Introduction
When it comes to installing a heat pump water heater, it’s important to understand the benefits of these high efficiency systems, as well as the differences regarding set up and install. After reading this post, you should have a better understanding of what is involved with installing a heat pump water heater, as well as some key items to look out for when it comes to purchasing one of these units.
Location
One of the biggest differences of these units compared to a traditional water heater is the airflow required for the “heat pump” mode. We do not recommend placing this unit in a tight, enclosed space like a closet or under an enclosed stairwell. If your only option is to place your unit in a space like this, we recommend sticking with a traditional or tankless water heater. Preferably, The unit should be placed in the center of an open and well ventilated room with over 150 square foot of space. The space does not have to be conditioned.
Venting
Much like a traditional HVAC system, heat pump water heaters have a return and a supply. The return pulls in air from the surrounding space, and the supply discharges it into the open space. Some customers who are interested in these water heaters inquire about venting this system into their current HVAC system. In some occasions, we do recommend ducting in a return to an existing door or wall to help with airflow constraints, but we do not recommend tying in the supply side of the water heater to existing ductwork.
The reason for this is that the supply side will generally always produce cold air, so when your heating system is trying to heat your home, the cold air coming in from your heat pump water heater will be a deterrent to what your heating system is trying to accomplish.
Configuration
There are two main items to be concerned with when it comes to selecting the correct system to install: The first is where the hot and cold inlet lines are and the second is where your return and supply vents are. Most units will have the return and supply on the side of their units. However, AO Smith’s newest heat pump water heater has their return and supply on the top of the unit. This is our preferred design, because it is usually easier for the unit to intake and discharge air vertically than horizontally.
In addition, the AO smith has two options for water supply hookups – top and side. Some units only have these hookups on the side, so be sure you understand your current configuration and where the new water lines will be.
Installing a Heat Pump Water Heater
When it comes to installing a heat pump water heater, it’s very straightforward. Simply drain, disconnect, and remove your old water heater and install the new water heater as you would a standard tanked water heater. Hook up your hot and cold, replace or install an expansion tank if your local code requires one, and wire up the electrical. These water heaters run on the same electrical as a traditional, so as long as you have a 10 gauge wire running to a 30 amp double pole circuit, there is no need to upgrade your electrical.
There is one main difference in installing a heat pump water heater, however. You must run a condensate line to an existing drain line. These units, like a traditional heat pump, generates condensate, and you can’t simply run the line down into a pan. Prior to install, make sure you scope out where you want your condensate to go, and if you are going to need a condensate pump or not. If you do need a condensate pump, make sure you have an outlet you can plug the pump directly into- without using an extension cord. This installation step is critical for correct operation and one that we see missed on the majority of installs.
Read more: Heat Pumps Explained: Do You Really Need One for Your Home?
For your benefit, below is a video of DynaMech Solution’s installing a heat pump water heater.
Operation
If you have successfully installed your unit, congrats! You will notice that the newer units come with three options – “Heat Pump”, “Hybrid”, and “Standard”. The “Heat Pump” mode is the most efficient way to heat your water, but it takes the longest to do so. We tell our customers to inspect roughly 30 seconds to 1 minute longer to heat the water than usual. A great tradeoff between quick hot water and efficiency would be the “Hybrid” mode. This setting utilizes the heating elements to quickly heat the water, and once the water is heated, switches over to the “heat pump” mode to maintain the temperature. We have found that many of our customers leave their unit on this setting.
The last option is “standard”, and we don’t recommend using this option, simply because it defeats the purpose of installing a heat pump water heater. If you select “standard”, your unit is basically operating just like a standard water heater. This option is beneficial, but only as a backup option if you are running into an issue with the “Hybrid” or “Heat Pump” options. Any new heat pump water heater will come with the option to control the water heater (mode and water temperature) from an App on any Andriod or Iphone mobile device.
If you live around the Greater Chattanooga area and would prefer to hire a top rated local plumbing company for this work, feel free to give DynaMech Solutions a call at the number below, or book an online appointment with us.
Rebates
Perhaps one of the most overlooked benefits of installing a heat pump water heater are the many benefits that homeowners are eligible for. If you live in the Greater Chattanooga area and choose to use DynaMech Solutions for your install, you will receive a $500 rebate through TVA. In addition to this state rebate, there are federal rebates on the table up to an additional $2000. Please keep in mind that the water heater you install must be an Energy Star rated unit. If you have any questions about these rebates, we would be happy to answer any questions you have.
