From showering and washing dishes to doing multiple loads of laundry, your water heater is an imperative part of your home and family's needs. Unfortunately, many homeowners lack a basic understanding of this important appliance. Considering the average lifespan of a traditional water heater is between 8 and 12 years, most homeowners will need to replace it at one point in time.
Replacing your water heater can become overwhelming because there are different types available. However, many homeowners are seeing the enormous benefits of a heat pump water heater for their home. With this guide and your plumber's assistance, you will have a better understanding of a heat pump water heater to determine if it is the right option for your home.
UNDERSTANDING THE FUNCTION
You may be surprised to learn a heat pump water heater links to your home's heating and cooling system.
During the normal heating and cooling process, the heat pump pulls heat from the air and moves it to your water heater. This process works in a similar manner as a refrigerator but in reverse.
The refrigerator pulls warm air from the interior and dumps it into the air surrounding the appliance to keep food at the appropriate chilled temperature.
Your contractor can recommend a few options if you are interested in the innovative and efficient operation of a heat pump water heater. Many homeowners choose to retrofit their current heat pump to work with their conventional water heater. Also, you can purchase and install a stand-alone heat pump water heater.
UNDERSTANDING THE BENEFITS
Traditional water heaters use a great deal of energy since a constant supply is needed to heat the water. Most of this energy is wasteful because energy is used to heat water even when the hot water is not actually necessary.
Tankless water heaters are energy efficient alternatives to the traditional models. While they do require energy, it is only necessary when you are using hot water.
Many experts believe a heat pump water heater offers a happy medium between the traditional and tankless models. The exact amount of energy savings will depend on your home's total usage of hot water and the size of your family.
On average, a heat pump water heater certified by Energy Star can save a family of four around $330 a year in energy costs. Over the course of the water heater's lifespan, these savings can truly add up.
Conserving energy and saving money are great benefits, but other factors prove that a heat pump water heater is a worthwhile investment for your home.
As the heat pump water heater pulls heated air from the space around it, it also removes humidity. High levels of humidity damage paint and wood while increasing the risk of mold growth that can lead to health issues. Therefore, having a heat pump water heater that acts as a dehumidifier is another great benefit.
Today, more and more homeowners search for homes that have energy efficient upgrades. From energy efficient lighting and appliances to the use of green building materials, eco-friendly elements in the home are appealing and valuable.
Installing a heat pump water heater in your home will make your home more appealing to buyers. If you ever need to sell your house, your heat pump water heater will help you sell your home faster and at a higher price.
From energy conservation and financial savings to improved humidity levels and home value, the benefits of a heat pump water heater are easy to see. To learn more about this innovative appliance, contact Burton's Plumbing & Heating today.