🔧 HVAC Article of the Month: Heat Pump Water Heating Systems

First, let's start with a System Design Overview

1. Hydronic heat pumps—designed to use a secondary loop, a heat pump heats water, which is then circulated through pipes and radiators. Hydronic heat pumps can provide both space cooling and heating, as well as domestic hot water. 

2. Heat Pump Water Heaters (HPWHS)—designed to provide domestic hot water for sinks, showers, laundry, and other purposes, HPWHs are a sustainable alternative to traditional water heaters. System configurations can be tailored to building requirements. 

3. Unitary / Integrated Systems—self- contained systems where all the key components of the system are combined into a single appliance.

4. Split Systems—The heat pump and water tank are installed separately. The heat pump is often located outdoors, while the water tank is located indoors.

Key Factors in Transitioning to Heat Pumps

System Performance

• air vs. water source
• leaving water temperature (140 vs. 160 vs. 180°F)
• cold climate capable

Sustainability

• global warming potential
• system efficiency levels
• emissions regulations / air quality

Application Needs

• water and/or air conditioning
• new construction vs. retrofit
• domestic vs. utility vs. process

Projected Growth RESIDENTIAL

Hydronic Heating

It is expected by 2034, Condensing will represent 55% of heating types, with 25% being heat pumps and 20% electric.

• Hydronic heat pumps and condensing boiler growth anticipated due to environmental and regulatory drivers
• Electrification driven by state & local legislation, as well as utility incentives
• several state and city decarbonization initiatives
• Air Quality Districts driving gas NOx emissions to zero

Water Heating

It is expected that by 2034, electric will represent 60% of water heating types, with 30% being heat pumps and 10% fossil fuel

• Heat pump water heaters are seeing significant growth YOY, with a large increase expected in 2028 and beyond.
• National Appliance Energy Conservation Act (NAECA) 4 regulation driving a significant shift in system technology

It is important to remember that the Regulatory Landscape is complex and fragmented; energy requirements vary by state and even at the local level.