Hot Water Heat Pumps
Hot water heat pumps are an energy-efficient and low-emissions technology that significantly reduces household water heating costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Heat pump hot water cylinders use up to 75% less electricity than conventional electric hot water systems, and are cost-effective for households with higher water consumption.
Although they incur a higher up-front purchase cost, their low running costs make them a worthwhile trade-off.
Information based on EECA.
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Hot water heat pumps use a vapour compression cycle with a refrigerant fluid which works to extract heat from the air and transfer it to the water until the desired temperature is reached in the water tank.
The refrigerant absorbs heat from the air and evaporates into a contained space. It is then compressed, which raises its temperature to above the desired hot water temperature.
The hot, pressurised refrigerant is then sent through a condenser coil, where it transforms back into a liquid, transferring its heat to the water.
The liquid refrigerant then flows back to the evaporator coil to repeat the cycle.
Information based on EECA.
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There are two types of residential hot water heat pumps — your choice may depend on how much space you have in and around your home.
Split system: this solution consists of two separate components: an outdoor unit which contains the refrigerant circuit, and a separate hot water cylinder which can be located either outdoors or indoors. The outdoor unit and cylinder are connected with water or refrigerant pipework, which carries the heat to the cylinder.
Split hot water heat pumps provide greater flexibility in installation, as the cylinder can be placed closer to the hot water consumption areas. It is also possible to retrofit the outdoor unit (the heat pump itself) to an existing hot water cylinder.
Integrated system: this option combines the components of a heat pump and a hot water cylinder into a single unit. The heat pump part of the unit is most commonly on top of the cylinder, and the single unit must be installed outside. Depending on the layout of your house and existing plumbing, this could offer easier installation.
Information based on EECA.
Images from EECA.
Rinnai HydraHeat™ Hot Water Heat Pump
Rinnai has designed HydraHeat™, a top-notch integrated system powered by only 150g of high-efficiency refrigerant, making it one of the most sustainable options on the market.
Operating much like a refrigerator in reverse, the HydraHeat™ utilises the surrounding air’s ambient temperature and amplifies this energy to heat water at significantly reduced costs compared to conventional hot water cylinders.
Designed and Built in NZ Specifically designed for New Zealand climatic conditions (from - 10°C to +42°C), as well as coastal locations.Operates in full heat pump mode right down to - 10°C without the need for electric boosting.
Up to 75% Savings on Hot Water Costs* Provides highly efficient water heating, minimising energy consumption and lowering operating costs.
Dedicated to Sustainability Powered by only 150g of high-efficiency R290 refrigerant with low Global Warming Potential and COP of 4.7.**
Reliability The inbuilt electric element guarantees a consistent and dependable supply of hot water, at all times.
Modular 'Heat Pump Ready' Design Ability to upgrade from a standalone electric water heater to Heat Pump Technology with addition of Heat Pump unit.
Easy Servicing Removable Heat Pump unit allows for easy servicing, and ensures uninterrupted supply of hot water.
Frost Protection Built-in defrost and frost protection functions to handle colder climates.
Warranties 5-year head unit warranty and a 7-year cylinder warranty.
User-friendly Control Interface Features OLED screen and six operation modes for versatility.
6 Operation Modes Standard, Boost, Eco 55, Eco 50, High Usage, and Element Only.
Suitable for Hard or Soft Water Areas Featuring an enamel cylinder with a magnesium anode for effortless use in both hard and soft water areas.
Ideal for a Range of Residential Styles Suitable for homes of 2–6 people. Plus an operating sound level of only 45dBA makes it suitable for a wide range of homes, including built-up residential areas.
Renowned Quality Crafted with exceptional quality by Rinnai New Zealand, the trusted name in total home living.
* Compared with a standard hot water cylinder in Zone 5 (Auckland). Annual energy performance estimated according to AS/NZS4234:2008 and AS/NZS5125:2014, medium load size. ** Accredited Testing to AS/NZS 5125 Pending by NATA accredited Provider.
Integrated Systems
The Stiebel Eltron Range
Stiebel Eltron water heat pumps are highly reliable and durable due to their impressed current anode. They have a quiet operation system thanks to an encased compressor and are compatible with Energy Management Systems for solar-powered homes.
Stiebel Eltron WWK Heat Pump
Integrated system
200L and 300L capacities
Split Systems
The Mitsubishi Range
Mitsubishi’s Black Diamond AquaCore heat pump system is made with local conditions in mind and can operate in a wide temperature range from -15°C all the way up to 45°C.
The Ecodan Co2 QUHZ model has a dedicated pre-plumbed 200L thermal store with low noise output and built-in energy monitoring.
Mitsubishi BDT Black Diamond AquaCore Hot Water Heat Pump
Split system with bespoke outdoor unit, can be used with new or preexisting cylinder
WiFi control
Mitsubishi Ecodan Co2 QUHZ Heat Pump and Cylinder
Split system
4kW output
Split Systems
The Ritter Range
Ritter offers a high quality heat pump with a full metal case, giving it a sleek finish in comparison with other products which feature plastic casing.
The control system is PV ready, ideal for a solar-powered household.
Made in China
Hot water production up to 70°C
Operates in a wide range of outdoor temperatures from -7°C to 45°C
Efficiency up to 460% (Max COP 4.6 @ A25/W35)
Blue coated coils for high corrosion resistance
Composite case will not rust, peel, or fade
Direct connection to any suitable pre-existing heat water cylinder
Mitsubishi compressor, Grundfos pump
Includes touch screen controller for easy setup
Ritter 7.5kW Hot Water Heat Pump
Split system
Up to 7.5kW and 161L/hour recovery rate
Split Systems
The Econergy Range
Econergy’s HP4000LT system is the only heat pump water heater in New Zealand with a Consumer Tick, earned for ‘Highest savings on the NZ market’.
Made in New Zealand
Coefficient of Performance, COP (EN16147) = 3.8
Refrigerant = R134A GWP of 1,430 (Global Warming Potential)
Hot water production up to 60˚C
Heat pump operation down to -5˚C without boosting from an electric element
6 year performance guarantee
Econergy Thermoplus HP4000LT
Split system
Epoxy coated evaporator, powder coated aluminium base and stainless-steel fasteners for durability
