FAQ for Heat Pump

September 24, 2024

Who is Powerbay?

Powerbay is an Australian-owned company, part of the Corporate Energy group, that specializes in the manufacturing and distribution of renewable energy products. With over 15 years of experience, Powerbay focuses on providing innovative and cutting-edge technology solutions to meet the needs of Australian businesses and families. Our goal is to offer products that are durable, efficient, and capable of delivering real-time savings compared to other products on the market, which positions us as a leading provider in the renewable energy sector.

What size area do I need to install the heat pump?

Typically, your new Powerbay will fit in the same area as an existing electric resistance heater, or gas storage, but if it’s replacing a gas instantaneous, then it will require a 620mm x 620mm space, with 600mm of free space on the discharge side.

How do I operate my heat pump?

Controlling your heat pump is straightforward. Once installed, it is recommended to let it run continuously without setting timers, unless it’s essential due to the system’s location. Our heat pumps come with built-in AI features that help to optimize performance and provide a seamless experience, automatically adjusting to your heating needs. This intelligent control system is designed to enhance convenience and energy efficiency.

Can I install the HWS in my garage?

Yes, your heat pump can be installed in a garage, provided there is sufficient cubic meter air volume available. It’s recommended that the garage be at least a double garage with a ceiling height of 2.40 meters. The installer should also consider the plumbing for the PTR line to penetrate through an external wall, especially during regular maintenance checks. Additionally, it’s advisable to install the system on a base designed to handle any condensate discharge from your hot water system (HWS).

Are they easy to install?

Yes, Powerbay heat pumps are generally easy to install. Your plumber will be able to utilize part of the existing pipework for the connections to and from your home, reconfiguring the pipes accordingly for the hot water system (HWS).

You will also need an electrician to install a 16-amp circuit with a Residual Current Breaker with Overcurrent (RCBO) for the GenI systems. For the newer GenII systems, which feature a hybrid model, a 10-amp external General Power Outlet (GPO) will need to be installed near the HWS. If you are replacing a gas instantaneous system, the GPO may already be available, making the installation process quicker and more straightforward. ( electrical works must adhere to AS/NZ 3000 standards)

How long will it take to heat up?

Typically, it takes between 2 to 3 hours for a Powerbay heat pump to heat water from a cold state, remembering that the cold-water temperature from your home is around 15 degrees Celsius, and the target heating range is between 55 to 60 degrees Celsius. Keep in mind that actual heating times can vary based on specific conditions in relation to the weather and outside ambient temperature.

Do heat pumps save money?

Yes, heat pumps can save you money. They offer energy savings of around 70% compared to standard electric resistance hot water systems. This efficiency comes from the fact that heat pumps only use electricity to run the compressor and fan, rather than directly heating the water, which is a constant process in electric resistance heaters.

Even when replacing an older gas storage system, heat pumps are still more efficient. Gas storage systems typically keep a burner running continuously to maintain hot water, even when it’s not in use, leading to unnecessary energy consumption. By adopting a heat pump system, you can benefit from significant reductions in energy costs over time.

What refrigerant do they use?

All Powerbay heat pumps use R290 (propane) as the standard refrigerant. R290 is an environmentally friendly option that is approved for use in home and business hot water systems. It has been recognized for its lower global warming potential compared to traditional refrigerants. If you need more details about refrigerant specifications or any other related topics, feel free to ask!

Do powerbay heat pumps work in all weather conditions?

Yes, Powerbay heat pumps are designed to work in various weather conditions and do not rely on sunlight or solar panels for operation. They can extract renewable energy from the air to heat water, making them effective even on cloudy or cold days. This versatility allows them to function efficiently across a range of temperatures, ensuring a consistent supply of hot water regardless of external weather conditions.

I see that heat pumps work in a wide temperature range.

Yes, Powerbay heat pumps operate efficiently across a wide temperature range, from -7 degrees Celsius to 40 degrees Celsius. This makes them suitable for various climates across Australia, including some alpine regions.

However, if you live in an area with consistently low average temperatures, the heat pump may not be the most cost-effective solution, as the compressor will require a longer runtime. In such cases, you may need to engage the electric booster element more frequently to maintain the desired water temperature, which can increase both running costs and overall energy consumption.
But, like most Australians, we reside in areas with warmer temperatures year-round, so your Powerbay heat pump will efficiently provide hot water as needed for your household, or business.

What does the electric element do, someone told me it’s like an instant heat up?

The electric backup element in a Powerbay heat pump is designed to assist in maintaining the desired water temperature, especially in colder climates. It operates for up to 24 hours at a time, compensating for the cooling effects that lower outdoor temperatures can have on the system’s exterior.

By engaging this element, you can ensure that the water temperature remains consistent without any loss. However, it’s important to note that using the electric backup element will increase your energy consumption, potentially by up to three times compared to regular operation with the heat pump alone. This is something to consider, especially if you find yourself needing to depend on the backup element frequently.

Are Powerbay heat pumps environmentally friendly?

Yes, Powerbay heat pumps are environmentally friendly as they extract renewable energy from the air to heat water. This process uses significantly less electricity compared to traditional electric resistance water heating methods, resulting in lower carbon emissions and reduced environmental impact. By utilizing air-source heat pump technology, Powerbay contributes to more sustainable energy consumption and helps meet the needs for hot water while minimizing reliance on fossil fuels.