A heat pump works much like a refrigerator, but in reverse. Instead of removing heat from inside a fridge, it extracts heat from the surrounding air and transfers it into the water stored in the tank.
The process involves four main components:
Even when outdoor temperatures are relatively cool, there is still enough heat energy in the air for the heat pump to operate efficiently.
Traditional electric water heaters use heating elements that convert electricity directly into heat. Every kilowatt of electricity consumed produces roughly one kilowatt of heat.
Heat pumps are different. They use electricity only to run the compressor and fan while moving existing heat from the air into the water. Because they transfer heat rather than create it, they can deliver three to five times more heat energy than the electrical energy they consume.
This means a heat pump can reduce electricity consumption for water heating by 60% to 75%, resulting in significant savings over its lifetime.
| # | Water Heating System | Energy Efficiency | Running costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Electric Storage Heater | low | High |
| 2 | Instant Electric Heater | Moderate | High |
| 3 | Gas Water Heater | Moderate | Medium |
| 4 | Solar Water Heater | Excellent (sunlight dependent) | Very low |
| 5 | Heat Pump Water Heater | Excellent | Very low |
Heat pump water heaters are suitable for:
They are especially ideal for facilities that require large amounts of hot water every day while keeping operating costs low.
