 The technology used by heat pumps is the most energy efficient way to heat and cool your home. Now, that same energy saving technology can be used to heat the water in your home. The water heater is the second largest consumer of energy in your home. So using the energy efficient heat pump technology can add up to a lot of savings. Let's take a look at how this technology works. Standard electric water heaters use a resistive element to turn electricity directly into heat, which is transferred directly to the water. Gas water heaters use natural gas or propane to ignite a burner centered under the bottom of the tank to create heat. A heat pump water heater, on the other hand, draws in ambient heat from the surrounding air. Heat in the air is absorbed by refrigerant inside the evaporator coil and cool, dehumidified air is exhausted. The refrigerant is then pumped through a compressor which further increases the temperature. Heat is transferred throughout the tank by a water or refrigeration circulation process. This process of moving heat instead of generating heat makes the heat pump water heater two to three times more energy efficient than a standard water heater, saving you money and energy. Many heat pump water heaters are considered hybrid units that combine heat transfer and electric element technology to provide faster recovery time during high demand periods. In addition to heating your water, the heat pump water heater also cools and dehumidifies the air in the surrounding space as it transfers the heat to your water heater. So if you're in the market for a new water heater, remember that the cost to operate your water heater is just as important as the cost to buy the unit. Consider buying an energy efficient heat pump water heater to save money and energy over the lifetime of your water heater. Smart energy, smart choices. Brought to you by Georgia Power.