How to maintain your heat pump water heater for optimal performance
Heat pump water heaters work a little differently than traditional electric water heaters. We gathered our top tips to help you get comfortable with your heat pump water heater, troubleshoot common problems, and identify when it’s time to call a professional. These tips can help you get the most out of your water heater for years to come.
Your heat pump water heater likely has WiFi capability, which allows you to connect it to smart home technologies like a home energy monitor or an app for the unit itself. Besides being able to control your water heater remotely, you can also be notified if your unit is using more energy than expected. This can be a helpful indication that you might need to do some maintenance. Don’t worry if your water heater doesn’t have WiFi capability, or if you can’t or don’t want to connect it: You can still get the energy-saving benefits of heat pump technology
Keeping your air filter clean is one of the easiest—and most important—ways to ensure your heat pump water heater is working efficiently. A clogged filter can cause your water heater to work harder than it should, which uses more electricity. Some water heater models have a light to alert you when the filter needs cleaning, but it’s good practice to clean it every month.
Remove your air filter by pulling it out of the top of your water heater. Wash it gently with soap and water and let it dry before inserting it back into your water heater.
Your heat pump water heater can run in heat pump mode, electric mode, or hybrid mode. Different models have different names for each setting, so you might have something called energy saver mode or eco mode, both of which typically refer to a hybrid setting. Heat pump mode can save you a lot of money compared to electric mode, so make sure your unit is set properly. If you have a period of higher demand for hot water, like when you have guests, you might need to use hybrid mode. Most heat pump water heaters have a little screen that displays the current mode.
Your heat pump water heater works by passing air over a cold coil. The byproduct: Condensation. Your water heater collects that condensed water and directs it out of the unit through a drain line. Keep the drain line clean and unclogged by annually unscrewing it from the water heater and pouring a small amount of disinfectant like vinegar through the line.
The temperature and pressure relief (TPR) valve on your heat pump water heater is an important safety mechanism. If the temperature or pressure in your tank gets too high, the valve opens to release water.
Test your relief valve annually to make sure it opens and closes properly. Your relief valve has a vertical pipe running down to the ground. Place a bucket under the pipe and open the valve a few times by pulling the lever parallel with the ground. Make sure the lever returns to its closed position on its own. If the valve has trouble opening or closing, you might need to replace it.
Additionally, the valve should be professionally inspected every three years to check for corrosion.
Whether you use municipal water or a well, your water contains minerals that can precipitate over time and coat the inside of your water heater. The mineral buildup can prevent your heating element from working properly, or it can block proper water flow. Consult your owner’s manual for details on how to drain and flush your water heater to remove mineral buildup. Don’t forget to shut off power to your water heater before draining.
All tank water heaters have an anode rod inside. You can think of the anode rod like a magnet: It attracts minerals and oxygen in your water that could otherwise corrode the interior of your water heater. Over time, it essentially disintegrates, leaving just the steel rod.
Plan to have your anode rod professionally replaced every seven years to extend the life of your heat pump water heater.
Every heat pump water heater is a little different, so consult your owner’s manual for specific guidance. If the screen on your unit displays an error code, check the owner’s manual to identify the problem.
If you suspect any electrical problems or other issues, it’s time to call a professional. Use our Find a Pro tool to find an Efficiency Excellence Network contractor near you.
