Water Source Heat Pump

Water Source Heat Pump system is one of the most efficient cooling and heating system available now. It is efficient due to its ability to move the energy from where it is not required to where it is in demand. This is done by the use of water loop that is looped to all the units of the individual WSHP.

Each WSHP can be placed at various location in the building and heat is added or rejected to the water loop by using boiler or cooling tower. Natural form of heat sources or heat rejection reservoir can be the pond, well or even the ground itself.

During summer and when cooling is called for, the maximum water loop temperature should be 90°F or 32°C. During winter, when most of the units are calling for heating mode, the auxiliary water heater should be activated when the water loop temperature drops to below 64°F or 18°C.

Selection of Water Source Heat Pump

Consider the following points when you make a decision to replace or buy a new WSHP for your home or building.

Choose a unit that uses ozone friendly refrigerant such as R410A. This refrigerant has no phase-out date and you do not have to worry about the availability of this gas in the near future.

Check the compressor that is used. Make sure it is quiet, durable and is low in vibration. Inverter type of compressor will be the best option to help you save energy as well as providing comfort to the occupants in the building.

The controls used should be user friendly with indicators or LCD panel for trouble shooting purposes. If you are using building automation system, ensure that the communication protocol is compatible with the BAS such as LonTalk or BACnet. Check the warranty period of the controls used. Some controls may be phased out soon and the assurance of support from the manufacturers should be given to ensure the replacement is available in the future.

Energy Star rating on the label indicates that the product has undergone design that enables the unit to be efficient and save electricity consumption compared to other units that do not have these labels. Hence choose a unit with good Energy Star rating. Check the EER of the heat pump unit. Newer units should have EER greater than 15.

Calculate the operating costs of the system as this can add up to substantial savings in the long run. Compare the savings of using the new units compared to the existing system. You will be surprise that the payback period of using the more efficient WSHP could be in the region of 4-5 years.