Heat Pump Cylinders, also known as Heat Pump Water Heaters, are relatively new in both the Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland markets, at the time of writing.
At Surge we like to be at the forefront of all renewable energy technologies, designed for residential or commercial use, and we’ve been slowly introducing these products to the market over the last year.
During that time we’ve fielded plenty of questions around the basics of water heater cylinders, so here’s an overview if you’re currently in research mode.
Heat Pump Water Heater Cylinders in Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland
What is a Heat Pump Water Heater Cylinder?
A heat pump water heater cylinder, also known as a heat pump water heater tank or heat pump water heater unit, is an energy-efficient appliance used for heating water.
It incorporates a heat pump technology to efficiently transfer heat from the surrounding air into the water, making it an environmentally friendly and cost-effective option for hot water generation.
Due to the technology and setup, it essentially means you can forego old Immersion style heating and generate hot water all year round! Handy when you’re living in Northern Ireland or in the Republic of Ireland.
Water Heater Cylinder Basics:
Here’s how a heat pump water heater cylinder works:
- Heat Pump Technology: The core component of the system is a heat pump, which basically operates similarly to an air conditioner but in reverse. Instead of expelling heat from inside a space, it extracts heat from the surrounding air to use productively within the home.
- Heat Exchange: The fan draws in ambient air from the surroundings, and the heat pump’s refrigerant evaporates at a low temperature, absorbing heat from the air in the process.
- Heat Transfer: The heat absorbed by the refrigerant is then transferred to a coil or heat exchanger within the water heater cylinder. This coil is submerged in the water tank.
- Water Heating: As the heat is transferred from the refrigerant coil to the water, it raises the temperature of the water in the tank. This heated water is then stored until it’s needed.
All of that means you get hot water when you want it or need it! Easy.
Advantages of a heat pump water heater cylinder include:
- Energy Efficiency: Heat pump water heaters are highly energy-efficient compared to traditional electric resistance heaters. They can provide the same amount of hot water while using significantly less electricity.
- Cost Savings: Because they use less electricity, they can result in lower energy bills over time, offsetting the higher upfront cost. Simple!
- Environmentally Friendly: Heat pump water heaters produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions because they primarily rely on ambient air as a heat source, rather than burning fossil fuels.
- Cooling Effect: In warm climates, heat pump water heaters can also act as dehumidifiers and air conditioners, as they remove heat from the air during the water heating process, providing a cooling effect in the surrounding space.
- Longevity: Heat pump water heaters tend to have a longer lifespan compared to traditional water heaters.
It’s important to note that the performance of a heat pump water heater may vary depending on factors such as the ambient temperature, humidity levels, and the location of the unit.
If all of the above sounds good, and you’re interested in the potential costs and practicalities of installing a water heater cylinder in your own home, chat to our team by clicking here!
Simply fill out the form and our renewables energy experts will be in touch.