A heat pump water heater (HPWH) can provide residents with environmental, health & safety, and financial benefits. In order to evaluate whether a HPWH makes sense for your home, consider the following factors.
Location
Garages and basements are the ideal locations for installing a HPWH. With certain precautions taken, HPWHs can also be installed in attics, indoor closets and outdoor water heater closets.
HPWHs need extra space around them for sufficient airflow. Most manufacturers recommend that a space be bigger than 700 cubic feet (79 square feet) and recommend that smaller spaces have a louvered door. There also needs to be a minimum clearance of 6" above and around the HPWH. Venting and duct options are available for confined spaces where 79 square feet is not available.
HPWHs need a drain for condensate. HPWHs can operate in both electric resistance mode and the more efficient heat pump mode. When operating the water heater in heat pump mode, it will dehumidify and cool the surrounding space.
Noise should be considered when choosing a site for a HPWH. The mechanical components produce 55 decibels or less which is slightly quieter than a refrigerator.
Electrical
Depending on the make and model, HPWHs usually require a dedicated circuit of typically between 15 and 30 amps and a 240V electrical conduit from the electrical panel to the location of the HPWH unit. If you're interested in learning more about upgrading your home's electric panel, visit our Electric Panel Upgrade page.
Sizing
While a household of three to four people might utilize a 50-gallon gas water heater, the best option for the same household would be a 80-gallon HPWH. The bigger tank allows the HPWH to support higher water draw volume without the need to operate using the less efficient electric resistance mode.