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Heat Pump Electric Water Heaters

Our outlook on energy efficiency has experienced many changes over the past 40 years.  Today’s focus  is on energy supply sources, costs and environmental effects.  The electric water heater is no exception.

The first electric storage tank hot water heater was invented in 1889 by George Ruud.  This invention has experienced numerous advancements since its introduction. The heat pump water heater is the new generation electric water heater developed to cut hot water costs for every use – baths, dishwashers, laundry and sinks etc.

Government weatherization incentives included wrapping your water heater with a fiberglass blanket.  While this did help reduce both energy use and cost, energy loss still occurred.  High efficiency , quick recovery and instant heat tankless water heaters have resolved the problem of storing large amounts of hot water.  These units have all but eliminated the cold water shock in the middle of a shower by extremely decreasing the waiting period for replenishing hot water.

Operation of heat pump water heaters is very similar to heat pump systems used for heating and cooling your home.  Instead of heating the element inside the water heater tank, the heat pump water heater utilizes existing heat energy from surrounding air sources and transfers it to the water.

As in most green technology, the initial investment is more costly than the conventional water heater.  However, with an efficiency rating of over 200 percent, the long-run savings is worth the up-front expense.    Also to be considered are federal tax credits and rebate programs from utility companies.  The heat pump electric water heater carries the Energy Star rating from the Department of Energy – a requirement in receiving the tax credit.

Going Green