Frequently Asked Questions about the EcoPlus Hot Water Heat Pump System
If you have a question about the EcoPlus Hot Water Heat Pump System that is not listed here, please email rheemnzsales@rheem.co.nz and we'll find the answer for you.
- Is the EcoPlus Hot Water Heat Pump System an energy efficient hot water system? How does it compare to a conventional electric storage hot water system?
- What are the benefits of the EcoPlus Hot Water Heat Pump System?
- I don't understand the use of a CO2 refrigerant by the EcoPlus Hot Water Heat Pump System. Isn't CO2 a greenhouse gas and therefore harmful to the environment?
- Why does the EcoPlus Hot Water Heat Pump System use CO2 as a refrigerant?
- What is the noise level of the EcoPlus Hot Water Heat Pump System?
- How do I purchase a EcoPlus Hot Water Heat Pump System?
- What is the life expectancy of the EcoPlus Hot Water Heat Pump System?
- At what temperatures will the EcoPlus Hot Water Heat Pump System operate effectively?
- Does the EcoPlus Hot Water Heat Pump System require the assistance of an electric backup/booster element to heat water, when outside ambient temperatures are very low?
- Can I operate the EcoPlus Hot Water Heat Pump System on Off-Peak Tariffs?
- Is water quality an important consideration for the EcoPlus Hot Water Heat Pump System?
- What do I do if my EcoPlus Hot Water Heat Pump System has a problem?
1. Is the EcoPlus Hot Water Heat Pump System an energy efficient hot water system? How does it compare to a conventional electric hot water system?
The EcoPlus Hot Water Heat Pump System needs ~0.958kW of energy to run; this generates approximately 4.5kW heat into stored water. That means the heat pump uses only 20% of the energy required.
2. What are the benefits of the EcoPlus Hot Water Heat Pump System?
Not only does a EcoPlus Hot Water Heat Pump System help save on energy costs, it also delivers:
(a) The Heat Pump Unit
- Innovative technology - up to 50% faster heat recovery than traditional electric or gas water heaters
- Industry leading quality & performance
- Eco-friendly system
(b) The Rheem 300L Stainless Steel Storage Tank
- High quality, extra long life stainless steel cylinder
- Fully insulated for NZ MEPS heat loss compliance
- Safety pressure and temperature relief valve (850kPa)
- Mains pressure rated
3. I don't understand the use of a CO2 refrigerant by the EcoPlus Hot Water Heat Pump System. Isn't CO2 a greenhouse gas and therefore harmful to the environment?
Yes, but CO2 has a Global Warming Potential (GWP – see below for explanation) of 1. Carbon dioxide is the baseline measurement of how it will contribute to global warming for a given mass.
Our system utilises less than 1 kg of R744 (CO2) as a refrigerant contained in a closed system at the factory. The installer does not need to charge the heat pump on site.
Global warming potential (GWP) is a measure of how much a given mass of greenhouse gas is estimated to contribute to global warming.. It is a relative scale which compares the gas in question to that of the same mass of carbon dioxide (whose GWP is by convention equal to 1). A GWP is calculated over a specific time interval and this time interval must be stated whenever a GWP is quoted or else the value is meaningless.
4. Why does the EcoPlus Hot Water Heat Pump System use CO2 as a refrigerant?
- There is far less environmental impact (i.e. No ozone layer depletion and extremely low global warming) than other commonly used refrigerants, should the system leak.
- There is a much higher efficiency, thereby allowing more heat to be transferred to the water, for less energy used (i.e. Excellent thermodynamic ability).
5. What is the noise level of the EcoPlus Hot Water Heat Pump System?
The unit is rated at 37dB (measured at 1 metre distance from the unit), which is almost silent. By comparison, a whisper is around 30dB and inside a library is approximately 40dB.
6. How do I purchase a EcoPlus Hot Water Heat Pump System?
The EcoPlus Hot Water Heat Pump System is available to purchase from an authorised EcoPlus dealer. You can find a list of authorised dealers /installers near you here or call Rheem NZ 0800 657 336
7. What is the life expectancy of the EcoPlus Hot Water Heat Pump System?
The high quality, weather resistant construction of the Sanden Heat Pump outdoor module carries a warranty of 6 years, whereas the high quality, Rheem 300L Stainless Steel Storage Tank carries a class leading 10 year warranty.
8. At what temperatures will the EcoPlus Hot Water Heat Pump System operate effectively?
The EcoPlus Hot Water Heat Pump System will operate effectively between -10ºC and 43ºC without the need for an electric backup/booster element. It is also fitted with in built freeze protection, making it suitable for all climates.
9. Does the EcoPlus Hot Water Heat Pump System require the assistance of an electric backup/booster element to heat water, when outside ambient temperatures are very low?
No, unlike competitors hot water heat pump systems, the EcoPlus Hot Water Heat Pump System does not require an electric booster element
10. Can I operate the EcoPlus Hot Water Heat Pump System on Off-Peak Tariffs?
Yes, please refer to page 11 of the NZ Installation Guide for details. There are no special settings for off peak connection. Simply ensure that the off peak tariff supplies a minimum of 5 hours continuous power to the EcoPlus Hot Water Heat Pump System.
11. Is water quality an important consideration for the EcoPlus Hot Water Heat Pump System?
Yes. Importantly, no warranty applies to the heat pump unit and the storage tank, where the chloride level exceeds 200 mg/litre and the pH is less than 6.0 or more than 8.5. If in doubt, it is recommended that water chemistry information be sought from your local council or water supplier.
12. What do I do if my EcoPlus Hot Water Heat Pump System has a problem?
Please contact the nearest authorised EcoPlus dealer/installer. You can find a list of authorised dealers /installers near you here or call Rheem NZ 0800 657 336