Heat pump water heaters

[JasonG]

We have been getting a lot of radio and billboard ads for GE's new heat pump water heater.
Google shows Rheem has one as well.
Do these live up to their claims? For $1500 they'd better.

[jesimpki]

A heat pump is typically more efficient at heating the air than resistive heating, why not water? Now, what if they made a ground source heat pump water heater...?

Just my $.02

[JasonG]

Most GSHPs use a desuperheater to make hot water. In the summer it makes it for "free" as it removes heat from the loop using only the cost of a small <1/16hp circulator pump.
I'm wondering a duct can be added to the heat pump water heater so it cools the house in the summer but blows outside in the winter?
Maybe if you calculate the smaller wiring or lack of gas piping, the cost may be more reasonable in a new house.

[Ryland]

From what I have read and gathered from talking to people who have worked with these, Yes, they work, pretty much as claimed as long as you look at how well they do in your situation, like a 55 degree basement as most of the numbers for them are based of 72F air temp, not 50-55F basement temp.
The other advantage of them is that they dry the air, this is good in warm humid areas where it might be in a closet in the living space and cold damp areas that tend to have basements.
Yes you can duct the cool air in to the living space, in the winter it might make sense to keep it in doors as it's still going to be warmer then the outdoor air that has to replace it and if you are cooling your basement then you are still getting some warmth from the ground, in a very indirect way.

[elhigh]

If your attic can take the weight, put it up there. Cools the attic, which means a cooler roof, cooler ceiling in your upper rooms, and hot water for fewer KWh.

[sid]

It is not unusual for water heaters to be located in the attic here in Florida. Mine is, as were most of the water heaters in my neighborhood originally. It does cut done on electricity for heating water in the summer, since most attics get hotter during the day than the temperature most water heaters are set for. But, then again, there is less need for hot water in the summer. I usually take cold showers in the summer just to cool off, for example.

[mloveland78]

I agree and the literature for these heat pump water heaters states that they will work best in a warm location like the attic but they have to be kept warm in the winter also which is the problem. If your attic gets down to freezing in the winter then it has to go into the basement. 55 degrees is better than 32.

[Patrick]

Lowes is selling the GE (COP=2.2) for $1599 and HomeDepot is selling the Rheem (COP=2.0) for $1499. AirTap also makes an aftermarket unit that you add to your existing water heater. It's $700: http://www.airgenerate.com/

PS. I forgot to mention that they all qualify for a tax credit of 30% of the price + install costs in 2010 only (US). Consult your tax professional. :-)

[Jehnavi]

Heat pump water heaters use electricity to move heat from one place to another instead of direct heat. Therefore, may be two or three times more energy than conventional electric resistance water heaters. You can move the heat, heat pumps work like a refrigerator reverse.Install the state of excess heat as the boiler room. Heat pump boilers are not working effectively in a cold room. It is usually cold in space can also install heat pumps that combines heating, cooling and water heating. Together, these systems draw heat inside during the winter, outdoor air and indoor air in summer. Why remove the heat from the air, each air heat pump works more efficiently in hot climates.

[JasonG]

Yeah but regular water heaters are about $500.

i guess compared to a tankless there not so bad, but the payback is long.