KIUC's Energy Wise Guys - Kauai Island Utility Cooperative
KIUC's Energy Wise Guys - Kauai Island Utility Cooperative
KIUC's Energy Wise Guys - Kauai Island Utility Cooperative
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Recently, large corporations such as Rheem and<br />
General Electric have taken an interest in this<br />
water heating technology and want to expand<br />
availability and provide support services. <strong>Energy</strong><br />
Star has created efficiency standards for heat<br />
pump water heaters. Only Rheem and General<br />
Electric have received <strong>Energy</strong> Star certification.<br />
Both manufacturers supply a 10year parts<br />
warranty for their product.<br />
How It Works<br />
Generally, it is easier to move something than it<br />
is to create it. In basic terms, a heat pump water<br />
heater works like a standard refrigeration unit—an<br />
air conditioner or refrigerator—but in reverse,<br />
heating water up to 140 degrees.<br />
As long as the average ambient air temperature<br />
stays above 50 degrees—not a problem on Kaua‘i—<br />
it is less expensive to heat water with a heat pump<br />
water heater than a standard electric water heater.<br />
Estimated Savings<br />
A standard electric water heater can use about<br />
4,200 kilowatthours (kWh) or about $1,386 a year<br />
in hot water. Based on heat pump technology and<br />
manufacturers’ estimates, the same amount of<br />
water heated with a heat pump water heater will<br />
save about $859. That is a 62percent reduction.<br />
The cost of a heat pump water heater is only<br />
slightly higher than a standard 50gallon electric<br />
water heater.<br />
Incentives<br />
The federal government is offering a 30 percent<br />
tax credit on the total cost of a heat pump water<br />
heater through the end of 2010. In addition, KIUC<br />
is offering a $300 rebate incentive for the<br />
purchase of any <strong>Energy</strong> Starrated heat pump<br />
water heater. Only <strong>Energy</strong> Starrated models<br />
qualify for the KIUC rebate. Payback on the<br />
purchase price and installation cost, with the tax<br />
credits and KIUC rebate, is about 14 months.<br />
Heat Pump or Solar?<br />
Nothing beats solar. Solar water heating can<br />
cut water heating costs by up to 90 percent. A<br />
heat pump water heater cannot do that, but the<br />
price is much lower than solar water heating,<br />
making it a viable alternative when considering<br />
your budget or when solar is not technically<br />
feasible. The ideal location for a heat pump<br />
water heater is a room 10x10x7, or any open<br />
area such as a carport or a garage.<br />
If your existing electric water heater is in a small<br />
closet, you may need to add venting to the closet<br />
area so the cool air that is rejected by the heat<br />
pump water heater can dissipate. Your installing<br />
plumber can help with location requirements.<br />
Where to Buy<br />
<strong>Energy</strong> Starrated heat pump water heaters are<br />
available on Kaua‘i from local distributers and<br />
retail outlets. Local manufacturers’ reps can install<br />
and service your heat pump water heater for you.<br />
Visit www.kiuc.coop for more information<br />
regarding availability and for a Heat Pump Water<br />
Heater Rebate Application.<br />
APRIL 2010 5
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