Talking with the inventor of All-In-One Heat Pumps

[@GlenneDrover]

Thank you for the video Jesse, that was really cool to see / hear Michael the inventor / designer interviewed. FreeHotWater installed my 290 litre unit last week. I have a question for Michael. As the standard 290 litre unit does not have a timer, is it OK if I put in a timer (an outdoor rated one) on the power point to turn the power off (i.e. stop it running) from say 3pm to 9pm (during the peak power pricing period)? I was not sure if there might be a weekly timer in the controller to do a legionella cycle that might not work if the unit was turned off and back on every day?

[@GridlessAustralia]

Hey Glenn, here is Michael's response: "Hi Jessie, The 290 does have a timer. The controller is inside the heat pump. We can come out and set it for an installation fee. The timer instructions are in the product manual. I’d be concerned about upsetting the legionella protection if restricting power to the heat pump. The legionella comes on at night. If you want to make it come on during the day the clock setting has to change."

[@GlenneDrover]

@@GridlessAustralia thank you Jesse. we have had a few power outages lately. Does the time of day need to be reset in the controller each time we get a power outage?

[@GridlessAustralia]

@@GlenneDrover You shouldn't need to reset the timer. If it gets reset, contact us and we'll fix it.

[@GlenneDrover]

@@GridlessAustralia if i go on holidays i assume it is ok to turn off the power? How long will the clock time inside the unit hold the time if the power is off? (I assume it holds the time for a while?)

[@GridlessAustralia]

@@GlenneDrover "It’s best to leave it on it uses hardly any power when not used, you just need to run the taps for a few minutes when you return. If it’s a long holiday turn it off. You can reset the clock if needed otherwise it doesn’t matter."

[@KenSiebring]

I’m still considering your 290 litre system , what brand compressor is used in these ? Also do your installation guys change the time of use in my smart meter to regular 24hr power so the unit can be ran during the day ? What insulation is used in the tank casing and the thickness please ? Your call centre is very limited in their tech knowledge Cheers

[@GridlessAustralia]

From Michael: GMCC rotary compressor, the largest and one of the best in the world also known as CMCC as originally it was a technology transfer and they now make the Toshiba compressor. About an inch of foam insulation so very low heat loss. If they shower in the morning the automatic setting will see the heat pump running during the day. If they want the timer set this can be organised. Ask our installations team at freehotwater.au and we'll organise it :).

[@GlynWilliams1950]

Great interview, very informative. I rent a flat with an electric 80L water heater. I want to look at the actual details in efficiency loss if I fit a combined unit in an internal laundry with no door. I would be cheaper for me and I can accept some discomfort. Ducted fan 4" to withdraw treated (cooled air) can be used.