What temp should hot water be for air source heat pump?

Do heat pumps effectively heat water?

Absolutely. The majority of heat pumps are engineered to elevate the water temperature (for central heating systems) to levels between 45-50°C, while domestic hot water is typically utilized at temperatures ranging from 38-42°C.

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Nonetheless, contrary to a combi boiler, a residential heat pump may fall short in delivering hot water swiftly enough to meet the demands of baths, taps, and showers.

Understanding domestic heat pumps

Additionally, it is important to note that most residential heat pumps are not designed to supply hot water concurrently with space heating, as the need for hot water often takes precedence.

If you are seeking hot water from a heat pump, it is essential to ensure there is efficient water storage in place, which can be done safely to mitigate risks such as legionella growth (which will be elaborated on further in this article).

Now, let's delve into the operational mechanism.

How does a heat pump provide hot water?

Heat pumps are capable of supplying hot water by employing the same fundamental principles utilized for space heating. Here’s a concise outline of the operational process:

Extracting heat with air source heat pumps

These devices retrieve heat from the ambient air, even under frigid conditions. The heat is then absorbed by a refrigerant circulating in the evaporator coil of the heat pump, which causes the refrigerant to vaporize and transform into gas.

Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHPs)

These models draw heat from the earth or a body of water, which generally maintains a more consistent temperature compared to the air. The heat transfer to refrigerant occurs in a comparable manner.

Compression of heat

The gaseous refrigerant is subsequently compressed by the heat pump’s compressor, which elevates its temperature significantly. This high-temperature gas contains a considerable amount of thermal energy.

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Heat exchange process

The hot refrigerant gas flows through a heat exchanger, transferring its thermal energy to water. This action cools the refrigerant, causing it to revert to a liquid state, thus preparing it to begin the cycle anew.

Storage of hot water in heat pumps

Given that the primary function of heat pumps is space heating, they often struggle to furnish adequate hot water simultaneously. The rate at which hot water is produced is typically insufficient for demands.

To counteract this limitation, one effective strategy is to store hot water within a cylinder until it is required.

Considerations for storing hot water

It is crucial to exercise caution when storing water between 20 and 45°C, as there is an increased risk of legionella bacteria growth, notably if the water is left in the cylinder for extended periods.

Optimal water temperature for air source heat pumps

To effectively eliminate legionella bacteria in household settings, it is advisable to maintain the water in the cylinder at a temperature of 60°C for a minimum of 30 minutes or at 55°C for at least 5-6 hours.

For safety and simplicity, the recommended practice is to set the cylinder thermostat to 60°C.

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For more information, please visit Air Source Heat Pump Hot Water.