What is a CO₂ heat pump?
Heat pump water heaters absorb warmth from the air, amplify it and transfer it to heat water. Therefore, they are also referred to as ‘air-source heat pumps’. Heat pumps use electricity to operate the compressor rather than heating an electric element. Because of this a Panasonic system is nearly five times more efficient than a conventional electric water cylinder with an electric element. They save energy, save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from electricity generation.
Why are CO₂ heat pumps better for the environment?
Because they use the latest developments in refrigerant technology, highly efficient and natural CO₂. The best heat pumps available have the highest co-efficient of performance (COP). Panasonic for example has a COP of 4.7. Less energy use reduces the environmental impacts from the electricity generation. Since CO₂ is a naturally occurring gas there is no need to burn fossils fuels.
Will it work when the weather is colder?
Yes, in fact Panasonic CO₂ heat pumps work extremely well in even very cold weather. Due to the unique properties of natural carbon dioxide (CO₂) as a refrigerant at 1°C a Panasonic heat pump still provides more than four times as much energy output as electricity in, saving 75% of power use compared to an electric element.
At minus 5°C there is almost 3 times as much output as input. And at an incredible minus 10°C you will get 2.4 times output for electricity it uses.
Do frosts affect the Panasonic hot water heat pump?
Once the temperature drops below freezing the heat pump will need to do occasional defrost cycles to free the fins of ice. The energy needed for this is included in the savings calculated above, so high performance is maintained throughout.
Are CO2 hot water heat pumps noisy?
The Panasonic CO₂ heat pump is the quietest system on the market with whisper quiet functionality – average noise level: 37 dB.
Can I replace an existing gas hot water system with a CO2 heat pump?
The gas system is easily replaced because the Panasonic CO₂ heat pump and its cylinder require the same services as the gas hot water heater – cold water in, hot water out, plus an electrical connection.
Can I combine is with a PV Solar system?
Combined with your PV system a Panasonic CO₂ heat pump will optimise your investment, multiplying your savings on hot water five times and avoid exporting to the grid for little return with low buy back power tariffs.
I don’t have room for a hot water cylinder in my house can I still use this system?
The Panasonic CO₂ heat pump allows for both indoor or outdoor cylinder installation, meaning you do not need extra room to fit it in your home.
