If you’re looking to upgrade your hot water system, look no further than a heat pump. They use up to 75% less energy than a conventional electric hot water system, installation is less complicated than a solar hot water system, and their energy efficiency can help you beat the rising cost of gas.
All that’s left to do is calculate your hot water consumption to help you decide the best size heat pump for your home. Use this guide to help you understand your hot water requirements and find out more about the most popular brands of heat pumps on the market today.
All you need to know about a heat pump hot water system
Before you go ahead and install a heap pump for hot water in your home, here’s all you need to know about the different types and how they work.
- A heat pump, sometimes known as a hybrid water heater, works similarly to a refrigerator in reverse or an air conditioner when heating. Just as solar hot water uses energy from sunlight to heat water, a heat pump uses the ambient air temperature to heat water in an eco-friendly way.
- There are two types of heat pumps: integrated and split systems. An integrated system has the heat pump mounted on a storage tank, whereas a split system works like a reverse-cycle air conditioner. It uses plumbing to connect a storage tank and a separate unit housing the evaporator, fan, and compressor.
- Although they mainly rely on renewable energy to operate, they do require a small amount of electricity to power the evaporator fan and compressor when heating water.
- Because they have a fan and compressor just like an air conditioner, they do make some noise when operating.
- They use ambient air to heat water, so they need to be installed in a well-ventilated spot. The more sun available to help it heat, the more efficient it will be.
How to calculate hot water consumption in your home
It’s not just the number of people within your home that you have to consider when you calculate your hot water consumption. You also need to think about the size of your home, how many bathrooms you have and how many appliances require hot water.
- What’s your peak demand like, and what time of day is it? Heat pump systems are more efficient at heating water during the day, so you may need to opt for a larger storage capacity for your family.
- Do you have water-saving devices? Installing flow controllers on taps and showers can help you reduce water usage and energy consumption without impacting the flow rate or pressure.
- Do appliances such as your washing machine and dishwasher heat water internally or do they need to be connected to a hot water supply? What’s the water usage rating of your appliances?
- What’s your climate like? Households in cold climates use more hot water than households in warmer climates.
Get more information on how to measure your hot water consumption in our comprehensive guide to picking the best size hot water system for your home.
Best size heat pump for small household of 1–2 people
For a small household with 1 bathroom servicing 1–2 people, you will need a heat pump hot water heater with a storage capacity of fewer than 200 L.
At Same Day Hot Water Service, our 150 L EVO150-1 Heat Pump is a popular choice for small homes. It has a booster element for additional heating on very cold days and a defrost cycle, so it’s suitable for a cold climate. It can also help save up to 75% on the cost of hot water.
It’s also covered under the Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates scheme, which will help you save on the purchase cost. You can read more about government rebates on hot water systems in each state here.
Best capacity heat pump for medium-sized family of 3–4 people
A 200–300 L capacity heat pump hot water system will keep the hot water flowing in a medium-sized household with 1 or 2 bathrooms.
With a 250 L storage tank, the Reclaim REHP-CO2 Energy Heat Pump can help you save on your energy bills, as it’s up to five times more efficient than a conventional water heater. Designed in Australia for our climate conditions, it even comes with an optional Wi-Fi-connected controller upgrade to help optimise energy savings.
Tank capacity requirements for large households of 4 or more
For large households with 4 or more people or several bathrooms, choose a heat pump with a 300 L storage capacity, such as the Quantum 340 L heat pump.
Producing 75 L per hour, this heat pump can meet the water consumption requirements of up to 7 people in a home with many hot water outlets, as commonly found in a 5-bedroom home.
Its compact design makes installation easy, so it’s also the ideal replacement for an electric storage unit.
For more information on some of the most popular brands at Same Day Hot Water Service, see our comparison of three of the leading heat pumps to suit an average-sized home.
Other things to consider about a heat pump hot water system
When it comes to keeping your heat pump hot water system performing efficiently, location is key.
Do you have the space for a heat pump?
Although installation is usually less complicated than for solar hot water, a split-system heat pump requires an outdoor location for the compressor unit. It’s also important to consider the location when comparing the fixture outlets. Even if your pipes are insulated, the shorter they can be, the more efficiently your system will run. A sunny, well-ventilated location will also help your heat pump perform optimally.
Do you live in a suitable climate?
Because a heat pump uses the ambient air temperature to heat water, it works best with warmer temperatures. The colder it is where you live, the less efficient a heat pump will be. However, technology has come a long way in recent years, and many heat pumps can cope with temperatures as low as –5 °C.
We’re pumped up to help you pick a system to suit your needs
When it’s time to replace your old hot water system or upgrade for greater energy efficiency, remember that heat pump water heaters help you save money and the environment, making them an ideal solution for your hot water needs.
At Same Day Hot Water Service, we have a heat pump system for every household size. Whether you live in a small apartment or a large family home, our friendly staff can give you advice on the best heat pump for your requirements. Simply give us a call today on 1300 721 996.