120v Plugin Heat Pump Water Heaters: Insights from the field
Published 2024-03-28
In this webinar, you'll learn the basics about 120-volt heat pump water heaters and if they might be a good solution for your home or project. We'll dive into sizing, energy use, and operating costs.
We will review Inflation Reduction Act rebates and tax credits available as well.
Continuing Education Units (CEUS) submitted 1 hour in*
• Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)
• Building Performance Institute (BPI) NonWholeHouse
• Submitted for American Institute of Architects - AIA (HSW)
• Certified Green Professional (NARI & CGP)
• Certified GreenHome Professional (CGHP) Pillar(s): Energy, Health
• American Institute of Building Designers (AIBD)
• State Architect / Builder License may be applicable
• Building Science Institute (BSI) Verifier
• Society of American Registered Architects (SARA)
• Passive House Consultant US (CPHC)
Lessons Learned
1. Understand the basics of 120-volt HPWHs and how they contribute to homeowner welfare and decarbonization
2. Articulate why HPWHs are uniquely positioned to help decarbonize water heating for gas retrofits and improve housing safety
3. Gain best practice information on 120-volt HPWH installations, determining when it is appropriate vs. a 240-volt HPWH, and learn best practices on tank sizing.
4. Be introduced to the human health benefits of switching heat pump water heaters
Need CEUS?
Take the Quiz here:
greenhomeinstitute.thinkific.com/courses/120v-plug…
Speaker
Noah Gabriel is a Senior Project Analyst at New Buildings Institute (NBI). At NBI, Noah manages multiple projects involving cutting-edge heat pump water heater research and deployment. Before NBI, Noah worked on the Buildings Hub tool for Atlas Public Policy, a one-stop-shop for building electrification policy and incentives. Noah received his degree in Economics and History from Oberlin College.
All Comments (3)
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Here's a summary: - 120 volt heat pump water heaters plug directly into a standard wall outlet, making them easier to install than 240 volt models which require a dedicated circuit. They have lower power but larger tank sizes to store more hot water. - A field study of 32 homes in California found 120 volt heat pumps reduced the amount of energy used to heat water by 85% on average compared to gas water heaters. They provided satisfactory hot water and most users were happy with performance. - Up-sizing the tank 1 full size when switching from gas/propane is recommended, as heat pumps have lower "first hour ratings" for recharging hot water use. Proper sizing is important to avoid runouts. - Installation is typically a one-day process for plumbers. Cost is similar to 240 volt models but more than gas initially, but savings on energy bills often outweigh the difference over time. - Load shifting studies are exploring automatically pre-heating water during off-peak periods to reduce energy costs and grid impacts. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) provides tax credits to help cover installation costs. - Performance is better in warmer climates but cold climate studies are also underway. Proper room sizing and ventilation are important for heat pump operation in colder zones.
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plumbers who charge more are not nice folks.. Lets face it.. one water in one water out and a pt overflow pipe.. Same on all water heaters.. takes the same amount of time.. Plugging in a 120 line is a lot faster than a 240 line. Still attaching a 240 line should only take 10 minutes As to how much power is needed mostly a factor of the incoming temp of the water from the ground. in most places 50 to 60 degree. For me a simple upgrade which virtually no one does is to temper the incoming water with solar thermal. Does not take a lot of power to go from 100 to 110 degree incoming water to the HP tank. In some cases the hp might never turn on.
