How do Water Heat Pumps Work?
Heat Pumps are the ultimate energy efficient water heaters in tropical climates like Malaysia. They absorb hot ambient air and use it to heat water.
They can save up to 75% of energy, or around $600/year on utility bills.
Disadvantages of Solar Heaters
Solar heating is an old technology which has been used since the 1900s. Unlike heat pumps, solar heaters require specific conditions to operate.
When these conditions are not met, back up heating elements in solar heaters will kick in and they will operate just like regular electric water heaters, which are not energy saving at all.
Solar heaters in Malaysia are estimated to save around 50% of energy instead of their intended 100%.
Advantages of Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are a newer technology which has been used since the 2000s. They work well within the ambient temperature range of 7°C to 45°C.
In Malaysia, heat pumps can run at high efficiency at every time of the day, the whole year round.
Heat pumps do run on electricity, but their energy consumption is exceedingly low. They are estimated to save around 75% of energy and are more affordable and easier to maintain than solar heaters.