Published March 18, 2016
By April Chong
As home owners become more conscious of conserving the environment and saving energy, more are turning to heat pump water heaters for their bathrooms. Compared to gas or electric water heaters, the heat pump water heaters use about 80 per cent less energy, leading to lower electricity bills. They are even more efficient than solar heaters.
For instance, AOS Bath’s micro heat pump water heaters run at 210 watts. Its energy usage is a far cry from the 3,000 watts used by conventional water heaters, this amounts to about $600 of savings in a year.
Heat pump water heaters are widely used in hotels and commercial areas and are usually around 300 liters. Micro heat pumps are the smallest heat pumps in the world and the first of their kind suitable for residences. They come in 60-litre and 80-litre models and at about $2,600, are more affordable than solar heaters.
Energy-saving water heaters such as solar systems and heat pumps have a higher upfront cost than traditional heaters. But if used correctly, the cost is recovered within two to four years, and there will be savings in the long run.
