Plumbing Connection Winter 2022

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4 6 PLUMBING CONNECTION Winter 2022
GET TO KNOWHEAT PUMPS THIS
WINTER
B enefits aside, during winter months customers first
and foremost want to ensure their hot water is reliable.
Here are the answers to common questions on heat
pumps we see during the colder months to help plumbers
explain why this technology might be the best option for them.
HOWDO HEAT PUMP HOT WATER SYSTEMS WORK?
Simply put, heat is collected from one space and released into
another.
Much like how an air conditioner cools and distributes air,
heat pump systems extract heat energy from the surrounding
air and use it to heat water in the tank.
BUT WILL THEY WORK INWINTER?
One of the most common questions customers ask about
heat pumps is whether they will continue to work as efficiently
through the cold winter months.
It might not feel like it in July, but there is always heat in the
atmosphere. Regardless of weather, heat pump technology
will continue to draw on that energy to heat water, 24 hours a
day and all year round, with a back-up element to ensure hot
water is available in extremely low temperatures.
While brands and models vary, the Rheem Ambiheat Heat
Pump, for example, will work in temperatures ranging from a
scorching hot 43˚C right down to -5˚C. The back-up electric
element, similar to the booster on a solar system, will ensure
hot water supply even in extreme cold. How often do we get to
-5˚C, though?
DOES HEAT PUMP EFFICIENCY REDUCE ELECTRICITY COSTS?
Yes. As the trend towards renewable green energy and
energy-efficient appliances continues, demand for heat
pumps is increasing, with Rheem Australia noting that sales
are exceeding expectations and targets since launching
Ambiheat last year.
Heat pumps boast exceptionally high efficiency. For
example, the COP (Coefficient of Performance) of Rheem’s
Ambiheat comes in at an impressive 4.5 kW – which is one of
the highest in Australia.
Heat pump technology is also a smart, flexible, energy-
efficient hot water alternative for houses and areas where
solar hot water solutions may not be suitable.
For those who live in houses with roofs that are too small or
do not face in the right direction to catch the sun’s rays, heat
pumps offer a smaller, sleeker solution for households while
still delivering reliable hot water and using substantially less
energy than electric water heaters. What’s more, the Ambiheat
has a similar footprint and connections to its traditional
electric counterparts, making it an easy replacement.
DO THEY COST A FORTUNE?
Heat pumps are not only good for the environment, but also
for your customers’ wallets.
They generate hot water with less electricity than
traditional electric water heaters, meaning your customers
could save up to 68%* of their usual water heating energy
usage when compared to traditional electric.
Although a little more expensive up front compared to
cheaper electric heaters, heat pump hot water systems will
actually save your customers in the long run. They are far
more energy-efficient than traditional electric water tanks,
and even slightly more than solar hot water systems.
Helpfully, heat pumps are also eligible for government
rebates and financial incentives on renewables.
Most Aussies think that hot water systems are a choice between gas, electricity or solar. The reliability,
installation and cost of each option vary, and each have their respective strengths and weaknesses. We
asked Rheem to explain how heat pumps can also contribute to effective solutions.
HEAT PUMPS
Footnote:
* Energy savings of up to 68% are based on Australian Government-approved
TRNSYS simulation modelling using a medium load in Zone 3, and apply when
replacing an electric water heater of similar size with a Rheem 551270 Heat
Pump water heater. Zone 3 covers most capital cities. For more information
visit
The Rheem Ambiheat heat pump.