Heat Pumps - Why they are already a wise investment

[bradfordwhite]

It looks like (once again) EU countries and those affiliated, are doing things in a logical way compared to us in the U.S. No surprise.

If one is going to use a heat pump, you'd want the heat exchanger outdoors. I'm happy to hear that they at least exist.

It's totally inferior to want that noisy contraption indoors dumping cold air.

I remember looking at a model home with one of these things in it and it was running and I was like what is that noise in the basement? ehhhh.

This is like those vending machines that weirdly make a LOT of noise when all they are is a refrigerator that never gets opened. It should make less noise than a household refrigerator, not more.

Noise pollution is such a problem in the U.S. We should do everything to avoid adding to the problem.

 

[DADoES]

 
Considering that I've run air conditioning for the past 3 days, a heat pump water heater in the house providing some cooling and dehumidification would be a positive.  Such a unit unfortunately wouldn't fit in the small broom closet where my tankless is mounted.

 

[bradfordwhite]

Likewise there are people in cold climates or during periods of cold, icy weather but the electric is working, that have vented their electric dryer indoors. Not a gas dryer because of course the asphyxiation risk and the smell and soot. This way one can capture the heat and humidity. I've done that myself. But it creates a lot of dust.

 

[DADoES]

 
Which is why there are products on the market that fit a range of needs.

 

[bradfordwhite]

Yep, but not ALL the products which means it's not a free and open market here in the U.S.

WHERE are the heat pump water heaters that one would install outside?
Where is an affordable compact car like the Hyundai i10?
And why don't most "Americans" have access to public transport?

A closed or BIASED market especially in an increasingly world market is not acceptable.



If one diverts the dryer vent to vent inside, that's very simple.

If one were foolish or innocent enough to have a loud heat pump water heater INSIDE their home and it's cool outside so you have the heat on, how are you going to divert that cool air outdoors?

 

[DADoES]

 
Installation in a 31" x 28" broom closet in a small indoor laundry room obviously isn't ideal.  A larger laundry room may be workable.  A garage or exterior storage area would be perfect.

Sister's water heater is in the attic.  Not a good location for a 40- or 50-gal tank of water ... but being that's where is it, workable for a hybrid.

A.O. Smith units cite an optional duct kit for installation in a "confined" space.

Some Rheem units I checked cite refrigeration of 4,200 BTU (a small window unit) and noise level of 49 dBA.

 

[bradfordwhite]

Being from a northern state, the idea of a water heater in an attic seems ridiculous.
However, for a southern state it's actually a really good idea because

1. heat rises. Attics get hot helping to heat water and keep it hot, thus saving money and energy. Also, the heat from the water heater doesn't enter one's living environment. Another positive.

2. Southern homes don't usually have basements so it saves space by putting it in unused attic.

3. If it's gas it's got a short chimney and the gas is outside your living space.

The only thing is having a attic flor that can handle the weight and leaks.
Having a pan under would def. be a requirement.

 

[gizmo]

our 250 litre solar HWS is in the attic. It has a drain pan under. (steel tray leading to a drain pipe that drops out under the eave.)

We had to double up the ceiling joists to support the weight.

mounting it there allowed us to mount the solar hot water panels low down on the roof, and the heated water thermosyphons back up to the tank.(no pump.)

Usually you have to install them over a supporting wall, but we were able to demonstrate that our double framing was adequate to support the weight, and couldn't mount over a wall because the wall continues up to support the roof ridge beam.

It works a treat.