Most people know the heat pumps provide a fast and convenient way to keep the hot water flowing; but it’s important to remember that they offer so much. Heat pump water systems also offer environmental benefits, while also giving you a very easy way to cut down on your energy bills. In Australia, electricity costs are soaring higher than many other developed countries. Traditional electric hot water systems account for a substantial portion of a home’s energy expenses; in fact, for the average household, water heating is the second highest source of energy use. In light of this, switching to a more efficient hot water system — such as the Reclaim Heat Pump — is a quick and easy way to keep an eye on your savings. Read on to learn how a heat pump for water can give your household a sustainable and energy-efficient solution while keeping you warm and saving you money.
Why You Should Replace Your Water Heater with a Heat Pump
The Reclaim Energy CO2 Heat Pump (REHP) is effectively a battery for your home. A standard electric hot water system uses 3.6kW of electrical input to create 3.6kW of thermal output. A Reclaim Energy Heat Pump uses 1kW of electrical input to create 5.24 kW thermal output (i.e 32°C ambient temperature). The Reclaim Energy CO2 Heat Pump is engineered to work seamlessly with your solar power system, enhancing savings by utilising the energy produced on-site before it’s exported back to the grid at minimal returns due to current feed-in tariffs.
The REHP consists of a compressor-based heat pump and a storage tank (available in stainless steel or glass-lined options), the system efficiently extracts heat from the surrounding air to energise the eco-friendly CO2 refrigerant. This system delivers more than five times the heat energy for every unit of electricity it uses, drastically reducing the energy costs for heating water. Thanks to its superior performance in cold weather, our Reclaim Energy CO2 Heat Pump doesn’t require an additional heating element. The integrated smart controller ensures that the system offers a cost-effective and highly efficient hot water solution.
Combining the REHP system with a PV setup further decreases energy consumption and costs for homeowners. With interactive controls and monitoring, REHP customers are given complete control over their energy use and hot water production, optimising both environmental impact and savings.
Image source: https://reclaimenergy.com.au/products/residential/
Heat Pump vs Water Heaters
| Feature | Hot Water Heat Pump | Electric Storage Water Heater |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Usage | Uses only 30% of the energy compared to electric storage water heaters by efficiently collecting and transferring ambient warmth. Can heat up to 50 L of water in just 15 mins. | Uses more energy, operating primarily through direct electrical heating, leading to higher energy consumption. |
| Environmentally Friendly | Significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and environmental pollution by requiring less energy and producing 3 to 5 times more renewable power than needed for operation. Replacing electric storage heaters with heat pumps could prevent about 150 billion pounds of GHG emissions, according to Energystar.com. | Generates more greenhouse gases due to higher energy requirements, contributing to environmental pollution. |
| Incentives and Rebates | Australian state and territory governments offer incentives and rebates to offset the higher initial costs, making them a more affordable and smart investment for homeowners. | Fewer incentives and rebates available due to the less efficient and more polluting nature of these heaters. |
| Recovery Rate | Quick recovery time, efficiently reheating the tank after long periods of non-use. Manufacturers provide specific recovery rates as a key factor in choosing a heat pump. | Generally slower recovery rates, taking longer to reheat water after depletion, which can be inconvenient for high-demand scenarios. |
| Cost Savings | Potential for significant savings on energy bills due to high efficiency and lower operational costs. The initial investment is balanced by future savings. | Higher operational costs due to energy inefficiency, leading to higher energy bills with less potential for savings over time. |
Heat Pumps: Emerging Trends
In Australia, hot water heat pumps stand out as highly efficient water heating solutions, capable of operating in both sweltering and icy conditions. 2020 witnessed a significant surge in the adoption of these systems, with a record 31,094 heat pump installations. This uptick reflects a growing preference for heat pumps over traditional electric storage water heaters, thanks to their potential to substantially reduce energy use. Consequently, investing in hot water heat pumps is increasingly recognized as the smart choice for any cost-conscious household. The current market for hot water systems is projected to be between 850,000 and 1,000,000 units, with an anticipated annual growth rate of approximately 1.8% over the coming ten years, mirroring the expansion rate of private residences.
Choosing the Right Hot Water Heat Pump: Key Considerations
When selecting a hot water system that’s optimal for your household, there are a few key considerations that every buyer should keep in mind:
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Storage Tank Size: Your ideal tank size will ultimately depend on your home set-up, as well as your household heating requirements. The size of a hot water pump’s water storage tank varies from model to model, but typically ranges from 150 – 315 litres in conventional systems. The Reclaim Heat Pump, however, boasts an extensive range of larger tank options, ranging from 160 litres to 400 litres.
image source: https://reclaimenergy.com.au/products/residential/
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Winter Booster: Consider whether or not your hot water pump requires a “booster” element in the colder months. A booster is the term used to describe the auxiliary electric heating elements added to certain hot water systems that are used to supplement the pump’s heating abilities. However, while boosters are typically effective in adding extra heat, they can also markedly raise your water heating expenses. The Reclaim Hot Water System functions efficiently in temperatures ranging from -10ºC to 43ºC, eliminating the need for any booster element.
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Environmentally Friendly Tech: The Reclaim Energy CO2 Heat Pump Hot Water System is more energy-efficient than traditional electric and gas water heaters, producing greater thermal output from the same amount of energy input. Using CO2 as a refrigerant, an ozone-friendly and environmentally less harmful option than conventional refrigerants, this system not only ensures efficient heating but also supports environmental sustainability, aiding in the pursuit of a cleaner, more sustainable planet.
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Stainless Steel Tank Options: Though stainless steel tanks typically incur a higher upfront cost, they invariably prove to be the smart investment in the long run, owing to their superior durability and minimal maintenance requirements, compared to tanks made from lesser steel. stainless steel tanks offer superior resistance to corrosion and scaling, factors that significantly contribute to their longevity and consistent performance, making them an ideal investment for reliable hot water systems.
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Energy & Cost Efficiency: The Reclaim Energy CO2 Heat Pump Hot Water System operates with significantly less electricity than traditional hot water systems. This efficiency translates into substantial savings, cutting hot water energy costs by up to 80% annually. With an impressive Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 5, the system delivers about 5 kW of thermal output for every 1 kW of electrical input, starkly contrasting with conventional electric hot water systems that produce a mere 1 kW of thermal output for each kW of electricity used. As energy bill costs continue to soar, investing in a Reclaim Energy CO2 Heat Pump Hot Water System offers a smart and sustainable choice for the cost-conscious consumer.
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Smart Controller: Smart controllers quite literally let you control your power usage and energy costs from the palm of your hand. The Reclaim smart controller lets you tailor the operation of your hot water system according to your preferences. It features four pre-set options including PV operational window (i.e. 10 am-4 pm). It also offers a single-shot boost for immediate hot water needs, off-peak management to minimise running costs, and a continuous hot water supply with a convenient set-and-forget functionality.
The Other Benefits of Using Heat Pumps for Water Heating
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Easy Installation: Heat pumps for water heating boast a straightforward installation process, making them a convenient choice for both new constructions and upgrades to existing systems.
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High Coefficient of Performance: Offering a high Coefficient of Performance (COP), heat pumps deliver exceptional efficiency by providing more heating output per unit of electrical energy input compared to traditional systems.
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Cost-Effective & Flexible: Heat pumps present a cost-effective solution for water heating, reducing long-term energy expenses. Their flexibility in operation and compatibility with various energy sources, including solar power, further enhance their appeal.
Why Consider the Reclaim Co2 Heat Pump System?
Choosing a Reclaim Energy CO2 Heat Pump Hot Water System; these cost-effective and eco-friendly systems can heat your water for as low as $1 per day, making them a smart choice for any household seeking to keep the heat up and the costs down. Your upfront costs will be brought down even further if you’re eligible for the Victorian Solar Hot Water Rebate. The Reclaim system packs notable environmental benefits, and is approved by both the STC (Small-scale Technology Certificates)) and VEEC (Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates). It can meet various installation needs, with stainless steel available in tall options, and a squat tank available for subfloor installation.
A Professional Consultation with Total Electrics and AC
Thinking about getting your heat pump installed or looking for heating and cooling services including air conditioning installation, ducted air conditioning? You can start with getting a free quote from Total Electrics and Air Conditioning! We offer world-leading technology at competitive pricing, in addition to great after sales care and a 5 year warranty. You can also contact us directly here, or use our free Heatload Calculator or Installation Calculator. Easy!