Heat Pump Water Heaters

Many homeowners prefer gas water heaters because they have historically been less expensive to operate.  However, when prices for natural gas rise, the operating cost advantage of a gas water heater decreases and there are some disadvantages to gas water heaters.  Because they use gas, there is always the possibility of a gas leak and since they have an open flame, there is a risk of fire or carbon monoxide formation.  Finally, in some areas gas supply lines are not available and electric water heating is the only option.

If you would prefer to heat water using electricity but are concerned about the cost of electricity for water heating, there are energy efficient electric water heating options available such as a heat pump water heater.

Heat pumps are an increasingly popular way to heat and cool a home, but only recently have water heater heat pumps become widely available.  Heat pumps work by moving heat rather than creating it and are accordingly very efficient.  A heat pump water heater absorbs heat from the surrounding air and uses it to heat the water in a storage tank.

In order to operate effectively, a heat pump water heater must be installed in a location that stays warmer than 40 degrees.  This can be inside a heated space in the home or in an unheated area such as a basement or garage of a home located where temperatures rarely fall below 40 degrees.  In addition, there must be at least 1,000 cubic feet of air space around the water heater which can make indoor installations problematic.  They are equipped with a backup electric heating element in the event the ambient air temperature drops too far.

If it’s time for a new water heater installation, talk to your plumber about whether a heat pump water heater is a good option for your home.