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Replaced my electric resistance water heater with heat pump, dramatic reduction in energy usage
(lemmy.world)
cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/34021020
I recently installed an Emporia Vue with monitoring for the individual circuit my water heater is on. It captured the very significant difference in energy usage from replacing resistive heat with heat pump.
Not to be ungrateful for the explanation, but I've had heat pump HVAC for years. I'm originally from Oklahoma and everyone has a heat pump. In fact, I find it weird that they're controversial in any way!
I meant I had never heard of a heat pump water heater. Which sucks because I just had a new unit installed last year. :(
Are they extra expensive? More complex install?
Heat pumps have less immediate heat and less maximum heat. As electricity conservation becomes increasing vital heating appliances utilizing heat pumps are increasingly becoming an option but those limitations remain.
For water heaters you just need to be certain it replenishes quickly enough for your needs. But for other applications like dryers you may find yourself frustrated with the actual downsides regardless of choice.
A lot of hate for heat pumps comes down to people using them like resistive or gas heating rather than like the backwards air conditioner they are.
Like with an AC you need a place for the outside unit and do some piping. They are also more expensive, but the costs usually amortize well before a new unit is needed. They don't heat as hot, so you might need a bigger tank.
First, from all the ones I've installed, they have all been all in one units with the heat pump on top of the tank that use the room air as the source. Not saying split hp water heaters don't exist, I just haven't seen any. The install for these units is practically identical to a standard electric water heater except you need to pipe a drain for the condensate.
The ones I've seen also include a resistive element and can act in a hybrid mode where they heat the water mostly with the heat pump, but can use resistive to boost the temp.