▲ 1 r/hvacadvice
Hey everyone, I know this isn't explicitly an HVAC question but due to the heat pump componant I hope I am posting in the right forum. I am located in mid state coastal FL and I am looking to upgrade, simplify, and hopefully save some money on my electric bill by replacing 2 old electric HW heaters with a single heat pump hot water heater. I would like to do the work myself or at least 90% to save costs but will get a professional involved if needed.
Current Setup
- WH1 is a 65gal electric unit that is 20 years old, it is located in the guest bathroom closet with a louvered door, it supplies 2 full bathrooms.
- WH2 is a 50gal unit, only a few years old. It is located in the laundry room closet with a louvered door, it supplies the washer and kitchen. I often turn this unit off in the summer.
- I believe both units have a 30amp 220v circuit running to them.
Option 1
- Removed both existing WHs and install 1 65gal HPWH in the guest bathroom closet, it would supply all the hot water to the house via a PEX tube that would connect the two systems. Cap off WH2 intake and plug the new PEX line into the old hot water feed line.
Option 2
- Removed both existing WHs and install the HPWH in the un conditioned garage. Pipe a new line from the garage, tap into both WH1 and WH2 hot water lines with a new PEX line.
My Questions
- For Florida's climate, is the unconditioned garage actually better for HPWH efficiency year-round?
- Does a louvered closet in Opt 1 allow for enough volume with the HPWH? It would essentially be pulling from the entire house just with some added resistance with the louvers or is this a non starter?
- If placed in the conditioned envelope of the house, can I extend the intake duct to the unconditioned attic space? Then pull *VERY* hot air in summer time?
- Does the long PEX run in Option 2 drawn any concern?
- Is there a noise consideration with a HPWH?
- Does this seem doable for a handy DYI guy?
- What would you recommend?
I appreciate your help, and am happy to answer any questions you have.
See below for a sketch:
u/HolyHand_Grenade — 17 days ago