With up to 65% more efficiency, how do heat pumps work?
We have heard the impressive efficiency of electric heat pumps but how do these innovative appliances actually work? Let’s take a detailed look at how electric hot water heat pumps work.
Electric hot water heat pumps operate by transferring heat from the surrounding air or ground into the water tank.
- Air is drawn in by a fan and passes over a coil that contains a special liquid called refrigerant. The refrigerant absorbs heat from the air and turns into a vapor.
- The vapor is then compressed by a compressor, which makes it hotter and increases its pressure.
- The hot vapor flows through another coil that surrounds the water tank. As it moves through this coil, it gives off its heat to the water in the tank, making the water warm.
- After giving off its heat, the refrigerant becomes cooler and changes back into a liquid as it flows through an expansion valve.
- The cycle starts again as the fan draws in more air, and the refrigerant continues to absorb heat and transfer it to the water.
One of the major advantages of electric hot water heat pumps is their high energy efficiency. Unlike traditional electric water heaters, which convert electrical energy directly into heat, heat pumps use much less energy to achieve the same result. This is because the heat transfer process is much more efficient than electrical resistance heating, which generates heat by passing an electric current through a resistor.
According to the Australian Government’s Energy Rating website, electric hot water heat pumps can be up to 65% more energy-efficient than traditional electric water heaters. This means that they require less energy to heat the same amount of water, resulting in significant energy savings over time.
Another advantage of electric hot water heat pumps is their environmentally-friendly operation. By using less energy to heat water, they reduce greenhouse gas emissions. According to the Clean Energy Regulator, the use of electric hot water heat pumps can result in up to 65% less greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional electric water heaters.
And now, for a limited time, the Victorian government has introduced new rebates for an upgrade to an electric heat pump for a considerable discount and in some cases a completely free upgrade. To see if you are eligible for a free system please click the link below and use our rebate calculator.
You could be eligible for government rebates on a new hot water system
Government Eligibility Calculator
Please complete the following questionnaire, and we will get in touch with you to provide a personalised quote regarding the government rebates you may be eligible for, as well as an estimated cost for installing a new heat pump.
