Are you looking for more effective ways to reduce your home’s overall energy consumption? If so, you may already have switched out your older power-draining light fixtures. You may even have upgraded your electrical switchboard. However, how much thought have you given to changing your hot water system?
One of the top recommendations from the plumber Sydney locals rely on is to change older hot water systems to modern, energy-efficient heat pump systems. This post takes a closer look at what a heat pump system is and highlights the many benefits you can look forward to when you opt for these units.
Understanding What a Heat Pump Hot Water System Is
If you’ve never given your hot water system more than a passing thought, you may not be aware that one is not like another. Typically, you can expect to find four different types of hot water systems being used in Australian homes. These are listed as:
- Electric systems: These systems work by converting electrical energy directly into heat.
- Gas systems: For the most part, these systems use fuel such as natural gas to increase the temperature.
- Solar system: With this system, the sun’s energy is used to heat water by circulating water through solar collectors.
- Heat pump systems: These units heat water by extracting heat from the surrounding air.
Essentially, heat pump hot water systems make use of a small amount of electricity to power a little compressor and fan. This then circulates a refrigerant through a coil. When this happens, the coil absorbs the ambient heat from the surrounding air and transfers this to the water storage tank. The good news is that this process works even when it’s cold.
Simple and Effective Upgrade
There are many reasons why your Sydney plumber may recommend installing a heat pump hot water system. Our team have compiled a list of the most significant ones to consider.
1. Reduction in Power Bills
No matter what your views are on saving the planet, one thing everyone can agree on is that a reduction in monthly energy bills is a warm welcome. The good news is that heat pump hot water systems have been designed to offer significantly higher savings on your power consumption.
Our experts want to highlight that switching from an electric hot water system can see a potential saving of up to 70% on your overall bill. Keep in mind that this can be more or less, depending on the model and general usage. You can further enhance your savings by pairing the heating unit with solar panels or opting to switch the unit off during off-peak periods.
2. Look Forward to Potential Government Rebates
Many homeowners often put off changing or upgrading their hot water systems because of the expected high installation cost that goes along with it. However, some good news here is that some areas are eligible for significant rebates to switch to more energy-efficient hot water systems.
Keep in mind that this may vary based on your location. This means it’s a good idea to discuss potential rebates with your hot water plumber before settling on a specific model. The rebates on these models will go a long way toward offsetting the initial installation costs. Your hot water plumber will be able to recommend a unit that’s best suited to your household’s specific needs.
3. Durability is Combined With Low Maintenance
It’s also safe to say that any plumbing upgrade should require as little maintenance as possible. Since quality heat pump hot water systems are built with fewer moving parts than electrical or gas systems, fewer components need servicing and repairing.
Unlike other heating systems, the heat pump versions only operate when needed. This is done by built-in smart sensors and timers to help you regulate and maintain water temperature exactly as you need it. Having a system that doesn’t have to run all the time means the parts last longer, increasing the unit’s overall durability.
4. Significantly Better for the Planet
You may be keen on reducing your home’s overall carbon emissions, but you may not be sure where to start to make a considerable difference. With the current state of affairs regarding the planet, it’s essential to note that any effort an individual makes can have a positive effect.
That said, the high levels of energy efficiency on offer from these models instantly help to cut down on your home’s carbon emissions. This is especially the case when you opt to replace older gas or electrical systems. Not only is this a win for your local environment, but you will get the same reliable hot water, minus the guilt and the large carbon wastage.
Final Thoughts
Switching or upgrading your old energy-guzzling hot water system is one of the more effective ways to reduce the energy your home uses. Other benefits that you can look forward to include potential government rebates, durability, and low maintenance. You can also have peace of mind that your new water heater is better for the planet!