Enter the Almighty Heat Pump
Just as heat pumps have experienced exponential growth since the 2000s, we now witness the emergence of Hot Water Heat Pumps poised to follow in their footsteps. The potential is vast, given that approximately 340,000 homes1 in New Zealand currently use gas to heat their water, emitting over 200,000 tonnes of CO2 per year2. Additionally, there are around 1 million direct electric cylinders1 utilised for water heating, contributing a staggering 400,000 tonnes of CO2 annually3.
The government recognises the significant impact of hot water production on residential energy consumption and carbon emissions. With plans to reduce NZ's carbon emissions by 2050, there is a lot of work to do to reach net-zero.
1Based on estimates from “Housing in Aotearoa: 2020” by stats NZ and “E3 Policy framework”.
2Based on E3 Policy Framework and emissions factor of 0.194 kg CO2-e/kWh from “Measuring Emissions” from Ministry for the Environment – Year 2023.
3Based on E3 Policy Framework and emissions factor of 0.120 kg CO2-e/kWh from “Measuring Emissions” from Ministry for the Environment – Year 2023.
Moving to Hot Water Heat Pumps Makes Sense
To address this critical issue head-on with both new builds and replacing existing systems, means choosing eco-conscious solutions like the Ecodan QUHZ CO2 Hot Water Heat Pump - a hot water heat pump that utilises more environmentally-friendly CO2 refrigerant. The impact would be nothing short of revolutionary, reducing carbon emissions by an astounding 74%**. Considering that water heating accounts for approximately 30%**** of a household's total operational carbon footprint, this step alone takes us closer to solving New Zealand’s environmental challenges.
It is worth noting that New Zealand's commitment to renewable energy sources is at an all-time high, with a current share of 90% from renewables†. The nation strives to increase this share to an impressive 95% by 2050, an endeavour that will ensure that electricity use, even with the transition to heat pumps, will leave a minimal carbon footprint compared to gas.
*Assuming carbon emissions due to heating hot water by gas and direct electric sit at 777,777 GWh, and assuming QUHZ COP of 3.7.
**Based on E3 Policy Framework.
†Based on Page 5 of “Market Operations – Weekly Market Movements – 23 July 2023”, Transpower.
The Future Refrigerant Landscape Paving the Way for CO2 Hot Water Heat Pumps
As a result of the move to net-zero carbon emissions, phasedown of high GWP refrigerants is inevitable. The industry has already seen the move from R22 to R410A to R32 and with A3 refrigerants being the next step, change seems to be an unavoidable part of the heat pump industry. However there is a tangible and future proof solution available right now, CO2 (OR R744) with a GWP of just 1, meets all current and future regulations to phase down refrigerant. Being a natural gas, R744 is something we are all use to, it is what we breathe out into the atmosphere and it's what feeds plants to grow and now CO2 can be used as a naturally occurring, non-flammable and stable refrigerant fluid solution for hot water heat pumps.
Graph based on the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol ratified in October 2019. Ministry for the Environment. 2017.
Ecodan QUHZ Hot Water Heat Pump for Domestic Potable Hot Water and Space Heating
The Ecodan QUHZ, with its remarkable 4kW capacity, presents itself as an ideal solution for decarbonisation projects. By utilising CO2 as a natural refrigerant, it is the number one environmental choice for domestic hot water heating and an obvious alternative to gas and direct electric systems.
The compact indoor cylinder provides the equivalent of 250L of hot water using plate heat exchanger technology drawing heat from the 200L thermal store. Separated from the stored water, instant production of hot water means there is no risk of legionella while achieving up to 70°C domestic hot water.
Space Heating Adds Further Value
Due to the dedicated pre-plumbed 200-litre thermal store, the QUHZ can provide domestic hot water as well as supply hydronic space heating through radiators, fan coils or underfloor heating. It can heat the whole home easily with temperatures up to 60°C. With combined domestic hot water, the QUHZ is the low carbon footprint option for new homes.
QUHZ Key Features
- Rated domestic hot water mode capacity 5kW*1
- High efficiency domestic hot water production COP=3.7*1
- Class leading low noise operation at 43dBA outdoor unit*2
- Energy monitoring as standard
- No stored water draw, no risk of legionella
- Pre-plumbed and wired for faster installation
- No refrigerant pipework into the house, water connections only
Join the NZ Carbon Reduction Revolution
As New Zealand embraces this promising future, the adoption of heat pumps for water heating emerges as a sales opportunity ready for the taking. With each home that transitions to an eco-conscious Hot Water Heat Pump, we move a step closer to fulfilling our collective responsibility of safeguarding the environment for generations to come. The journey to carbon-neutral water heating is well underway, offering a viable way forward in the pursuit of a greener, more sustainable tomorrow.
Contact your local Sales Representative to learn more about the Ecodan Range of CO2 Hot Water Heat Pumps or click here to make an enquiry.
*1 Under heating conditions; outdoor temperature 7°C, water outlet temperature 65°C, inlet water temperature 15°C.
*2 Measured at 1m from the outdoor