An interview with Andy Meyer of Efficiency Maine
The SunriseGuide sat down with Efficiency Maine’s Andy Meyer to learn more about heat pump water heaters and why more and more Maine homeowners are making the switch to these new high-efficiency water heating systems.
SunriseGuide: Andy, many homeowners have heard about heat pumps. But what is a heat pump water heater?
Andy Meyer: Hybrid heat pump water heaters are a new, highly efficient way to heat water. To understand the concept of heat pumps, imagine a refrigerator working in reverse. While a refrigerator removes heat from a box and expels it into the surrounding air, a heat pump water heater takes the heat from the air and transfers it to water. They are called “hybrids” because in addition to a heat pump they also have traditional electric resistance heating elements for times when demand exceeds the heat pump’s ability to produce heat. While they heat water, heat pump water heaters also air condition and dehumidify the space around them.
SG: What are the advantages of a heat pump water heater?
AM: Heat pump water heaters typically cost half as much to operate as traditional electric resistance water heaters, and can save a homeowner as much as $2,500 over the lifetime of the unit. They also reduce need for dehumidification. Although, because they operate based on hot water demand instead of humidity levels, heat pump water heaters complement but do not replace dehumidifiers. They can also reduce the need for air conditioning.
SG: When should a homeowner consider switching to a heat pump water heater?
AM: If you have an electric water heater that has passed its warranty or you have a traditional boiler with no external hot water storage tank, it’s worth considering a heat pump water heater.
SG: Are there some households that are not good candidates for heat pump water heaters?
AM: Great question. Heat pump water heaters are as loud as a dehumidifier so they are best installed in an unoccupied room. They can cool an unheated room 3 to 5°F, reducing comfort during the heating season. Because of their noise and cooling effect, heat pump water heaters are better suited to basements than living spaces, especially if there is extra heat created by a nearby boiler. If installed in a conditioned space, the heat that is pumped into the water will have to be replaced by the space heating system. This can reduce savings during the heating season. Homeowners should also keep in mind that they’ll need a place to drain the condensate from the unit. This can be pumped outside or passively drained into a sink, washing machine drain, or floor drain lower than the heat pump condensate port.
SG: What’s the next step for an interested homeowner?
AM: Heat pump water heaters are an exciting new technology that is a great fit for many Maine homeowners. To find out more about heat pump water heaters and available incentives, visit www.efficiencymaine.com. There you’ll find the “Compare Water Heating Options” tool which will help you estimate how much you could save with a heat pump water heater. On the Efficiency Maine website, you’ll also find a tool to help you find heat pump water heater retailers and installers.
