How much does a heat pump save on electricity?

A good shower asks very little of you. Turn on the tap, find the temperature, let the day begin. Heating that water, however, can ask a great deal of your electricity supply.

At SunScan, we help homeowners change that equation. Our residential heat pumps draw on an energy source that surrounds every home: the air. The result is a more efficient way to heat water, with potential energy savings of up to 70% on water heating, depending on the system and operating conditions.

That saving applies to heating your water, rather than every appliance on your electricity account. Your actual rand saving depends on your hot-water use, electricity tariff and system performance.

How does a heat pump use less electricity?

A conventional geyser uses an electric element to produce heat. A heat pump collects warmth from the air, raises its temperature through a compressor-driven refrigeration cycle and transfers that heat into the water.

Think of the principle behind your fridge. It moves heat out of a cold space. A heat pump puts the same underlying science to work to heat your water.

Because the system draws much of its heat from the air, each unit of electricity can deliver several units of heat. That is the advantage homeowners are paying for: more useful heating from the electricity they buy.

What does the efficiency rating mean for me?

Our 5.4 kW residential model, for example, has a published coefficient of performance of 4.15. At its rated conditions, that means approximately 4.15 units of heat delivered for each unit of electricity consumed.

Actual performance changes with air and water temperatures, which is why we recommend looking at the whole installation when assessing savings.

Can a heat pump work with my existing geyser?

A suitable existing geyser may be retained and connected to a heat pump. Compatible solar water-heating systems can also incorporate one. Our experience across both technologies helps homeowners explore an upgrade that works with the equipment they already have.

Does it need sunshine to work?

No. A heat pump does not need direct sunshine, so it can operate after sunset or on an overcast day. It does need electricity.

Why start with SunScan?

SunScan has specialised in energy-efficient water-heating solutions since 2008. We bring that knowledge to the decisions that matter: the technology, the capacity and the way the system works in your home.

Your next hot shower could cost less to heat. Speak to SunScan about putting a residential heat pump to work.