Examine in-depth how a hybrid heat pump system is installed and maintained to ensure that it lasts as long as possible.
A hybrid heat pump is a contemporary heating system that combines a heat pump with another heat source, typically a gas or oil boiler, to provide space heating and hot water. Utilizing both types of heating systems will maximize energy, carbon, and cost savings.
Discover how to install a hybrid heat pump system now that you are familiar with what one is.
Read More: How to Install a Heat Pump System? Installation Guide
How to Install a Hybrid Heat Pump System?
It’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing a new hybrid heat pump hot water heater and to hire qualified and experienced contractors. But in general, the steps are:
- Select the location for the new heater (more on this below).
- Remove old hot water heater: You’ll need to drain your old water heater and disconnect the fuel, electrical, and/or plumbing lines. Only a qualified contractor should carry out this process because it can be dangerous.
- Place new hybrid hot water heater: In some places, a drain pan under your heater is a necessity and serves as insurance against water damage in the event of a leak. Before continuing, check that your heater is level.
- Connect the plumbing: If you’re lucky, your new hybrid heat pump water heater will fit exactly where your old one did and no additional plumbing work will be required. However, if you’re installing your new hybrid hot water heater in a different room, pipes may need to be rerouted in order to reach the inflow and outflow lines. Before connecting pipes to your heat pump hot water heater, any pipes that require soldering must be completed because heating tank fittings could lead to internal component damage.
- Connect the drain line: A hybrid heat pump hot water heater condenses air to produce water, just like an air conditioner. Connect your drain pipe’s one end to the heater’s condensate port and the other end to a floor drain (or a through-wall fitting if you want the condensate to drain outside). From the port to the drain, the drain pipe must be inclined downward; if this is not possible, a pump needs to be installed.
- Fill the tank: Before reconnecting the power, fill the tank of your new appliance with water to prevent damage from occurring when operating any hot water heater with an empty tank. During this process, be sure to open the faucets in your house to let air out of the system.
- Connect the power: Once your tank is full (and the area around it is completely dry), it’s time to reconnect the power and start using your new hybrid heat pump hot water heater.
Where to Install a Hybrid Heat Pump?
Hybrid heat pump hot water heaters can be installed in locations where traditional oil- or propane-fueled hot water heaters cannot because they do not produce harmful fumes. Additionally, as a side benefit wherever they are installed, hybrid hot water heaters may offer some climate control because they actually cool the air around them.
There are pros and cons to installing a hybrid hot water heater in various areas of your home:
- Basement: Installing a hybrid heat pump water heater in a basement might be a good idea. By placing the appliance close to a furnace, you can make sure that the surrounding air is always warm enough for effective operation, or at least above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, even in the winter. In an air-conditioned basement, the cool air produced by a hybrid water heater can result in higher heating costs in the winter, so it’s best if the basement is not climate controlled or air-conditioned.
- Garage: A hybrid heat pump water heater can be installed in a garage in warmer climates; during the warmer months, the heater will also aid in cooling the garage. This is not a good option, though, in regions where the temperature will fall below 40 degrees or so, as the heat pump is less effective in colder climates.
- Closet: Hybrid hot water heaters require about 1,000 cubic feet of air surrounding them, which is roughly the size of a 12-foot by 12-foot room, because they draw heat from the air around them before discharging cool air. Even with louvered doors, a small area like a closet may cool to the point where there isn’t enough ambient heat present.
- Attic duct: The heater draws warm air from the attic and vents cool air into the attic via a separate duct, so it may be the best option if the surrounding space is not ideal for a hybrid heat pump hot water heater. To avoid recirculating cooled exhaust air, the two ducts are placed at least 5 feet apart.
- Outdoors: Only in locations where the temperature stays above freezing all year round is an outdoor installation an option. In temperatures below freezing, hybrid hot water heaters cannot function.
Permits Required for Hybrid Heat Pump Hot Water Heater Installation
It can be difficult to remove a traditional hot water heater and install a hybrid because it may require simultaneous changes to the home’s gas, electric, and plumbing systems. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that the procedure will frequently be governed by local and state building codes.
The best way to navigate the codes—and the permits you might need—is to speak with your neighborhood building inspector and hire a licensed contractor who is familiar with your local building codes and is accustomed to operating within them.
Reasons You Need to Start Installing Hybrid Heat Pumps
The International Energy Agency claims that in 2020, renewable electricity installations reached a record high. We are industry leaders in clean energy, specializing in ground- and air-source heat pumps. As a result, we’ve listed three reasons why you should start installing a hybrid heat pump system below.
Hybrid Heat Pumps Are the Technology of the Future
Heat pumps are pioneers in the field of renewable energy, which is the technology of the future. A heat pump is extremely efficient and produces three times more energy than it uses, as opposed to inefficient boilers that are more expensive to operate.
Also with green electricity on track to become the largest power source in 2025, displacing coal for the first time in 50 years, the future will favour plumbers who have experience with renewables. This is only reinforced by the fact that in the UK the installation of gas boilers will be banned from new builds by 2025, with support to take this even further.
Government Incentives Make Heat Pumps Even More Accessible
For customers, heat pumps are more appealing and affordable thanks to a number of green energy incentives. One of these is the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), a financial scheme to help eligible households to offset the installation costs of a renewable energy source.
We are available to assist with the implementation of this clean energy initiative for both new construction and retrofits. For a ground source heat pump, the grant offers homeowners quarterly payments over seven years that could total about £15,500 and £7,000, respectively.
Hybrid Heat Pumps Are Simple to Install With Our Help
Numerous justifications for working in the renewable energy sector are listed above. We haven’t addressed the most obvious reason, though. With Spire Renewables, beginning the installation of hybrid heat pumps is incredibly simple.
Conclusion: Install Your New Hybrid Heat Pump
A hybrid heat pump water heater can be installed safely and correctly with the help of the right contractor, which is easier than doing it yourself. Along with recommendations from friends and family, your neighborhood’s building inspectors or trade associations might have a list of accredited contractors.
It won’t be possible to switch to heat pump-only systems overnight. Additionally, there are other methods that can produce hot water and space heating that are effective and affordable. The popularity of going hybrid is one such option.
FAQs
Can I Install My Own Heat Pump System?
After purchasing a heat pump, one can set the units up on their own. It will save money in the installation process if the unit is already mounted in its location when the certified technician comes to install it. This part is not technically complex and does not require a permit.
Are Hybrid Heat Pumps Worth It?
Due to its ability to switch to a different fuel when efficiency or heat demand changes, a hybrid heat pump system can help your home become more energy efficient. If you’re mulling over the question ‘Should I swap my boiler for an air source heat pump’ or similar, hybrid heat pumps are a viable consideration.
How Much Electricity Does a Hybrid Heat Pump Use?
Three kW of heat can be produced from one kW of electricity by a heat pump with a CoP of 3. Around 12,000-kilowatt hours (Kwh) of heat are needed annually for the typical home. Therefore, in order to achieve this, a heat pump with a CoP of three would use 4,000 kWh of electricity annually.
