therefore, always consult the manufacturer’s installation guide for specific recommendations for your model.

Installing a Domestic Heat Pump Water Heater

After fulfilling all the installation requirements, the next step is the installation itself. The hot water efficiency of your water heater depends in part on how well you install it. Therefore, for a successful installation, follow these steps:

  1. Mount the water heater in the place you have chosen. Remember the space, temperature, and accessibility requirements we mentioned earlier.
  2. Using the right type and size of pipes, connect the heat pump water heater to the existing water line. 
  1. If your building doesn’t have an existing water line, you’ll need to have professionals install one. 
  1. One mistake people make is failure to install a vacuum valve close to the top of the heat pump water. This is necessary to protect the water heater from collapsing you drain it, it also speeds up the draining process.
  2. Correctly install a temperature pressure relief valve for the water heater. 
  3. Depending on your setup and model, you might need to install an expansion tank or valve. 
  4. After doing the above, turn on the water supply.
  5. Turn on the power supply as well. 

If the above steps are followed properly, your heat pump water heater will work perfectly. We recommend you hire an experienced technician to install the heater to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Domestic Heat Pump Water Heater Installation

Common Domestic Heat Pump Water Heater Installation Challenges

The installation of this water heating technology is not without its challenges. The main challenge most homeowners encounter is having enough space to enable it to function efficiently. Folks with limited available space might not be able to install these devices, preventing them from adopting this modern technology. 

Electrical requirements, when switching from gas to a heat pump water heater, may be a challenge.  In this case you need to provide the proper electrical power to the heat pump.  If you are replacing a gas heater chances, are you will need to hire and electrician to run the power to the new hot water heat pump.   Decommissioning the gas lines and the old chimney may also require the help of a professional. 

Conclusion

Choosing and installing a heat pump water heater requires proper planning and consideration. To get the most out of the device, you must comply with installation requirements. After installation, you must follow the maintenance tips from found in your product’s manual. Proper maintenance will ensure the longevity of your heat pump water heater.

Domestic Heat Pump Water Heaters: Everything You Need to Know About Costs and Incentives

Domestic Heat Pump Water Heater Installation

The shift towards sustainable energy solutions has cut across different aspects of our lives, including how we heat our water. Traditional water heaters, such as gas and electric, are being phased out in favor of modern domestic heat pump water heaters. Although these modern heating solutions are the best, not everyone has adopted them, mainly because of how expensive they seem. 

However, they are not as expensive as many think, especially considering the lifetime savings households can enjoy and the rebates that help you cut down costs on these items. To ensure you understand all this, this piece breaks down the financial considerations for heat pump water heaters and how to take advantage of federal and local incentives.

Costs of Domestic Heat Pump Water Heaters

Costs of Domestic Heat Pump Water Heaters

The costs of domestic heat pump water heaters vary significantly due to several factors, such as your residence location and your current water heating solution. We’ll discuss the upfront and operating costs to give you a clear picture of heat pump water heater costs.

Upfront Costs

The upfront cost of most domestic heat pump water heaters is between $3,600 and $6,500, depending on your current water heater system. For example, homes that want to switch from an electric water heater might spend $3,600 to $4,800, while gas water heater users will spend about $4,300 to $6,500.

This difference is because you’ll need to set up wiring and an outlet that wasn’t in place when you used a gas heater. Electric heaters already have the wiring in place, so you save on those expenses.

Below is a breakdown of what the upfront cost entails:

  • Unit Cost: The heat pump water heater is not so expensive. You can get a 50-gallon tank heater for $1,200. If you want a larger 80-gallon tank, you’ll spend about $2,500.
  • Installation Labor: We can’t give a specific amount for the heat pump installation cost since it depends on the technician doing the job for you. Also, factors such as where you want to install the water heater and your current water heating setup will determine how much the professional will charge you. 
  • Electrician Labor: This applies only to those who want to switch from gas heaters, as electric tank heaters already have the electrical setup in place. 
  • Disposal of the Existing Water Heater: Some plumbers will do this for free since they are responsible for installing the new one, while others may charge a small fee.
  • Supplies: You will need to purchase certain materials for the installation. The type and quantity of supplies will depend on your house’s needs and the project’s complexity.

Operating Costs

The amount it takes to run the heat pump water heater is not fixed. This is because the energy consumption for each household is not the same. And even in the same house, the energy consumption for a particular month might differ. 

This is usually the case when comparing your water heating energy bills during summer and winter. There’s more demand for hot water in winter than in summer, so your bill will increase in those months.

If you live in a warm climate, you can also expect to save some operating costs compared to colder climates.

Lifetime Savings on Domestic Heat Pump Water Heaters

Installing a heat pump water heater seems like an expensive investment, but you can enjoy a lot of savings over time. You’ll most likely enjoy a 60% reduction in your water heating costs, making these heat pump water heaters an affordable water heating solution. 

If you switch from an electric water heater to a heat pump water heater, you can save about $80 to $230 annually. With most heat pump water heaters lasting at least 10 years, you can save about $2,300 within this period. 

Heat Pump Water Heater Incentives to Take Advantage of

Homeowners are given several rebates and incentives to reduce the cost of heat pump water heaters. For instance, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) gives households a 30% tax credit for heat pump water heaters that reach $2,000 annually. The qualification requirement for this credit is owning a unit that meets the ENERGY STAR standards.

Households with low to moderate income can benefit from the IRA’s Electrification Rebates and save a maximum of $1,750 from heat pump water heater costs. This is possible because this rebate covers 50% to 100% of your heater’s costs. 

State government rebates for heat pumps are also available. For example, if you live in California, you can get an instant rebate of $500 to $900; for Massachusetts residents, there is an instant rebate of $750 to $1,500.

Conclusion

These water heating energy-saving home upgrades can be expensive, with the overall cost of purchasing and installation costing between $3,600 and $6,500. While this might be a concern for low and moderate-income households, several federal and state government incentives and rebates can cover these costs, thereby reducing the amount homeowners will spend to make this switch. Besides, the lifetime savings you’ll get from these heating solutions are enough to cover up for their initial cost.

How a Domestic Heat Pump Water Heater Can Save You Thousands Over Its Lifetime

Heat Pump Water Heaters

Heat pump water heaters are known for their energy efficiency. But how does that help you save money? Find out in this article how a domestic heat pump water heater can save you thousands of dollars over its lifetime. We’ll also reveal how these devices work and why they are the best for you as an energy-conscious homeowner.

How Heat Pump Water Heaters Operate

The operation process of heat pump water heaters is based on the first and second laws of thermodynamics. By utilizing electricity, these devices transfer heat from one location to another. They are different from regular heaters that generate the heat themselves. Due to this difference, heat pump water heaters are about three times more energy efficient.

These energy-efficient water heaters function the same way refrigerators do, but in reverse. Instead of pulling heat from inside the fridge box and distributing it to the space outside, these heat pump water heaters pull heat from the air around them and send it at a higher temperature to heat the water in a storage tank. The heater water is then distributed to where you need it to go.

Cost-saving Benefits of Heat Pump Water Heaters

Cost-saving Benefits of Heat Pump Water Heaters

Heat pump water heaters have cost savings benefits because they use less energy than traditional heaters. Below are some cost-saving benefits you’ll enjoy if you switch to these energy-efficient devices.

  • Reduced Energy Consumption: Heat pump water heaters save about 60%-70% on energy consumption compared to traditional water heaters. This is very significant, as the next benefit will reveal.
  • Lower Energy Bills: When your water heating energy consumption is reduced by 60-70%, you save that amount on energy bills. So, if you spend around $1200 a year on water heating like most average US homes, you’ll slash that by more than half and pay just $500 a year or $700 savings. You might not think $700 is a big deal until you consider the long term, which brings us to the next cost-saving benefit.
  • Long-Term Savings: Most heat pump water heaters can last between 15 and 20 years with proper maintenance. If yours lasts 15 years, you will save $10,500 on water heating alone. If it lasts 20 years, the amount saved will be $14,000.
  • Potential Rebates: You can use several rebates for heat pump water heaters to reduce the cost of getting a new heat pump water heater. For example, the IRA 25C tax credit can cover 30% of the heater’s cost, reaching as high as $2,000. With such a rebate, you can purchase the device at a discount while enjoying the long-term savings.
  • Reduced Operational Costs: The only operational cost you need to consider with heat pump water heaters is the cost of energy. As mentioned, this cost is reduced thanks to the heat pump water heater’s energy efficiency. Traditional heaters, like gas heaters, have to keep up with the purchase of gas, which can be quite expensive.

Eco-friendly Advantages of Heat Pump Water Heaters

Many homeowners and developers are installing or retrofitting heat pump water heaters in their buildings because these eco-friendly water heating solutions have many advantages that benefit the environment. Here are a few of these eco-friendly advantages:

  • Reduced Carbon Emissions: The invention of water heating solutions has brought many benefits to our daily lives, but at the expense of our planet. Most traditional water heaters produce a lot of greenhouse gas emissions that are dangerous to the Earth. Thankfully, we can counter and reduce these carbon emissions using heat pump water heaters. These devices produce less greenhouse gas emissions. If you switch from a regular water heater to a heat pump water heater, you’ll cut down on carbon emissions by nothing less than 2,000 pounds.
  • Reduced Waste: The lifespan of a heat pump water heater (15 to 20 years) is longer than traditional water heaters (8 to 12 years). Improper disposal might cause these devices to pollute the planet as waste products. Since heat pump water heaters last longer, it will take a few years to dispose of them. The traditional heaters have more moving parts than heat pump water heaters, which means more wear and tear. Worn-out parts might need to be disposed of, further contributing to waste. 

Why Heat Pump Water Heaters are the Best Choice for Energy-conscious Homeowners

You should already know that heat pump water heaters are the best water heating option available. In case you’re still unsure, here are why they are the best for you as an energy-conscious homeowner.

  • They are energy efficient.
  • They produce zero CO2 emissions, which means a lower carbon footprint.
  • ENERGY STAR heat pumps are eligible for a tax credit, enabling you to save money.

Conclusion

Heat pump water heaters might look very expensive, but they can save you a lot of money over time. The article above discusses how much you can save if you switch to heat pump water heaters instead of traditional heaters.