Should I buy a Heat Pump Hot Water System

29 Jun 2023

by Brett Mulhall

Using technology similar to air conditioners and popularised in the quest for a greener planet, Heat Pump Hot Water Systems are growing in popularity.

Let's take a closer look at the decision to install a Heat Pump Hot Water System.

How does a Heat Pump Hot Water System work?
A Heat Pump Hot Water System works similar to an air conditioner. In simple terms, the compression of any gas forces the molecules closer together which creates friction and therefore heat. Conversely, gas that is decompressed allows the molecules to spread out and so there is less friction - so they cool down, absorbing heat. The everyday example demonstrating this is a bottle of barbecue gas feeling colder or forming condensation as it is used... The gas expanding inside the bottle taking heat from the metal enclosure and your hand when you touch it.

So Heat Pump Hot Water Systems compress gas adjacent to the water that is to be heated. The gas compresses, gets hotter and releases that heat energy into the water. The circulation of the gas includes decompression away from the water where the gas expansion will absorb heat ready for the next compression as it circulates. By effectively stealing the heat from the environment, a Heat Pump Hot Water System is fundamentally different from a traditional "Heating Element" Hot Water System. In a traditional Heating Element Hot Water Systems, electricity and electrons are pushed through a wire that does not like being used for that job and that electrical "resistance" generates heat. The making of heat is like your old bar heater.

Why are Heat Pump Hot Water Systems more efficient than element-based Hot Water Systems?

Heat Pump Hot Water Systems use electricity only to pump and compress gases and the generation of heat comes by stealing it from the environment. This is relatively efficient.
Traditional element Hot Water Systems produce heat by forcing electricity through a wire that does not like it and makes heat. It's relatively inefficient.
The difference in energy consumption between the two types of Hot Water Systems is substantial. Heat Pump Hot Water Systems, in the right environment and at peak operating performance, can be as much as an astounding 75% more efficient than traditional Heating Element Hot Water Systems.

Why use a Heat Pump Hot Water System

1. When building a new home there is an increasing obligation to be energy efficient and a Heat Pump Hot Water System helps meet that need. Government legislation has made it so.
2. The price of electricity has increased substantially over the past 25 years. This has been due to the corporatisation of electricity generation, investment into sustainable energy, technology and infrastructure and lately substantial increases in the price of carbon fuels like coal and gas. All these factors means that the cost of "grid" electricity for making hot water for your home has and will likely continue to rise dramatically.
3. As the world orients itself towards a carbon neutral future, we all have an obligation to use less energy, green energy, and be more efficient in our use of energy. Heat Pump Hot Water Systems meet this social obligation.
4. From time to time governments at different levels offer financial and other incentives to option towards Heat Pump Hot Water Systems making them more affordable.

What are the downsides of Heat Pump Hot Water Systems?

While the case for Heat Pump Hot Water Systems has an environmental and ecological outcome, there are a few downsides and considerations.
1. Heat Pump Hot Water Systems don't tend to last as long as Heating Element Hot Water Systems. Heat Pumps have moving parts like a compressor and a fan. These wear out over time. An Element Hot Water System has a cylinder and electrical circuitry and that's about it. They have been made for many years as well, so the manufacturing methods are very reliable. It's not uncommon to get 20 or more years out of a Heating Element Hot Water System.
2. When a traditional Heating Element Hot Water System system fails. It is far simpler to do an in-place replacement of old for new. There are a limited number of sizes, spaces and pipe orientations for which the popular manufacturers account for in their product range.
3. If you have a PV rooftop electrical generation system then you have taken a large step in favour of the planet. It is often the case that your electrical retailer is not offering you much money for the electricity you produce. That being the case why not use that electricity to make hot water ... And save on the price of your Hot Water System as Heat PumpHot Water Systems cost a good deal more than a traditional electrical element Hot Water System.
4. As the installation of a Heat Pump Hot Water System is often more complicated, particularly when replacing an traditional one, the labour cost will typically be a good deal more.

How do I decide between a Heat Pump Hot Water System and a Heating Element Hot Water System

Every situation is different and the best way you can make a decision about your Hot Water System, installation or replacement is to speak with the professionals. At Aptus Plumbing and Gas we instal multiple Hot Water Systems every single day across Brisbane and Morton Regional Shire. We appreciate the range of factors for deciding include the practicalities, price points and the need for reliable hot water for many years at a time. Give us a call to discuss your specific needs on 07 3205 1991 or complete the enquiry form below.

Good afternoon!
Where do you need a plumber?

Aptus Plumbing and Gas have a team of plumbers covering Brisbane & Moreton suburbs. Enter your address to see immediately if we offer service to your home or business location: