A heat pump is a machine or device that moves heat from one location to another using mechanical work.
Heat Pumps are available in different forms, shapes and sizes. The 2 most common shapes are referred to as "Tower" and "Split" systems. As for forms, some heat pumps use heat exchange and some have holding tanks.
A Heat Pump is a little like a reverse refrigerator. It transfers the heat in the air outside of the unit to the water stored inside the tank through a heat exchange system.
Heat Pumps use the energy potential, which is granted by mother earth free of charge.
The work in cold conditions as well, so even during winter nights they will be generating hot water for you.
Heat pumps are for some reason less popular than Solar Hot Water Systems. This mainly due to the "feel good" effect from the word SOLAR. However, Heat Pumps are generally cheaper to buy, cheaper to install, cheaper to run (no booster needed on cloudy days) and requrie less space than Solar Hot Water Systems.
They may also attract Government rebates just like Solar Systems because they are just as efficient.
Boosting
Some heat pumps are fitted with electric boosters. These boosters kick in when hot water levels run low and ensure you're provided with just as much hot water as with a conventional system, even on cloudy days.
Rebates
Government rebates may apply to heat pump hot water if changing over from an existing electric system. This rebate is paid out to you after installation and is basically a reward for getting rid of your electric storage unit.
Conditions do apply to these rebates so please check with your Air Solar expert if in doubt.
RECs
A REC, or "Renewable Energy Certificate" is equivalent to one megawatt hour of electricity generation.
The value of a REC is dependent on market conditions and can vary daily. RECs are usually used as a point of sale discount, in order for you to outlay less money upfront.
Benefits of heat pump hot water
Air Solar Australia are proud to announce that some of our customers are now paying only $40 per year for hot water. These are all families and in every case they have installed a heat pump.
Hot water heating, on average, makes up for approximately 35% of your energy bills and heat pumps can save up to 75% of that.
Also, if you are thinking of going with solar power (PhotoVoltaic) at some stage it is definitely an advantage to go heat pump first as it's a much cheaper way of cutting down your bill.
Lifespan and Warranty
Air Solar Australia sells a variety of heat pumps including Stiebel Eltron & Rheem heat pumps. These all come with a 5 year warranty, which is standard for hot water systems in Australia. However, typically a heat pump system will last 15-20 years, which is roughly double that of an electric system. The German made Stiebel Eltron has a 15+ year warranty in Europe.
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