How Does a Heat Pump Water Heater Work?

Lots of people in the Pacific Northwest use heat pumps to heat and cool their homes and businesses. Heat pumps are efficient and well suited for the mild winters in Vancouver. The same is true of a heat pump water heater. If you need a new water heater, here’s what you need to know about heat pump models.

How Does a Heat Pump Water Heater Work

Heat pumps work by moving heat rather than generating it. The units pull warmth from the air. A compressor raises the temperature of the air before delivering it where it’s needed. After compressing air, the pump moves heat to water in the tank. Heat pumps work on the same principles as refrigeration, only in reverse.

Heat pumps have a backup system. When the air is too cold to compress, the electric heater kicks in. A heat pump water heater is sometimes called a hybrid system because it uses two different technologies to produce hot water. The electric resistance system also comes into play during times of high demand, when your family may be using a lot of hot water at one time.

High Efficiency Water Heaters Cut Bills

This type of heater is two to three times more energy efficient than a standard electric unit. If your heater is more than 10 years old, you’ll likely save money on electric bills with any of the newer heaters. A conventional heater with an insulated tank, a tankless unit or a hybrid system will all keep your morning shower toasty for less.

Check for coupons on our most popular water heaters, and don’t forget to check for government rebates on high-efficiency water heaters.

Hybrid water heaters generally have 3-4 modes. This versatility ensures the units can provide sufficient hot water. Here are the most common settings:

• Efficiency mode: In this mode water is heated only by the pump and compressor.
• Electric mode: At this setting an electric element heats water. This mode is used during high demand or very cold weather.
• Hybrid mode: When this is the default setting, the unit will use the system that is most energy efficient and effective at delivering hot water.
• Vacation mode: Some models have a holiday setting, allowing the unit to pause when no one’s home.

Call the Experts in Vancouver Water Heater Repair and Installation

A hybrid heat pump water heater is an investment in your home and comfort. These efficient appliances have a higher initial cost than standard models. The value comes in the energy savings, which will add up over the years. If you’re ready for a new water heater, lets us recommend a replacement model.

Contact Simpson Plumbing to learn more about the Rheem Professional Prestige Hybrid Heat Pump or any of our other models.

Updated September 20, 2016.