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The water heater talk is my fault. I brought it up last fall when I replaced my leaking heater. I can’t say I’ve heard about heat pump water heater, but I don’t care much for heat pumps in general so I don’t know if I would be that interested myself. I did put an Aquanta controller on my new heater. To help monitor my usage and better control my costs. I think that was worth the investment.

 

No direct experience myself -- we ditched our electric water heater for an on-demand propane unit years ago. But heat pumps in general have made big gains in efficiency over the years. Stuff I read says they cost more up front but pay for themselves within a few years. If I were shopping now and could afford the initial cost I would definitely do it.

 

It does seem like the logical choice, especially with the tax rebates.
I also wonder how it may work with the geothermal system since that too is a heat pump water heater

 

Where do you live that you would meet these temperature requirements? I didn't even know these things existed before seeing your post, but the temperature requirements would rule out southeast Louisiana.
https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/heat-pump-water-heaters

 

TN trouble maker.

 

They run inside your home so as long as your house is between those temps its good. Its all self contained and it pumps heat into the water and cold into the space around the heater. Good for the summer, in the winter that would likely increase the heating bill a little bit. For southeast Louisiana that would probably just help your AC bill.

 

A room with a temperature from 40 to 90 degrees F? None of those in LA?

 

Most of the homes in my subdivision have 2 or 3 water heaters located in the attic. Although my attic may stay above 40 in the winter, it gets way hotter than 90 in the summer.

 

That makes sense. Its hot most of the year, might as well keep the hot water tank where its hot.

I wonder what the true max temp is. A heat pump here works MORE efficiently when the ambient temp is warmer, I'm a bit surprised the rated temp is 90 degrees.

 

I'm sure it still works at higher temperatures. But perhaps its efficiency drops. Not as efficient when heating water 20 degrees as it is when heating water 40+ degrees.

 

Since a heat pump just moves heat around in this case it gets more efficient the warmer the air surrounding the water heater is.

I expect the limit is based on items like the compressor itself overheating. A little bit of reading online indicated to me that some are ok in high ambient temps, others get cranky and won't run because the pumps and mechanical components don't have sufficent cooling (although, that seems like an easy fix to be honest...)

 

I've got one. Love it. Costs me about 25 cents a day to run. I have it in my tall crawlspace and it also helps dehumidify it. Paid for itself in 2 years.

 

Alright I have a question.
Back story:
My mower has about 17 hours total on the machine. In thick grass when going fast the engine detonates or knocks. Now this season mowing it detonates or knock’s really bad just starting the blades and medium thick grass.

What could be causing this?

 

I flush my electric water heater yearly. Last year water was getting cold after one shower and called my nephew to come over. We tested it for continuity and everything checked out ok. Checked out the anode and it was junk. Remove and replace and it’s like brand new

 

I just got one. When I shut the furnace off next month I’ll start to save money, I hope..

 

Running after this one today.

 

Are you thinking bad connecting rod?

Pull the plug, stick a screw driver in the plug hole until you feel the piston. Wiggle the flywheel back and fourth to see if you can feel any slop in the connecting rod. Do this at random points around the cycle.

You should feel no slop at any point.

 

I’ll give this a try.

 

Damn send that one my way.

 

Without reading back, what’s is this your discussing ?