Greener living
New technology to consider: Heat pump water heaters and electric vehicles
This month, we have a couple of green ideas to stick in your garage. First, you’ve heard of energy-efficient heat pumps — now get ready for super-efficient heat pump water heaters. Second, if you’re in the market for a new car, 2010 might be a good year to choose an electric vehicle.
The NEW electric water heater
If you’re still heating water with an old water heater, do yourself, your wallet and the environment a favor: Switch to a heat pump water heater. It’s a new and much
more energy-efficient option. We’ve often told you about the benefits of high-efficiency heat pumps. Now, major water heater manufacturers are applying the technology to heat pump water heaters. We asked PGE heat pump expert, John Karasaki, PE, to fill us in. Here’s what he had to share:
Over 200 percent more efficient than old water heaters
Just like a heat pump that heats and cools your home, a heat pump water heater uses electricity to easily-move heat from one place (the air) to another (in this case, the water in your tank), instead of using electricity to heat water directly. A heat pump water heater looks just like a regular tank-style water heater - only about 18 inches taller - but it can cut water heating costs by more than half.* For maximum efficiency, garage installation is recommended.
Proven technology is ready for prime time
Heat pump water heaters have actually been around for two decades (John has had one in his own house for years). But now the technology has matured, and the biggest water heater manufacturers are now rolling out models.
According to Rheem, one of the top manufacturers, there are two primary factors driving the debut of the new Rheem HP-50 heat pump water heater: Rising home energy costs and growing demand for high-efficiency and high-performance water heaters to blunt the impact of those rising costs.
David M. Hanning, director of product development for Rheem Water Heating, notes: “This product marks the first time that consumer will have access to an electric storage water heater whose operating costs are comparable to those of a tankless water heater, but with significantly lower installation expense on retrofit projects.”
Locally, larger water heater dealers will be offering the products starting this fall. And 10 PGE employees will have heat pump water heaters installed in their garages so we can determine the best installation requirements and confirm savings estimates for our local climate.
Look for ENERGY STAR qualified models
The ENERGY STAR® program set energy-efficiency standards for heat pump water heaters this year. So if you’re shopping for one, be sure it’s an ENERGY STAR qualified model.
Tax credits available
Heat pump water heaters may qualify for both an Oregon Residential Energy Tax Credit a federal tax credit.
Find links to more information on our Heat Pump Water Heater section.
Electric vehicle development
2010 could be a good year to buy an electric car and lead the charge in changing the way America drives!
PGE is developing a network of charging stations for plug-in hybrid electric and all-electric vehicles. Already 20 stations are up and running, and now more are on the way because PGE has been named a strategic participant in the largest EV project in U.S. history. The state of Oregon was named one of five test markets for rollout of electric vehicles and an associated charging station network.
Plans right now call for 1,000 Nissan electric vehicles to be made available at Oregon Nissan dealerships in fall 2010, and 2,500 charging stations will be installed at homes and businesses beginning in the summer of 2010.
Learn more about the new EV project on our Plug-in Charging Stations section.
*Results may vary.