How this heating system works

Heat pumps are tremendously popular and are mostly used as a way to heat and cool homes; however, the same technology is also being used to great effect with water heaters and create energy efficient hot water.

Unlike conventional electric water heaters, which are designed to generate heat directly, a heat pump water heater uses electricity to move heat from one place to another. It is this process that makes systems up to three times more energy efficient and more favorable to people that are looking to help the environment and save money on energy bills.

A simple way of explaining how our heat pumps work is to say that they operate like a refrigerator in reverse. Where a fridge will take the heat of a space and move it to the outside, a heat pump will take the heat out of the air and send it at a higher temperature to a water tank, resulting in hot water for bathing, showering, etc.

Typically, heat pump water heater systems come as stand-alone units and integrated systems; however, it is also possible to modify an existing convectional water heater so that is works with a heat pump.

Performance conditions

These systems are certainly not for everyone and are only able to perform in warm climates as they need heat to produce more heat. For optimum performance, a heat pump must be installed where the surrounding temperature remains between 40˚-90˚F all year round. There should also be a minimum of 28.3 cubic metres of air space directly surrounding the unit.
You should never install a heat pump in a cold space; otherwise, it will simply be unable to perform its duty. The hottest part of a building (i.e. a furnace room) is the best location. If you’re looking for a way to create energy efficient hot water than a heat pump system is perfect for you. 

Desuperheaters

A desuperheater is what gives a heat pump its water heating capabilities and is a small heat exchanger that uses high-temperature gases from the pump’s compressor to heat the water. The hot water will then be sent via a pipe to the water heater tank for domestic or commercial use creating energy efficient hot water. 

Cost

The cost depends and the size and features of the system you require. The higher your demand for hot water, the larger the system will need to be. Almost all heat pump water heating units will have an initial outlay that is much greater that a conventional water heater; however, this cost can be offset by much lower operating costs which, with a GMC Thermal Unit, can save up to 75 per cent in electricity!

In short, if you are looking for a long-term way at generating energy efficient hot water then GMC Heat Pumps are for you.