Heat Pump Water Heater vs Gas Calculator

Cost Comparison Formulas:

\[ \text{Cost}_{\text{hp}} = \text{kWh} \times \text{price}_e \] \[ \text{Cost}_{\text{gas}} = \text{therms} \times \text{price}_g \]

Heat Pump Electricity Usage:

kWh

Electricity Price:

$/kWh

Gas Water Heater Usage:

therms

Gas Price:

$/therm

Heat Pump Cost ($):

Gas Heater Cost ($):

Potential Savings ($):

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

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1. What is a Heat Pump vs Gas Water Heater Calculator?

Definition: This calculator compares the operating costs between heat pump water heaters and traditional gas water heaters.

Purpose: It helps homeowners and businesses evaluate potential energy savings when considering switching to a heat pump water heater.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses these formulas:

\[ \text{Cost}_{\text{hp}} = \text{kWh} \times \text{price}_e \] \[ \text{Cost}_{\text{gas}} = \text{therms} \times \text{price}_g \]

Where:

$ \text{Cost}_{\text{hp}} $ — Heat pump operating cost ($)
$ \text{kWh} $ — Electricity consumption (kilowatt-hours)
$ \text{price}_e $ — Electricity price ($/kWh)
$ \text{Cost}_{\text{gas}} $ — Gas heater operating cost ($)
$ \text{therms} $ — Natural gas consumption (therms)
$ \text{price}_g $ — Natural gas price ($/therm)

Explanation: The calculator computes the energy costs for both systems and shows the potential savings of using a heat pump water heater.

3. Importance of Cost Comparison

Details: Understanding the cost difference helps in making informed decisions about water heater upgrades, considering both upfront costs and long-term savings.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the energy usage for both systems (typically available from energy bills or manufacturer specifications) and your local utility rates.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I find my water heater's energy usage?
A: Check your energy bills for monthly usage or the EnergyGuide label on your appliance for estimated annual usage.

Q2: What's a typical heat pump water heater efficiency?
A: Heat pump water heaters are typically 2-3 times more efficient than conventional electric resistance water heaters.

Q3: Should I consider other factors besides cost?
A: Yes, also consider installation costs, rebates, climate (heat pumps work best in warm environments), and environmental impact.

Q4: How accurate is this comparison?
A: This provides a basic operational cost comparison. Actual savings may vary based on usage patterns, local climate, and equipment efficiency.

Q5: What's the average lifespan comparison?
A: Heat pump water heaters typically last 10-15 years, comparable to gas water heaters, but with proper maintenance can last longer.