Heat Pump for Commercial Properties

Do you have a business which require hot water? But you are tired of the high electricity bill? In this blog, we will discuss about heat pump for commercial properties. What are commercial properties? They include hotels, hostels, PGs (Paying Guests) , and many more. Such businesses require daily hot water in huge quantities.

Traditional water heaters like geysers consume huge amount of electricity, resulting in high electricity bill. If you replace it with a heat pump, it will be more beneficial, as it consumes 75% less electricity. Heat Pumps for commercial properties are the ones with high capacity (3000 LPD).

What is a Heat Pump and How Does it Work?

A heat pump is an energy-efficient water heating appliance. It is energy-efficient because it consumes less energy while meeting your daily hot water needs effectively. It works by absorbing heat from the surrounding air, and utilizing this heat to produce hot water. This system consists of two main components: an indoor unit and an outdoor unit.

The outdoor unit has two parts – an exhaust fan and a compressor. The indoor unit is the storage tank, where water is stored.

The exhaust fan absorbs heat from the surrounding air, while the compressor compresses the refrigerant gas, increasing its temperature. This heated refrigerant gas then passes through a spiral condenser inside the indoor unit, transferring its heat to the water stored in the tank. This process continues until the desired water temperature is reached.

Which Water Heater is the Best for Commercial Properties?

In the Indian market, there are three main options for water heaters: geysers, heat pumps, and solar water heaters. Let’s compare them:

Heat Pumps vs. Geysers

Geysers use direct electricity to heat water. This process consume huge amount of electricity, leading to monthly high utility bill. Whereas a heat pump works on the principle of transferring heat from one place to another. Instead of using direct electricity, it uses surrounding heat to produce hot water. This process requires significantly less electricity.

Though the upfront cost of a heat pump is higher than a geyser, but in the long run (say in 10 years), a heat pump is cheaper. To understand this concept in detail, watch the video below:

Heat Pumps vs. Solar Water Heaters

A solar water heater do not use electricity at all. It absorbs sunlight using solar panels, which is used to heat water. But there are some drawbacks in this system. They are:

1. Space Requirement

Solar water heaters require a lot of space. This may be a problem for a lot of properties in India. It may not be able to accommodate the  required space. Mostly properties in big cities may not have so much space available. 

But, in case of a heat pump, it is available in different sizes. For homes/properties with less space, there are heat pump models where two units are incorporated into one. It is specially designed for properties with less space. Even a two unit model also require less space than a solar water heater.

2. Dependent on sunlight

Solar Water Heaters are fully dependent on sunlight. So if there is no sunlight, then no hot water. Whereas a heat pump isn’t dependent on sunlight. The advanced technology used in heat pumps can work efficiently even in extreme cold climates. It has the capability to extract heat from the surrounding air even in cold weather.

Considering these factors, it is clear that heat pump is the best choice for commercial properties. It is cost-effective as well as energy-efficient.

What are the Benefits of Heat Pumps?

Heat pump offers numerous benefits that make them an attractive option for commercial properties:

1. Cost-Effective

Heat pumps have high upfront cost. However, they make up for it through lower operating costs. Heat pumps transfer heat rather than generating it directly. This uses far less electricity – up to 75% less. Over its 10-15 year lifespan, a heat pump can save you hundreds or even thousands in energy costs. So it is actually a cheaper alternative to other traditional water heaters like geysers.

2. Long Lifespan

With proper maintenance, heat pumps last 15 years or more – significantly longer than standard electric geysers (8-10 years). So there is no need for replacement for a long time. This extended life cycle also contributes to it being a cost-effective option.

3. Reduced Water Wastage

Traditional water heaters constantly heat and reheat the same water, leading to significant energy losses. Heat pumps heat water more efficiently, so you don’t have to run the tap as long waiting for hot water. This conserves water, especially in households with long pipe runs.

4. Positive Environmental Impact

By consuming significantly less electricity than conventional water heaters, heat pump water heaters have a lower carbon footprint and contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This positive environmental impact is achieved by relying on renewable energy sources (ambient air) and minimizing the use of fossil fuels for power generation. Additionally, the longer lifespan of these systems further reduces the environmental impact associated with manufacturing and disposing of water heaters.

5. Efficient in Cold Climates

One common misconception about heat pump water heaters is that they may not perform well in colder climates. However, modern heat pump water heaters are designed to be efficient even in low temperatures. They can effectively extract heat from the surrounding air, even when the temperature drops below freezing. This makes heat pump water heaters a viable and energy-efficient option for hot water needs in various climates, including colder regions.

Conclusion

Heat Pump is the best choice for a water heater in commercial properties. It is cost-effective in the long run. It can also work efficiently in cold climates, even if there is lack of sunlight. Now it is time for India to invest in heat pumps, to reduce your costs. By investing in this innovative technology, commercial property owners can not only save on operational costs but also contribute to a more sustainable future.

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