AirTap Heat-Pump Water Heater

The AirTap air-source heat pump retrofits onto a standard tank water heater (electric or gas) using standard fittings. The water heater’s normal heating element is either turned off or set to a lower temperature. The 18- by 14- by 13-inch, 48-lb. heat pump has an efficiency of 240 percent—more than double that of an electric water heater, reducing energy consumption by about 2.5 times. The 7,000 Btu/hour output provides a first-hour rating of 42.5 gallons with a maximum water temperature of 135 degrees F (57° C), with a 2.11 energy factor. It uses the HCFC refrigerant, R-22. Airgenerate; 5726 Clarewood Dr., Houston, TX. www.airgenerate.com; 713-574-6729, 866-903-8835.