Water Source Heat Pumps For Homes

How they Work and are they a Good Fit for Your Home?

A water source heat pump (WSHP) is a heating and cooling system that uses a water source, such as a lake, river, well, or pond to work. It uses these water bodies as a heat exchange medium for providing heating and cooling and at times hot water to your home. It is a highly efficient and environmentally friendly way to regulate indoor temperatures.

We have prepared this guide on water source heat pumps (WSHPs) for you to gain an understanding of what they are and whether they are a suitable option for your home. In this guide, we will talk about how the WSHPs work, explaining how this heat pump uses a natural resource like water to generate heat or cool your home. We will also be discussing whether a WSHP is the right choice for your home or not, by elaborating on their advantages and disadvantages.

Certified installers can help you understand if a WSHP is the right choice for your home or not. You can contact several installers and request quotes to compare. However, this is a long and arduous task that requires you to call installers one after the other for hours.

GreenMatch can make your task easier for you. Click on the button below and fill out the form with the requested details. We will match you with up to 3 certified, reliable installers and get their quotes to compare. Our service is free with no obligation.

How Does a Water Source Heat Pump Work?

A water source heat pump, as the name implies, is a heating or cooling system that uses natural water resources as the source of power for maintaining temperatures inside your home. You can use a water source heat pump around water bodies such as a lake, well, river, or pond.

A WSHP can either be a closed-loop or an open-loop system. The type of system will depend on several factors such as the availability of water, quality of water, and any local regulations that may affect the installation. In a closed-loop system, the heat pump circulates the same water to regulate the temperatures in your home. A closed-loop heat pump is usually attached to a water source such as a lake, a large pond, or a well. The pipes are filled with an anti-freeze liquid, which never comes into direct contact with water. The liquid when travels through the pipe gains or loses heat depending on the mode the heat pump is working in.

An open-loop heat pump is usually installed in rivers or other water bodies with suitable geological conditions for the WSHP to work effectively. In an open-loop system, the heat pump draws water directly from the water source and circulates through the system to maintain temperatures in your home.

During the heating mode, the refrigerant is transformed into a gas through evaporation, which allows it to absorb heat from the water source. The compressor compresses the gas raising its temperature and pressure, which when circulated into the home via the blower fan, releases heat. In cooling mode, the heat pump works the other way around, releasing heat into the water, and cooling the inside of your home.

The heating and cooling modes of a WSHP can be controlled through a thermostat inside your home. The thermostat turns on the heat pump according to the mode you’ve selected and heats or cools your home to the set temperature.

Is a Water Source Heat Pump Right for Your Home?

There are several options of heat pumps you have from which you can choose, like water source heat pumps. There are several advantages and disadvantages to installing a water source heat pump. However, when a high investment is in question, you always want to weigh the options and consider if it is the right choice for your home. To understand whether a WSHP will be the right choice for you, let us take into consideration the pros and cons of installing one.

Advantages of Water Source Heat Pump

Energy Efficiency

WSHPs are highly energy efficient as it utilizes natural water resource for heating or cooling your home. As a result it

lowers your energy consumption, in turn reducing your utility bills.

Environmentally Friendly

WSHPs are more environmentally friendly since they produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions by using a natural resource like water. This contributes to a more sustainable and eco-friendly approach, helping you reduce your carbon footprint.

Low Costs

The high energy efficiency of WSHPs leads to lower energy costs, in turn reducing your utility bills. WSHPs, as a result, are more cost-effective for you.

Low Maintenance

WSHP systems have a comparatively longer lifespan and require minimal maintenance. This results in lower maintenance costs and a durable heating and cooling solution.

Zoning and Individual Control

WSHPs, like mini-split air source heat pumps, give you individual control over the heating and cooling of different areas and zones of your home. This allows you to enjoy customized temperature control and comfort in your home.

Disadvantages of Water Source Heat Pumps

High Upfront Cost

One of the major disadvantages of water source heat pumps is that it requires you to make a higher upfront investment. However, its high energy efficiency and lower energy costs can help you break even quickly.

Location Dependency

Another factor to consider and that can hinder the installation of a WSHP is the availability of a water source. Even if you have a water source available, it may not be a suitable source of water for operating a heat pump.

Another thing that may become a problem in installing a water source heat pump is the availability of a water resource near your place. If you are living in a rural area, you may not find a nearby suitable water source for installing a WSHP.

To conclude, WSHPs have numerous benefits in terms of energy efficiency, sustainability, and comfort. However, you may have to incur a higher upfront cost and find out if there is a nearby suitable water source for use in heat pumps.

Find Best WSHP Deals Near You

Now that you know the advantages and disadvantages of installing a water source heat pump, you can make an informed decision regarding whether a water source heat pump is a suitable option for you, and if it fits in your budget. To get a better understanding of whether a WSHP would be a viable option for you, you can consult a certified installer and request quotes.

Contacting certified installers and requesting several quotes from them can help you gain insight into whether a WSHP would be suitable and if it would fit within your budget. Installers often visit the site of installation, assess your needs, and let you know if it is a suitable option for you. Contacting several installers can give you the advantage of exploring several deals and offers that each installer has to give.

You will be required to call one installer after the other and request quotes. This is a lengthy, tedious task that you can simplify with GreenMatch. Click on the button below and we will match you with up to 3 certified installers and get their quotes to compare. Our service is free with no obligation.

Frequently Asked Questions