As New Zealand continues to embrace sustainable and energy-efficient heating solutions, air-to-water heat pumps have emerged as a leading choice for heating, cooling and domestic hot water production in residential homes and commercial buildings.
Air-to-water or “Hydronic Monobloc” heat pumps have all their refrigerant stored in the outside unit meaning there is no risk of refrigerant leaks within the building envelope. While these systems offer remarkable environmental benefits and operational efficiency, safety for potable water systems remains a critical consideration.
The health dangers posed by refrigerants ranges from toxicity to flammability, so specific system design or component technology needs to be employed to address these risks. When air-to water heat pumps are used for heating potable water directly, it is important that there is more than one level of separation between the refrigerant and the water which is used for washing and showering because this is the same water that you drink.
Among the available solutions, Double-Wall heat exchange technology stands out as the safest solution, ensuring peace of mind for residential homeowners and commercial facility managers alike.
The Importance of Double-Wall Separation
Safety is paramount when it comes to potable water heating solutions, especially in environments like homes and care facilities where vulnerable individuals may reside.
Heat pump water heaters have now become increasingly popular, and this brings the separation of the refrigerant and the potable water into the spotlight.
Image below shows the internal components of an air-to-water heat pump
It is quite common for air-to-water heat pumps to use a single-wall heat exchanger, increasing the likelihood of contamination or hazardous leaks in the case of failure. If the water being heated is potable, these leaks can go right through to your tap.
Diagram below shows the lack of protection from a single wall system
For homes and commercial facilities prioritising the safety of their occupants, Double-Wall separation of refrigerant and water is undeniably the best practice, offering enhanced protection by preventing fluid mixing even in the event of system damage or component failure.
Diagram below shows the extra protection you get from a double wall system
Double-Wall plate heat exchangers provide extra protection by preventing fluid mixing in the event of a plate failure. The two plates are tightly pressed together to minimize heat loss while ensuring a safe leak path.
State-of the-art hot water heat pumps like the Ritter Direct Hot Water R290 high temperature heat pump employs Double-Wall heat exchanger technology providing superior safety and piece-of-mind. This unit can be connected to any new or existing hot water cylinder to increase hot water capacity and substantially reduce electricity bills.
Double-Wall exchangers are more expensive to manufacture meaning these heat pumps tend sit at an elevated price point, but the importance of their role in maintaining the health and safety of people cannot be overlooked.
Homeowners looking for heat pump water heaters should ask their suppliers if their units have double-wall heat exchangers.
Photo below shows the Ritter Direct Hot Water R290 high temp heat pump. Click here to see more Ritter double walled heat pumps
Applications Commercial Facilities
For commercial facilities like hospitals or aged care living, where uninterrupted operation is critical, double-wall systems offer peace of mind by reducing risks of contamination or system failure.
In these types of systems multiple heat pumps may be required and they could also be doing other tasks like providing space heating. In these situations, a specific design is employed to achieve the same double-wall separation between refrigerant and water.
Environmental Benefits
Waterware exclusively supply premium heat pumps using only R290 (refrigerant grade propane) and employ Double-Wall heat exchanger technology in every system where potable water is being heated. R290 is flammable which is why this precaution is taken, but R290 is also a natural refrigerant with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) = 3, and an Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) = 0 so it is great for the planet.
R290 appliances also provide very high levels of performance in all parts of New Zealand, due to their ability to operate down to –25C and provide flow temperatures up to 75C. So, when it comes to hot water production, R290 heat pumps can do 100% of the work without the need for electrical element boosting. This equates to better overall efficiency and lower electricity bills.
By choosing Double-Wall R290 heat pumps for potable hot water heating, New Zealand homeowners and facility managers can align their heating solutions with global efforts to combat climate change while ensuring safe operation and a healthy kiwi living environment.
Want to find out more about double walled heat pumps? Contact us today!
