The AirTap Heat Pump is a retrofit heat pump that fits any existing gas or electric water heater enabling you to have the most efficient method of heating water in your home possible. According to Energy Star a heat pump water heater will save a 2.6 person family $290 per year on their water heating costs vs. $30 for high efficiency gas storage, $110 for a gas condensing water heater, $115 for whole home tankless water heater, and $220 for solar water heating. Most heat pump water heaters are being offered as packaged units and carry a hefty price tag. The AirTap Heat Pump is actually surprisingly inexpensive and can be installed on your existing water heater in just one hour.
Heat Pumps operate like a refrigerator in reverse. Heat is removed from the ambient air surrounding the unit and pumped into the water heater. The air coming out of the unit is actually cool and the unit also functions as a dehumidifier which can be a fringe benefit in many homes with basement water heater. Instead of running a dehumidifier you can run a heat pump and get hot water out of the deal. The AirTap unit acts as a conventional heat pump, which uses a low wattage compressor sends heat through long copper tubes which are inserted through an adaptor into your water heater hank. This heats the water just like a gas burner or electric heating element. The AirTap Heat Pump uses less power than an 8-cup coffee machine to run its compressor, and its energy consumption level is equivalent to keeping two coffee machines on for a day. According to the US Department of Energy, the average American household with a typical water heater (gas or electric) spends about 14-25% of its energy costs on heating water alone. Installing an AirTap Heat Pump can cut this cost in half. AirTap MSRP $699.
The first thing you would need to know is that your existing water heater is in good condition and worth installing the AirTap Heat Pump on it. You will also need a Phillips Screwdriver, Small Adjustable Wrench, Large Adjustable Wrench, Pipe Wrench and a Pair of Gloves. The Installation can be done in about an hour following the instructions and the video.
This fall as Appliance Stimulus Rebates, Weatherization Assistance Grants if qualified, State and Utility Rebate Programs in about ½ the states, and Income Tax Credits come together this inexpensive AirTap Heat Pump Retrofit becomes even more affordable so you can save money. Call around to find out who has AirTap Heat Pumps or, Shop On-Line.