Plumbing Africa February 2018 | Page 59

FEATURES 57 << Continued from page 55 Impact According to Parry, heat pumps are a great energy-saving, cost-effective water heating method that is becoming increasingly popular in South Africa. Water heating in a domestic setting accounts for a large portion of electricity use. With escalating costs of power, a more energy efficient source has become vital. Jansen adds that aside from reducing reliance on a national electricity supplier, heat pumps have also become more environmental friendly by using R410a, a more energy efficient and ozone-friendly gas alternative to R-22. Less reliance on electricity also results in fewer carbon dioxide emissions being released into the atmosphere, and usage times and temperatures can be controlled remotely. If, for example, the hot water is only required by a factory for showers for the staff at the end of the day, Parry explains that the heat pumps can be set to heat the water from midday. Of interest, says Jansen, is the increase in applications of heat pumps, especially providing heating and cooling for various industry segments. Other than normal domestic and commercial hot water, Jansen says Alliance has supplied heat pumps to hydroponic farmers, crocodile farms, industrial cleaning companies, and Olympic-sized swimming pools, to name just a few. Maintenance Water pumps do not take up much space and can be discreetly installed in both residential and commercial properties without any advanced plumbing work. Parry says that heat pumps require regular servicing and