A heat pump water heater uses heat from the ambient air for water heating. It does not consume any fuel for heating, which leads to significant cost savings. However, when there is inadequate hot water, you have to use the unit's booster switch for electrical water heating. As a result, the unit consumes power to heat water and raises your electric bill. If you are buying a heat pump water heater, use these tips to reduce reliance on the booster switch and save money on water heating.

Choose the right tank capacity

A heat pump heats hot water and stores it in a tank. Therefore, you can easily run out of hot water if you choose a small tank. If you run out of water during peak demand, you may be forced to turn to the electric heating element for faster heating. Avoid this by investing in the right tank size for your household. This way, the stored hot water will be enough to meet your demand during peak hours, eliminating the need for electrical heating.

Install your heat pump indoors

For a heat pump to work efficiently, the ambient air must contain some heat. If the air is too cold, the unit won't be able to absorb enough heat for fast water heating. Thus, you will have to use the booster switch for effective heating. Installing the unit indoors can reduce reliance on the booster switch. Place the heat pump in the garage, basement or closet. The ambient air in these rooms is warmer than outside, meaning there will be enough heat in the space for the heat pump to operate efficiently.

Place the heat pump near a heat source

Since heat pumps require warm air for water heating, you can choose an installation space near a heat source, such as a furnace or boiler. Therefore, even if the winter temperatures drop below freezing, the heat from your furnace or boiler will warm up the ambient air. Consequently, there will be adequate heat for the heat pump to absorb and heat the water. However, when picking an indoor installation location, ensure there is enough space around the heat pump for optimal performance.

Opt for a split-type heat pump.

Heat pumps struggle to heat water when exposed to low temperatures. Therefore, if the temperatures in your area drop below freezing, opt for a split-type heat pump. Split heat pumps have an outdoor compressor and an indoor water tank. The compressor uses advanced refrigeration technology to draw heat from the air, even when the temperatures are extremely low. Therefore, you can access adequate hot water in the winter without relying on the booster switch.

Consider these tips to lower reliance on your heat pump's booster switch and save money on water heating. For more information about hot water systems, contact a local plumber.