Installing a heat pump hot water system guide, Home heating advice, Property warm shower

Installing a Heat Pump Hot Water System: What You Need to Know

31 October 2023

Rain, hail, or shine, Australians love a good hot shower. Not only to soothe our muscles after a long day but also because it’s a lovely part of our routine. But what if someone said, you can not only have your hot shower but also do your bit for the environment? Sounds fair?

Welcome to the world of Heat Pump Hot Water Systems. Today we’re here to run you through what you need to know about installing a heat pump hot water system.

Heat Pump Hot Water System Unravelled

Before diving into the installation aspects, it’s vital to understand the operating principle behind it. Heat pump water systems, akin to your refrigerator but in reverse, entrap heat from the air and transfer it into the water in the storage tank.

Thus saving energy that would have otherwise been used to heat the water. They come loaded with many more heat pump water heater benefits. These include significantly reduced electric bills and carbon emissions, making them worth your dime.

Types of Heat Pump Water Systems

Heat pump systems aren’t a uniform fit for everyone and are available in a variety of types, each designed to meet unique requirements. Let’s delve into the range of choices available:

Air-Source Heat Pumps

The most common type, air-source heat pumps extract heat from the outside air, even in colder weather. These are efficient energy savers, reducing energy usage by up to 70% compared to traditional systems.

Ground-Source or Geothermal Heat Pumps

Instead of catching heat from the air, these heat pumps extract the earth’s natural heat using underground pipes. The entire setup works at a constant temperature, resulting in a durable, highly efficient, and environmentally friendly process.

Split Systems

These consist of two parts – an outdoor unit that captures heat and an indoor tank that stores hot water. This type offers great installation flexibility and is quiet, as the noise-generating components are externally located.

Integrated Systems

As the name suggests, these systems come as a unit with the tank and compressor combined. They are ideal for properties with limited installation space but can be a bit noisy because the compressor is housed in the tank.

Key Considerations of Installation

Even for professionals, installing a heat pump hot water system is no walk in the park. It’sa lot more complex than that, along with a bunch of non-negotiable factors:

Space Requirements

Space requirements for heat pumps are a little bit more than your standard hot water system due to the outdoor unit. They typically require around one metre of space surrounding the outdoor unit for adequate airflow.

Climate

Heat pump hot water systems are generally well-suited to Australia’s temperate climate conditions. But in extremely cold regions, efficiency might bog down a tad as they are less effective in colder temperatures, which might require an additional heat source.

Sound

Heat pump systems, while not as loud as some other household equipment, do produce some noise generated by the fan and compressor.

Maintenance and Aftercare

Just like a well-maintained car runs smoother, a regularly serviced heat pump system will perform efficiently over its lifespan. Regular maintenance includes cleaning of air filters, checking system pressure, thermostat and controls, as well as inspecting for refrigerant leaks.

Long-Term Savings
A well-maintained heat pump system not only guarantees efficiency but also longevity. The cost of regular maintenance is often recouped in preventing potential larger repairs and making sure extended system life.

Future Prospects

As technological progress continues, we anticipate even higher efficiency and eco-friendliness from heat pump systems. Coupled with potential growth in government support for “green” energy, this paves the way for an increasing number of Australians to reap the benefits of these systems.

Working with a Professional

Installation of a heat pump hot water system is not your run-of-the-mill DIY task. It is best to hire professional plumbers for hot water system installations. Apart from the fact that this makes sure you have a correctly installed system, there are other reasons engaging a professional is a wise choice.

Warranties
Most manufacturers stipulate that warranties are valid only if the heat pump hot water system is installed by a licenced plumber. This guarantees the durability and longevity of the system.

Safety
Safety first, mates! A professionally installed system relieves you of any risk involved in dealing with electrical and plumbing lines.

Compliance
Opting for a professional installation means that you are assured that your new hot water system is in compliance with all relevant Australian regulations and standards.

Installing a heat pump hot water system Conclusion

Making the big switch to a heat pump hot water system might feel like a bit of a game of two-up, but with the right knowledge and professional help, it can be seamless. Not only will it contribute to your ecological footprint reduction, but it’ll also slash your energy bills and provide you with reliable hot water throughout the year. So, Australia, it’s time to consider the switch, right?

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