One of the largest electricity costs of most households is heating water. Since the cost of energy has been increasing, most homeowners are seeking alternative energy sources that are more efficient than normal electric geysers. Solar geysers and heat pumps are two of the most favored ones. The two technologies have high benefits in saving and environmental concerns. Nevertheless, their methods of work are quite different. Knowing their differences will enable you to make a choice of the best system to fit in your home and your budget.
Harnessing Solar Energy
An easy method of heating water is through solar geysers. They operate via utilising collectors positioned on your roof to capture the sun energy. This energy directly heats the water which is stored in a tank. The sun offers the energy at no cost and hence a solar geyser could save you a significant amount of electricity money. When the sun is able to shine, almost all the hot water that an average family is in need of can be supplied to them without the consumption of a single grid power.
How Heat Pumps Work
Heat pumps do not work in the same way as solar systems do. They do not create heat at some point but they transfer it to a different point. A heat pump takes the warmth of the external air and heats your tank of water. It is similar to a refrigerator but in reverse. They do consume a bit of electricity in running them, but they are extremely efficient. According to experts at SunScan, heat pumps have the potential of generating three to four times as much heat power as electrical power used within them. This qualifies them to be a steady and consistent alternative to energy consumption.
Installation Requirements
One of the factors is the physical installation. Solar geysers need a space on the roof where they can have the right direction to receive maximum sunlight. A solar system may not work efficiently in case your roof is covered by trees (or other structures). Heat pumps are less limited in terms of location. They are normally mounted on an outside wall and do not need roof boards. This is why they are a perfect option in a house with hard-to-reach roof or where the outlook is a significant factor.
Weather Dependence and Reliability
Climate is a significant contribution towards the performance of these systems. Solar geysers are very dependent on sunshine. The water might also fail to get hot during the wet seasons that are characterized by long cloudy seasons or during rainy seasons. Majority of solar systems have a backup element that is electric-based to make sure you have hot water even on better days. Heat pumps are not as reliant on the sun but would be influenced by extremely low temperatures of the air. Nevertheless, the current heat pumps are built in such a way to operate effectively even at low temperatures and consequently, it is a consistent year-round performer.
Cost and Long-Term Value
Both systems have an initial investment that is more than a typical geyser. Solar geysers are usually more expensive to install at the beginning of their construction because of the cost of collectors and installation. The running costs however, are very much lower. Heat pumps tend to be less expensive to install compared to a complete solar system but will never be without a minor monthly electric bill. Both alternatives are self-paying in terms of energy savings in the long run. The most suitable option will be based on your exact budget and the duration that you intend to remain at your current house.
Conclusion
There is no right answer to what is better between a solar geyser and a heat pump, it all depends on your circumstances. Solar is the best choice should you have a sunny roof and wish to have the lowest possible running costs. A heat pump could be more suitable in case you require a flexible day day and night installation. The 2 technologies are significant improvements that will save you cash and lessen your carbon footprint.
