How a Hydrotherm heat pump works
Hydrotherm’s heat pump technology is both highly efficient and environmentally friendly.
This heating process explains how heat pumps got their name. Instead of directly heating water, heat pumps transfer or “pump” heat from one source to another. That’s why they are considerably more efficient that other hot water systems.
Heap Pump Technology
Heat pump technology itself is nothing new. The technology that is incorporated into every Hydrotherm has been around for over a 100 years in a multitude of appliances from refrigerators to air conditioners. The Hydrotherm hot water system is classified as an air to water heat pump and these types were first introduced over 50 years ago.
Unlike standard electric hot water systems, our system doesn’t use resistive elements to convert electricity directly into heat energy. These elements use up a lot of energy, requiring up to 3600 Watts per hour to run. Instead the Dynamic uses an average of 800 Watts per hour.
Instead of using electrical energy as the fundamental means of heating water, heat pumps use the heat that is generated naturally from the sun. That is why heat pumps are considered as a solar type of hot water system, as they use energy from the sun, even if they are not in direct sunlight.
Cost Saving FAQ's
Simply put, no. Heat pump technology has been around for over a 100 years in refrigerators and air conditioners. The heat pump water heaters were first introduced over 50 years ago in places such as Southern United States and Italy, where heat pumps are now well recognised and popular.
Air source heat pumps work exactly the same as your fridge or air conditioning unit, but in reverse. Heat pumps transfer heat from ambient air, then into the refrigerant and finally into the water inside the tank. A more detailed explanation is as follows:
- A fan draws in the ambient air and pulls it over the evaporator containing the liquid refrigerant.
- The energy from the air is absorbed and turns the liquid refrigerant into a gas.
The gas passes into the compressor where the pressure is increased, generating enough significant energy to heat the water. - The gas then travels through the closed loop in the water tank and transfers the heat.
- The gas then travels through the expansion valve where the pressure is reduced and the refrigerant returns to a liquid.
- The process begins again.
No, unlike solar panels and evacuated tubes, heat pumps don’t rely on direct sunlight. It uses the energy in air to generate heat. All that the system requires is uninterrupted air flow, click here to see the installation manual for positioning requirements.
All heat pumps by law must complete a low temperature operation and performance test to obtain their Watermark Sticker. The Hydrotherm has been tested down to -10°C and will still produce the required volumes of hot water.
Hydrotherm heat pumps are built specifically to withstand Australian conditions. The tank is made from vitreous enamel and has a current impressed electronic anode for maximum protection. Hydrotherm systems come with a full 6 year warranty on all aspects of the system. The expected lifespan of Hydrotherm systems are approximately 10-15 years.
Please see our Servicing page for details regarding servicing Hydrotherm systems.
The Hydrotherm unit itself does not require any regular maintenance. Every six months the relief valves should be released to ensure that they are releasing properly.
If the Hydrotherm unit is unused for two or more weeks, it is recommended that the PTR valve be released for approximately 10-15 seconds. However the PTR valve does not need to be released on a regular basis.
Hydrotherm systems have a built in memory to retain all the timers and settings. If power is lost due to a power failure or the shoulder tariff, the settings will be saved and no action is necessary. If the system is off for a long period of time, the clock may need to be adjusted but the settings will remain the same.
The Hydrotherm DYNAMIC/X8 can heat water up to 70°C to comply with Government legislation and to meet Legionella requirements.
However if you are experiencing what you to be believe to be lower than expected hot water temperatures, please contact Hydrotherm on 1300 769 904 or at service@hydrothermhotwatersystems.com.au.
It is always important to check your water quality, especially if you live in a cul-de-sac and if your appliances such as a kettle often require replacement. Warranty will be void if you are in a hard water area that records any of the below quantities:
- • In excess of 600ppm of Total Dissolved solids
- • Chloride levels exceed 250mg/L
- • 6.0pH or lower
All of these can be controlled to an extent through the installation of a water filter. Please contact your plumber for further guidance on filters and installation.
The Hydrotherm has been tested, with a reading of 43dB. To give this some perspective it is similar to an outside air conditioning unit.
We recommend that all our clients set the in-built timers on their systems for three reasons. Firstly, all heat pumps run more efficiently during the days (when ambient air temperatures are higher) therefore saving more on the electricity bill. Secondly, having the system set on timers during the day will ensure that the system will not disturb anyone. Finally, like any appliance, the less you run your Hydrotherm system the better it is for the overall lifespan.
Hydrotherm systems have a timer function with up to three timers, making the heating cycle very customisable. Setting timers will also ensure that you get the most out of your solar PV, if you have one installed. If you need any help at all with setting timers, please call us on 1300 769 904.
- A simplified rundown of how a heat pump works is as follows:
- The system’s fan draws in the surrounding heated air.
- Heat from the air is transferred to refrigerant stored in the evaporator and the cooled air exits the system. As the refrigerant is heated it moves from the evaporator into the compressor.
- The pressure of the refrigerant is increased by the compressor, turning it from a gas to a super heated liquid.
- The super heated liquid refrigerant is pumped through the heating coil that wraps around the water storage tank. The refrigerant transfers its heat to the water and is cooled back into a gas, as it returns to the evaporator.
- The process then repeats until all the water stored in the tank is heated to a full sixty degrees.
Features
350% efficiency rating reduces running costs versus gas and electric water heaters.
Registered Clean Energy product with annual carbon reduction rating of 3 tonnes.
Non-sacrificial impressed current anode provides protection in stoft and hard water conditions.
Intgergrate and maximise your solar PV with in-built timer controlled heat up cycles.
Dual heating technology with incorporated electric element to provide hot water up to 70°C.
R290 natural refrigerant with effectively zero global warming potential compared to synthetic
Specifications
Rated Heating Capacity
3.6KW
Refrigerant
R290
[Propane]
Power Supply
240V
Single Phase / 10Amp
Compressor
Rotary
Size
1800mm(H) x 620mm(D)
Tank Thickness
3.0mm
Tank Max Water Temp
70°C
Net Weight
118KG
Element Rating
1.8KW
Tank Volume
260L
Tank Material
Vitreous Enamel
Max Temp Operation
Unlimited
Tank Recovery
280 Minutes