Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH) is a relatively new technology, which uses electricity, therefore, enabling heat to be moved from one place to another. Heat pump water heater is more energy efficient than the conventional electric resistance water heaters; (it creates heat using electrical resistance, for instance, a stovetop or a toast which is costly and inefficient.) This is because they do not generate heat directly. As it draws heat from the surrounding air and the heat drawn is stored in the water. For the heat to be moved the heat pumps works like a refrigerator in reverse.
The heat pump water heater systems have a higher initial cost than convectional storage water heaters; however, it is important to note that they have a lower cost of operating; as a result it can offset their high cost incurred when purchasing and installing it. Therefore, if you are planning to replace a standard electric water heater, then you need to consider the new heat pump water heater; for it also makes 50% of energy saving as compared to standard electric resistance water heater.
Things to Consider When Installing Heat Pump Water Heater.
Location. For sufficient air flow, the heat pump water heater requires extra space around them. The garage being the most recommended place. Before purchasing the heat pump water heater, one ought to check the manufacturer’s recommendation for the placement of the HPWH to ensure proper location.
Proper sizing. The water heater should have a first-hour rating which suits your household’s peak hour demand. The first-hour rating is the amount of water that can be supplied starting with a full tank of hot water. The house hold peak hour demand is the amount of hot water you can use at the time you use a lot of the hot water.
Converting to electricity. Converting gas to electricity can yield undesirable effects and may not be allowed by the authority who have jurisdiction over building permits. Hence, one needs to check before installing.
Rebate Requirements
For an individual to qualify for a thousand US dollar, one ought to select an ENERGY STAR® heat pump water heater. The unit must also have the following;
An energy factor of 2.0 or even higher.
A minimum clearance as determined by the manufacturer.
Meet all the codes and be properly ascertained by the local authority.
Be permanently installed, and it is required to be new.
A storage capacity of 50 gallons or more.
To Get Started
The SMUD Rebate Form is downloaded as it has all the required documents. Then the following is also done;
Obtaining a building permit.
Hiring a qualified contractor.
The rebate form is to be submitted or filed online within 60 days of installation.
It should be noted that rebate is subject to change and are available while funds last.
The heat pump water heater systems have a higher initial cost than convectional storage water heaters; however, it is important to note that they have a lower cost of operating; as a result it can offset their high cost incurred when purchasing and installing it. Therefore, if you are planning to replace a standard electric water heater, then you need to consider the new heat pump water heater; for it also makes 50% of energy saving as compared to standard electric resistance water heater.
