How to choose between an electric water heater or a thermodynamic one?

March 27, 2024

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How to choose between an electric water heater or a thermodynamic one?

The average water consumption per shower for French individuals ranges from 35 to 60 liters, according to the French Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME). The production of hot water for sanitary purposes is the second largest energy consumption item in a household. It is therefore essential to equip oneself with an efficient water heater that optimizes energy consumption.

Among the options available on the market, electric water heaters and thermodynamic water heaters stand out as common solutions. But how do you choose between these two systems? In this article, we will examine their characteristics in detail to guide you in your selection.

Main differences between an electric water heater and a thermodynamic water heater

Both an electric water heater and a thermodynamic water heater are used to produce hot water for domestic use. The main difference between an electric water heater and a thermodynamic water heater lies in their operating mode, that is, the energy they need to function.

Electric water heaters rely on electricity as the main source to heat water. An electric resistance placed inside the tank raises the water temperature until the set temperature is reached.

Although powered by electricity like electric water heaters, thermodynamic water heaters essentially use air or water to capture calories. Through an integrated heat pump, these calories are converted into heat sources. When the ambient air is too cold, a thermodynamic water heater may resort to electric backup.

Growing environmental awareness translates into increasing consumer interest in renewable energies, with particular attention given to thermodynamic water heaters for home use.

thermodynamic water heaters

What is a thermodynamic water heater?

A thermodynamic water heater is a low-power heat pump that most often uses air, a natural resource that is both free and renewable, for the production of domestic hot water.

intuis offers you 4 types of thermodynamic water heaters with the following operating modes:

1. Indoor/Ambient Air : The thermodynamic water heater operating on indoor/ambient air directly captures the calories present inside the dwelling to heat the water.

2. Outdoor Air : Thanks to insulated ducts, the thermodynamic water heater installed inside the home captures calories from the outdoor air.

3. Water Loop : Operating on a geothermal system or connecting to underfloor/ceiling heating, the water loop thermodynamic water heater uses heat from the ground to heat the water.

4. Compatible with Photovoltaic Thermal or Solar: The thermodynamic water heater is powered by photovoltaic (PV) and/or thermal solar panels.

Discover the range of thermodynamic water heaters by intuis.

Edel AIR Wall

Thermodynamic individual water heater - wall-mounted version

  • Available capacity (L): 100 , 150
  • Energy class: A+

Edel AIR - Floor

Thermodynamic air/water heater - floor version

  • Available capacity (L): 200 , 270
  • Energy class: A+

Cylia 250

Thermodynamic air/water heater - floor version

  • Available capacity (L): 250
  • Energy class: A+

Image cercleWhat are the advantages of choosing a thermodynamic water heater?

thermodynamic water heaters

Discover the main advantages of choosing a thermodynamic water heater:

Ecological : The thermodynamic water heater consumes three times less energy than an electric water heater. By using a heat pump that harnesses the air, it ensures optimized energy consumption and efficiently heats water. Moreover, it has the ability to extract the necessary heat for its operation from either the air or a water loop.

Cost-effectiveness : Although its acquisition and installation costs are often higher than those of an electric water heater, the thermodynamic water heater proves to be cost-effective in the long run. Because it uses free and renewable energy, it achieves up to 75% energy savings compared to a conventional water heater, a result made possible by its coefficient of performance (COP). For example, an Edel AIR by intuis has a COP of 3.19, which means it consumes 1 kW of electricity to deliver 3 kW for heating hot water.

Good to know:

Innovative thermodynamic water heaters, such as those in the Edel and Cylia range by intuis, represent an ideal combination of convenience and energy savings: they can consume up to four times less energy than a conventional electric water heater (with a coefficient of performance reaching up to 4.19 for the EDEL EAU model).

Discover intuis's range of thermodynamic water heaters.

intuis thermodynamic water heaters offer a multitude of advantages, making them the preferred solution to meet all hot water needs.

100% French manufacturing:

Designed and manufactured in our local factories and certified Origine France Garantie, intuis thermodynamic water heaters benefit from the highest quality guarantee. This label ensures traceability of French origin parts and manufacturing on national territory. This certification is a guarantee of the quality and durability of our products.

A solution tailored to every need :

intuis offers an extensive range, including capacities ranging from 100L to 270L, ensuring a tailored response to each household.

Moreover, intuis thermodynamic water heaters offer great versatility, with solutions adapted to all configurations: whether it is heating on indoor air with the Edel Air and Cylia models, on outdoor air with Edel Air, or on water loop with Edel Eau, they are designed to adapt to all situations.

High levels of performance :

These water heaters also stand out for their remarkable performance, with a coefficient of performance (COP) and a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (ETAS) among the best on the market.

Their use of R290 refrigerant, less harmful to the environment, demonstrates intuis's commitment to offering even more comfort with less energy.

R290, also known as Propane, represents an alternative to fluorinated hydrocarbons, unlike R410A and R32 fluids, which are synthetic refrigerants recognized as harmful to the environment.

R290 is therefore not subject to F-gas regulations, which aim to massively reduce CO2 emissions by 2030 by opting for less polluting fluids in thermodynamic water heater systems.

Learn more about F-gas regulations here.

Good to know : intuis stands out as the only manufacturer to offer a complete range of heat pumps and thermodynamic water heaters exclusively operating with R290.

Quality and durability :

Moreover, the design of intuis thermodynamic water heaters, made of stainless steel, guarantees exceptional durability, easy handling, and reduced maintenance. Offering both floor and wall-mounted versions for seamless integration, they are also among the quietest on the market.

In conclusion, the decision between an electric water heater and a thermodynamic water heater will depend on the specific needs of each household, as well as financial and environmental considerations. Nevertheless, due to their energy efficiency and potential for long-term savings, thermodynamic water heaters are increasingly recognized as both innovative and virtuous solutions.