A water heater that uses a refrigeration system to heat the water is called?

• A. Gas Water Heater
• B. Electric Resistance Heater
• C. Solar Water Heater
• D. A Heat Pump Water Heater

Answer: (D)

This question tests understanding of how a heat pump water heater works. A heat pump water heater moves heat from the surrounding air into the water using a refrigeration cycle, rather than generating heat directly with flames or electric coils. Inside, a refrigerant absorbs heat from the air in the evaporator, is compressed to a higher temperature in the compressor, and then the condenser transfers that heat to the water. The expansion valve resets the cycle. Because it transfers heat rather than creating it, the system can deliver more heating output per unit of electricity compared with electric resistance heating, making it highly energy-efficient. The other common types heat water by burning gas, by electric resistance coils, or by collecting solar energy, none of which rely on a refrigeration cycle. So the water heater that uses a refrigeration system to heat the water is a heat pump water heater.