Tuesday, April 29, 2025

New Tool Helps with Selection & Installation of Heat Pump Water Heaters

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The Division of Vitality goals to scale back boundaries to know-how adoption by offering personalized, complete steering for sizing, choice, and set up

Installers unloading a warmth pump water heater. Picture credit score: Scorching Water Options

The U.S. Division of Vitality (DOE) has launched a brand new web-based software that gives complete details about how one can dimension, choose, and set up electrical warmth pump water heaters (HPWHs) — a key know-how for advancing the Biden–Harris Administration’s nationwide clear vitality targets. HPWHs could be two to 4 occasions extra environment friendly than normal models, which interprets to vitality financial savings and lowered carbon emissions. These advantages are maximized when installers observe finest practices and select the most effective mannequin and dimension for the house. The HPWH Installation Tool makes this simpler than ever, offering personalized steering for installers, gross sales associates, and owners to assist overcome boundaries to HPWH adoption.

“The Heat Pump Water Heater Installation Tool will make energy-efficient retrofits easier than ever, enabling homeowners to take advantage of Inflation Reduction Act incentives,” stated James Carlisle, appearing director of the DOE Constructing Applied sciences Workplace.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) created the HPWH Set up Device with funding from the Constructing Applied sciences Workplace’s Residential Buildings Integration program. PNNL researchers consulted with a number of organizations, together with different nationwide laboratories, regional energy-efficiency organizations, state vitality packages, and installers in California, Oregon, and Washington.

A New, Environment friendly Means of Heating Water

A HPWH resembles a standard water heater, however relatively than utilizing a gas-fired burner or electrical component to heat the water within the tank, the HPWH extracts warmth from the encompassing air. HPWH models are recognized for his or her effectivity, which interprets to vitality financial savings and lowered carbon emissions.

However consultants consider lack of public familiarity with the know-how’s advantages, availability, and set up necessities has hindered adoption.

“Not only does the installation tool help demystify these water heaters, but it provides contractors and service technicians with confidence in installing the technology, which consumers will notice. I see that as a big benefit in getting more heat pump water heaters into homes,” stated PNNL’s Alek Parsonsan engineer who helped develop the software.

“Heat pump water heaters, like traditional water heaters, last for about 15 years, but there are differences in how they are installed and operated,” stated PNNL’s Josh Butzbaughwho led growth of the software. For instance, he famous that warmth pump water heaters require a specific amount of airflow to function successfully, so the situation of the water heater must be evaluated.

Sizing can also be a crucial consideration. An appropriately sized HPWH will meet the new water wants of a family. Conversely, an undersized heater may, below sure situations, end in lukewarm water and a cold reception by the house owner.

The set up software additionally helps decide whether or not a house’s electrical panel must be up to date—a standard state of affairs when changing a fossil fuel-fired water heater with a HPWH—or if a HPWH that plugs into a typical 120-volt electrical outlet could be a viable possibility.

Utilizing the Device

The choice software was designed as a “one-stop shop” for individuals considering HPWHs to get assistance on choosing and putting in models in current houses. The software delivers personalized suggestions together with basic details about HPWHs, how they function, and the advantages for each owners and installers.

To start out, customers observe prompts to enter particular details about their residence, together with the zip code—to align suggestions with the suitable local weather zone—and the variety of bedrooms and loos. The consumer then gives particulars in regards to the HPWH’s potential location, resembling airflow, capacity to empty condensation, and area constraints. Customers additionally present data on sound concerns; the proximity of a heating, air flow, and air con (HVAC) thermostat; and the presence of home equipment resembling soaker tubs or spas, which could have an effect on the quantity of sizzling water wanted at one time.

Most customers will spend lower than 10 minutes finishing the shape. The software then rapidly converts the submitted data into personalized suggestions for HPWH sizing, set up, and potential residence alterations that may improve efficiency. The software additionally gives set up best practices and details about obtainable tax credit and incentives.

“The Inflation Reduction Act provides incentives for heat pump water heaters beyond existing tax credits,” Butzbaugh stated. “As a result, it’s likely there will be increased consumer interest in this equipment. The installation tool puts useful information in the hands of homeowners and installers at an opportune time.”

DOE is assured the set up software will change into a necessary a part of coaching packages for installers and for staff in product name facilities, retail gross sales, and customer support who discipline questions from potential water heater prospects, in addition to in workforce training programs.

Courtesy of U.S. Department of Energy.


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