Heat Pump Water Heater
A heat pump water heaters, also known as a hybrid electric water heater, transfers heat from the air into a storage tank to heat water. This type of water heater can be up to three times more efficient than a conventional electric water heater. Conventional water heaters must produce heat from an electric resistance element to heat water. Electric water heaters can account for up to 20 percent of a home's electricity costs.
The federal government offers a $300 tax credit for heat pumps. Some utilities also offer instant rebates of up to $500. To find out if you qualify, check out the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency. However, a heat pump water heater may not be as cost-effective as a traditional water heater, since it requires more complex installation.
A heat pump water heater works by drawing heat from the air, so they may not be the best choice in cold climates. However, these systems can also be used in unconditioned rooms during cold winters to prevent water from freezing. If you live in an area where the winters are very cold, you may want to choose a heat pump water heater with a hybrid system.
A heat pump water heater uses a fan to circulate air across an evaporator. This evaporator has a series of tubes filled with refrigerant, which essentially acts as a dehumidifier. The cooled air then blows back into the room, creating a cooler environment. This process transfers heat from the ambient air to the liquid refrigerant, which is pumped through a compressor.
The hybrid water heaters come with digital communications ports, which enable more precise control and may help reduce strain on the power grid. They are also available in plug-in models, which require minimal electrical work. You can find a complete list of incentives from the ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder.
It's important to note that not all homes have 240-volt outlets. In fact, some parts of the country still use older electric heating systems. If your house lacks these outlets, you may need to install an additional circuit to power the heat pump water heater. To avoid any electrical hazards, check with your water heater manufacturer about installation requirements.
Compared to a conventional electric water heater, a hybrid heat pump water heater can save you hundreds of dollars per year. A typical two-person household can save $174 a year and a family of five can save up to $435 annually. The payback period for an 80-gallon tank is 4.8 years. In addition, many utilities offer rebates to encourage you to purchase a hybrid water heater.
In addition to saving money on your energy bill, heat pump water heaters are more environmentally friendly. Some states have even implemented tax credits for homes that use solar power. However, the downside of solar power is that it is not dependable and requires regular sunlight. Low sunlight can negatively affect the efficiency of solar water heaters.
Check out this related post to get more enlightened on the topic: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_heating.