So what is a heat pump and how is it an efficient heating system? Are you someone who has heard of heat pumps, but are not exactly sure what they are or how they work?
In most simple terms a heat pump is a device that transfers heat energy. When we are talking specifically about water heat pumps, they transfer heat abundant in the air to heat the water stored in the tank.
The secret to the high efficiency achieved by heat pumps in they are just like in a refrigerator, but running in reverse.
There are several steps in the process:
The most significant difference between a heat pump and other systems used to heat water is that heat pumps use minimal electricity to operate – about 1000 watts (or ten 100 watt light bulbs) – as electricity is only required to run the compressor and a fan. That is less than a quarter of what is required to run an
electric hot water system with electric elements used to heat the water directly.
A heat pump hot water system is highly efficient, saving you money on
electricity bills and importantly also being a sustainable system that
reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Learn more about the efficiencies of heat pump systems.
A heat pump has similarities to a solar hot water system, but also some major advantages.
Because heat pumps use the heat in the air, they do not require actual sunlight hours, like solar hot water systems do. This means they work on cloudy and overcast days, as well as during the night to draw heat from the surrounding air.
The system is mounted on the ground, removing the need for roof mounting, which can add significantly to the installation costs of solar panel systems, or even make them unworkable (in heavily treed and shaded areas).
More about the differences between solar and heat pump systems.
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