Hot water accounts for a significant portion of household energy consumption. Domestic water heat pumps are a more efficient solution. In this article, you will find out what a hot water heat pump is, its function, costs and experience.

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What is a hot water heat pump?

A hot water heat pump is a device for heating domestic water for showering, bathing and other purposes. It is a more energy-efficient alternative compared to conventional water heaters.

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What does a hot water heat pump work?

A hot water heat pump extracts heat from the ambient air and transfers it to a refrigerant. The refrigerant evaporates in the evaporator and is then compressed in the compressor, causing the temperature to rise. In the condenser, it transfers the heat to the process water and becomes liquid again. After that, it relaxes in the expansion valve, causing the pressure to drop and the circuit starts all over again.

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A hot water heat pump uses ambient air, exhaust air or outside air as a heat source.

• At the indoor installation It removes heat from the room air, which can easily cool the room down.
• One exhaust heat pump uses stale air from the building and thus improves energy efficiency.
• Models with an outdoor air connection work independently of interiors, but require air ducts.

The heated water is stored in a tank with 100 to 300 liters kept ready. The heat pump heats the water at intervals and keeps the temperature constant. Many devices have a Legionella protectionThat the water on over 60 °C can heat — either through the heat pump circuit or an additional heating rod. Modern models dynamically adjust their performance to requirements and can be app or smart home system steer.

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What is the difference to a heating heat pump?

A hot water heat pump only heats domestic water for daily use, while a heating heat pump heats the entire building and can provide additional hot water. Hot water heat pumps work independently of the heating system and are more compact as they only require an integrated water tank. Heating heat pumps, on the other hand, have a higher output, as they must deliver a large heating output.

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How much does a hot water heat pump cost?

A hot water heat pump costs between 2,000 and 5,000 euros, depending on the model, performance and manufacturer. In addition, there are assembly costs of around 500 to 1,500 euros, depending on installation costs and local conditions. Overall, the total costs for a hot water heat pump are therefore 2,500 to 6,500 euros.

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Are hot water heat pumps being promoted?

In Germany, hot water heat pumps are not directly funded by the Federal Funding for Efficient Buildings (BEG), as they are used exclusively to heat domestic water and are not considered a heating system. However, funding is possible if they are installed in connection with an eligible heating system. The requirement that new heating systems must use at least 65% renewable energy primarily concerns space heating and does not apply to pure hot water heat pumps.

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Is a hot water heat pump worthwhile?

A hot water heat pump is worthwhile because it up to 70% less electricity consumed as an electric boiler. The higher purchase price is usually amortized after 5 to 8 years, depending on electricity costs and hot water requirements. Especially in households with high hot water consumption or in combination with a photovoltaic system The savings are significant.

The following is a Calculation example, which compares a hot water heat pump with an electric boiler. For this, a 4-person household with a water consumption of 300 liters per day and an electricity price of 30 cents/kWh is assumed.

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What is the experience with hot water heat pumps?

Experience with hot water heat pumps is mixed, but in many cases shows significant savings potential. According to user reports, electricity consumption for water heating can be significantly reduced, especially if the heat pump is equipped with a photovoltaic system is combined. A user By replacing a gas boiler with a hot water heat pump, was able to Save 2,800 kWh of heating energy, with over 80% of PV electricity consumption were covered.

Another advantage is the Cooling and dehumidification of the cellar, which is viewed positively, particularly in the summer months. However, there are also critical voices. Some users Determine that a hot water heat pump Not economical without additional waste heat works because it removes heat from the installation room, which often comes from the house heating system.

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When does a hot water heat pump make sense?

Overall, experience shows that a Careful planning is crucial is. In well-insulated buildings with a PV system or sufficient waste heat, the investment can be worthwhile. However, efficiency may be limited in poorly insulated cellars or without an additional heat source.

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Hot water heat pump and photovoltaic: The perfect combination?

A domestic water heat pump and a photovoltaic system are the ideal combination, as they maximize self-consumption of solar power and reduce electricity costs. The heat pump uses excess PV power to heat water. This reduces grid power consumption and increases profitability. Efficiency is particularly high in summer, as there is plenty of solar power available. Here, the heat pump can cover all hot water requirements and the heating system can be switched off.

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What are the advantages and disadvantages of hot water heat pumps?

Hot water heat pumps save electricity and reduce energy costs because they use environmental heat. The biggest drawback is that they remove heat from the environment, which can reduce efficiency in cold rooms.

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