Home / Hot Water Production / Electric water heater and heat pump water heater comparison (español – français)
Electric water heater and heat pump water heater comparison
Share this page
Elements of comparison
The match between a heat pump water heater and a conventional tank storage water heater is even more unbalanced as the constraints imposed by thermal regulations prohibit the second one in the new housing.
To know more: about compact electric water heaters
To know more: heat pump water heater
Consumption comparison chart
The statistics in Europe show a daily average consumption of 40 to 50 litres of hot water at 55°C per adult (30 L for children). Currently, a heat pump water heater consumes, in average, between 2 and 3 times less electricity than a conventional water heater according to the surrounding environmental conditions.
| Electric consumption comparison | Electric water heater | Heat pump water heater |
|---|---|---|
| 150 litres (sink + shower + washbasin) – 2 people |
about 400£ per year | about 130£ per year |
| 200 litres (sink + shower/bath + washbasins) – 3 people | about 440£ per year | about 150£ per year |
| 250 litres (sink + shower/bath + washbasins) – 4 people including 2 children |
about 490£ per year | about 160£ per year |
| 300 litres (sink + shower/bath + washbasins) – 5/6 people |
about 530£ per year | about 175£ per year |
This table does not take note of the arrival of new electric multi-tank water heaters, allowing to heat only a certain amount of water according to the needs. The heat pump water heater is especially interesting for large capacities (250 litres to 300 litres) as its COP (coefficient of performance) falls with lower capacity.
Overall comparison chart
| Comparison | Electric Water Heater | Heat Pump Water Heater |
| Installation in the new | Forbidden by the thermal regulation | Authorised. Benefits (partially) of an inexhaustible and clean energy. |
| Installation in renovation | Authorised | Recommended under conditions |
| Installation Complexity |
Very easy | Depend on the connexion mode (outside air or room air) |
| Compactness |
Starting from 15 litres. Wall or floor mounting | Starting from 150 litres. Few models from 50 L (COP reduced). Usually floor mounting. |
| Noise Impact |
None | Noisy to very noisy according to models. |
| Hygiene Water Quality |
Stagnation, limestone, 60°C at least | Identical constraints except stainless steel tank models heated by an external heating belt. |
| Maintenance |
Risks of scaling and corrosion reduced on high-end models | Same + heat pump to maintain. |
| Guarantee Period |
Usually 7 years on the tanks, except new stainless steel tanks | equivalent |
| Heating Time |
5 to 6 hours for 300 Litres | equivalent |
FOX25
