Heat pump opinions

[Hd7]

Howzit

Looking to install a heatpump as opposed to a solar geyser, primarily so that i can move it onto the essential side of my solar installation. (200l electric geyser is getting a little temperamental so i figure its a good time to upgrade)
I know they have a "lifespan" and I've made my peace with that.

Keen to hear opinions on the above as well as reliable brands. Alliance appears popular, ive seen some kwik pump ones as well but far less available unless dealing with a reseller who's also an installer.

And lastly, is this a simple job for a regular plumber or will I be needing a heat pump specialist to make this seamless?

Thanks

 

[Koosvanwyk]

Howzit

Looking to install a heatpump as opposed to a solar geyser, primarily so that i can move it onto the essential side of my solar installation. (200l electric geyser is getting a little temperamental so i figure its a good time to upgrade)
I know they have a "lifespan" and I've made my peace with that.

Keen to hear opinions on the above as well as reliable brands. Alliance appears popular, ive seen some kwik pump ones as well but far less available unless dealing with a reseller who's also an installer.

And lastly, is this a simple job for a regular plumber or will I be needing a heat pump specialist to make 1this seamless?

Thanks

ITS is another very good option to consider.

You probably need a 5.4kWh unit for your 200L geyser.

You need a specialist installer. They need to be serviced annually. The water pump will probably last 10 years, also keep in mind that many solar heaters also have pump and control until that will also only last 10 years.

 

[znh]

ITS Heatpump DIY Install

I bought a ITS heatpump secondhand from someone that emigrated. It started with: I will mount it on the wall and save a plumber some time. Then I realised my current geyser is on its last legs, water was dripping from it (dates back 1996) So I Installed another geyser onto the same wall below...

energytalk.co.za

Your existing geyser will be the water storage tank for hot water, in which way is it "temperamental" or is this a pun that I missed? How much hot water do you use in a month?

 

[RonSwanson]

A heat pump is undoubtedly a very efficient water heater, up to 3.5 times more efficient than conventional resistive element heating. Their low current draw ensures that they play well with solar installations. My 200l today draws about 750W, installed outside, and has a 2kW resistive element for emergencies. The only downside is initial capital outlay, but at 25-30K it is comparable with an evacuated solar tube installations.

 

[Hd7]

ITS Heatpump DIY Install

I bought a ITS heatpump secondhand from someone that emigrated. It started with: I will mount it on the wall and save a plumber some time. Then I realised my current geyser is on its last legs, water was dripping from it (dates back 1996) So I Installed another geyser onto the same wall below...

energytalk.co.za

Your existing geyser will be the water storage tank for hot water, in which way is it "temperamental" or is this a pun that I missed? How much hot water do you use in a month?

Thermostat on its way out (heats up as and when it feels, not necessarily when water is cold) . I also need to replace the existing 4kw with a 2kw element and am starting to see the brownish water. Initial intention was to opt for an evacuated tube setup since I've got experience with those - the downside is that the back up resistive element still needs to live on the non essential side of my solar. So when grid is down and i have pv, i will be solely dependant on the tubes (and the lag in heating water). Hope that makes sense?

 

[znh]

Brownish water is due to the anode depletion and some rust forming. You can replace the anode.

Thermostats tend to be overpriced for the mechanical function they perform R450 at the hardware store (a 15 min job to replace). A lot of the times a geyser will break when the thermostat gets stuck in the on position causing the water to boil and if the added pressure is too much the geyser bursts before the pressure valve can open/ pressure valve is rusted and stuck. I replaced my thermostat with a geyserwise (R900 if you shop around https://www.livestainable.co.za/product/geyserwise-tse-geyser-timer-and-controller/, bought mine at Chamberlians for R1400, yes I didn't know any better) and was very impressed how I could schedule for time and set the target temperature. It has a weekday and weekend scedule with 4x on-off settings each.

I now have a ITS heatpump and have not bothered to connect the existing element as a backup, (if I need to it will take me less than an hour). The ITS heatpump display that controls the heatpump is very basic and offers almost 0 options to integrate into home assistant, something I still want to find a way around. It does use very little power compared to the normal geyser but also have a max temp of 55 degrees (if you want it to last longer than the 10 years). There are some 2-stage models that can go to a higher temperature. I would advise you get a larger geyser/water storage (something like 400l and dump your excess power there via the heatpump) ensuring that any inflow of cold water hardly affects the overall temperature. Also request R1 rated insulation to be installed on the pipes. You can buy form ITS and they will appoint an approved installer to install and service it.
Also remember that it will need to be service yearly and will cost R400-500 call-out fee to retain the warrantee.

I am also planning to get solar soon, the heat pump was one of the steps to use less power. Hot water is a much cheaper battery than lithium batteries. When I get solar it will definitely be on the essentials side. Long term I probably need to upgrade to a much larger geyser with better insulation.

Would gladly answer any specific questions you have.

 

[Major Boredom]

I had one at my prev house. Nice in Summer. Crap in Winter. Heatpump has to work a lot harder and longer in winter.
Hidden costs are putting in a bigger geyser so that you get more before the hot water gets diluted.
Then the yearly costs for a "service"
I would'nt go Heatpump again. Nice idea on paper
I do have a pool heatpump on my jacuzzi. Works fine but then I have it running off solar during the day when we want to use it.

I do agree with the above to make another plan for geysers/stove/oven etc before you look at Solar or spend the extra you would on a geyser solution and make your solar solution bigger. Heatpumps are not cheap

 

[Snyper564]

Howzit

Looking to install a heatpump as opposed to a solar geyser, primarily so that i can move it onto the essential side of my solar installation. (200l electric geyser is getting a little temperamental so i figure its a good time to upgrade)
I know they have a "lifespan" and I've made my peace with that.

Keen to hear opinions on the above as well as reliable brands. Alliance appears popular, ive seen some kwik pump ones as well but far less available unless dealing with a reseller who's also an installer.

And lastly, is this a simple job for a regular plumber or will I be needing a heat pump specialist to make this seamless?

Thanks

If you have a solar setup put all that money on more panels then you will benefit all the time.

Thats my biggest regret getting the evac tubes and would rather have spent that money on my solar setup. thats 20-25k that you can spend on panels about 4-6kw

 

[Major Boredom]

If you have a solar setup put all that money on more panels then you will benefit all the time.

Thats my biggest regret getting the evac tubes and would rather have spent that money on my solar setup. thats 20-25k that you can spend on panels about 4-6kw

Agree completely with this