Heat pump hot water heater - need an installer/plumber recommendation

Looking to replace our indirect fired (gas) hot water heater with an electric heat pump in our cellar boiler room. We have called a few of the leading Park Slope plumbers and have encountered a fair amount of skepticism and resistance. the boiler room is in our semi-finished warm basement. the cinderblock boiler room is vented for the gas boiler and retains a lot of heat in the winter. It seems ideal, but we cannot seem to get a good plumber on board. Con Ed offers $1000 rebate and the overall cost is eligible for a 30% federal tax credit up to $2000. this seems like a slam dunk economically and environmentally (we also have rooftop solar).

Any advice or recommendations greatly appreciated.

jose3505

in Plumbing 2 months ago

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aceairheatingandcooling | 2 weeks ago

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With the financial benefits of a 30% federal tax credit plus a $1000 Con Ed rebate, upgrading your well-insulated and heated cellar boiler room to an electric heat pump water heater seems like a wise decision. Although local plumbers initially expressed opposition, it’s possible that this was more a result of their lack of knowledge with the modern equipment than a judgment on the project’s potential. Here are some actions that you can do:

1. Seek Specialized Installers Avoid using regular plumbers and instead look for HVAC specialists or contractors with experience installing heat pumps.
2. Educate and Inform**: Provide prospective installers with comprehensive information on the advantages of heat pump systems, possibly from manufacturers.
3. **Utilize IncentivesEnsure that the installers understand the monetary advantages that could increase the project’s appeal.
**Ask Manufacturers for Suggestions**: They might suggest licensed installers with knowledge of certain configurations.

If you currently have solar electricity installed in your home, switching to a heat pump can optimize your use of renewable energy, increasing the financial and environmental benefits. Finding the appropriate installer will require persistence, as will arming them with the necessary knowledge.

Michael@
aceairheatingandcooling.ca

shahnandersen

in Plumbing 2 months ago

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You can install smaller unit and couple it with the existing indirect tank. You can leave boiler connected as a back up.

eg66 | 2 months ago

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Why is demand higher in NJ? We have solar and adequate space, so I can see little downside to installing one of these systems (we have a combination system on an old gas boiler so showering is getting expensive). The 220v line is easy enough.

Master Plvmber | 2 months ago

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My company in New Jersey, Toro Plumbing & Mechanical, installs them frequently for residential customers who just have to have them. They work fine but they don’t always physically fit in the space where people want them. They do a good job of reclaiming some of the heat that old steam systems leave behind in a cellar. My NYC company, Gateway Plumbing and Heating, can also get the job done of course, but we’ve got a much higher demand for these units in New Jersey homes.

Guest User | 2 months ago

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Given those conditions I am certain that I could supply you with a plumber for the installation… drop me a line at errol832000@hotmail.com

jose3505 | 2 months ago

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thank you!

Guest User | 2 months ago

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New Age Engineering (516) 432-3000 was referred to me by a trusted boiler plumber and I have since had them do some very thoughtful heat and hot water reconfiguration work along the lines of what you’re looking into. They can also refer you qualified plumbers they have worked with for whatever installation you end up selecting

jose3505 | 2 months ago

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Thank you, but the current hot water heater is an indirect fired tank system without a separate gas line and there is a 220v line for a dryer that is not in use. Although we are not interested in these models, there are 120v options that plug into a normal outlet (with slower recovery times though). There should be ample fresh air from the current vent plus the gap between the boiler room doors and floor. If worse came to worse we would install a fire rate louvre in the door, but I doubt that would be necessary based on the manufacturer guidance (the boiler room itself is nearly large enough even without the vent and other openings).

Very puzzled that these are not being installed more widely. There are a lot of hot basements in NYC and heat pump hot water would be very economical i expect.

Guest User | 2 months ago

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The problem with heat pump water heaters is that to legally install them you will need a plumbing permit to cut and cap the gas line as well as an electric permit to install the new 220v electric line to the water heater. (Heat pump water heaters default to resistance heaters when demand outpaces the ability of the heat pump to generate hot water). You will also need a fresh air intake which may or may not be satisfied by your old gas vent. Gas permits are a major pain for a small job since it will probably entail a full permit with gas inspections… you are probably looking at $3000 in permits and inspections before you even buy the unit… most plumbers don’t want to deal with the red tape for such a small job