Electric water heater or heat pump water heater: which to choose?

The electric water heater (termoacumulador) is the most common way to heat water in Portugal. When it is time to replace it, many people ask whether a heat pump water heater is worth it. Here is the comparison.

How does each one work?

Electric water heater: a heating element warms the water in the tank. Each kWh of electricity gives at most 1 kWh of heat.

Heat pump water heater: it works like an air conditioner in reverse. It takes heat from the air and transfers it to the water. For each kWh of electricity it typically delivers 3 kWh of heat or more, depending on the model and air temperature.

Quick comparison

  • Electricity use: a heat pump typically uses about a third of the electricity of an electric water heater for the same amount of hot water.
  • Purchase price: the electric water heater is cheaper; the heat pump costs more upfront.
  • Installation: the heat pump needs a space with enough air (garage, storeroom, utility room or a duct connection).
  • Climate: in the Algarve, with mild winters, a heat pump works in very favourable conditions all year round.
  • Combining with solar: models with a coil can be connected to solar thermal panels or a boiler.

When does a heat pump pay off?

  • Households with significant daily hot water use (3 or more people).
  • Holiday rentals and houses with several bathrooms.
  • Anyone replacing an old water heater and wanting a lower electricity bill.
  • Homes with solar PV: the heat pump can run mainly during sunny hours.

For homes with very little use (for example, one person who is rarely home), a simple electric water heater may still be enough.

Which size?

  • 100 L: 1 to 2 people
  • 200 L: 3 to 4 people
  • 300 L or more: large families, houses with several bathrooms
  • 500 L: holiday rentals, small businesses

See the Solius ECOTANK heat pump water heaters from 100 L to 500 L. To use the sun directly, there are also thermosiphon solar kits.

We help you choose

Novolta sizes the system for your home and handles installation between Sagres and Faro. Get in touch.

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