A new web-based tool by the Department of Energy offers comprehensive information about how to size, select, and install electric heat pump water heaters (HPWHs).
HPWHs can be two to four times more efficient than standard units. The benefits are maximized when installers follow best practices and choose the best model and size for the home. The HPWH Installation Tool provides customized guidance for installers, sales associates, and homeowners to help overcome barriers to HPWH adoption.
A HPWH resembles a traditional water heater, but rather than using a gas-fired burner or electrical element to warm the water in the tank, the HPWH extracts heat from the surrounding air. Both HPWHs and traditional water heaters last for about 15 years, but HPWHs require a certain amount of airflow to operate effectively, so the location of the water heater needs to be evaluated. It’s important that HPWHs are sized correctly because an undersized heater could, under certain conditions, result in lukewarm water.
The installation tool also helps determine whether a home’s electrical panel needs to be updated—a common situation when replacing a fossil fuel-fired water heater with a HPWH—or if a HPWH that plugs into a standard 120-volt electrical outlet might be a viable option.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Mar 7, 2017
Canada’s national building codes will encompass effects of climate change
Forecasted data, not historical data, will be used as the basis for the codes.
Codes and Standards | Mar 6, 2017
ConsensusDocs updates standard short contract editions
The updates address industry changes impacting insurance, legal, technology, and terminology.
Codes and Standards | Mar 3, 2017
ASCE updates standard for structures using tensile membrane
The new sstandard combines guidelines for conventional tensile membrane structures with frame-covered membrane structures.
Codes and Standards | Mar 1, 2017
EPA's 2017 Construction General Permit now in effect
The regulation governs compliance with effluent limits.
Codes and Standards | Feb 28, 2017
Concern grows for high tide flood vulnerability in Mid-Atlantic states
Washington, D.C., and Annapolis, Md., could flood every three days by 2045.
Codes and Standards | Feb 27, 2017
Green building saves operating costs and boosts asset value
A new report shows 14% cost savings and a 7% increase in value when green standards are met.
Codes and Standards | Feb 24, 2017
Scant data hampering energy, water efficiency at sports venues
New NIBS report says baseline information needs further development.
Codes and Standards | Feb 22, 2017
Plans for WELL Building Standard include linkage with other green building standards
The planned updated version will be customizable for any building type.
Codes and Standards | Feb 21, 2017
Aging building code inspectors and government belt-tightening could cause crisis
Inspectors are edging toward retirement with no understudies in place.
Codes and Standards | Feb 20, 2017
AISI publishes three new cold-formed steel framing research reports
Seismic simulation, roof trusses, steel-to-steel and sheathing-to-steel connections are examined in the reports.