Yes it will be like a window AC unit when it's running. Most are around 15,000 BTU, which would be a significant cooling effect

that is a very good question.

I think those new heatpump hot water tanks are a great idea, and they seem really cool. And could save alot of money in energy over time.

I"m also interested in how much they would cool a basement. I would think it wouldn't be that big a deal. AFter all its only heating a tank of water and therefore taking some heat from the room and pumping cool air.

Does anybody out there have a new heatpump hot water tank?

I have only looked into slightly, and never seen them in action since they are a new application.
The cost savings after investment looked decent, much more than investing in solar and trying to recoup the solar investment.

I however was hoping it would cool an area since most water heaters in my area (N. Fl) are in the garage and here we can use all the cooling we can get. The Rep told me it was minimum and the effect wouldn't even be noticeable and therefore these applications are not marketed for a cooling effect. So with that I doubt it would cool your basement any more than it is now.

I don't think you get it

If it's 15,000 BTU's that's 1.25 Tons of cooling, you will feel that in a basement. Also it should be noted, the cooler inlet air of the basement reduces capacity. In a hot garage, there is alot to be gained, however, if it gets cool out there in the winter back to the reduced operating efficiency.

z,
did not see your post, good point.
I did not know they produce 15,000 btu's

It seems they are better with a hotter temp climate.
Garage or attic.

There are some units that have outside air kits so you can use the outside air and the unit stay in the basement.

Where are you getting 15,000BTUH? All of the heat pump water heaters that I have researched (Rheem, GE, Airtap, Geyser, etc..) are all between 5000 - 8000 BTUH - which is more like a small room air conditioner. I would know, since I have a GE Heat Pump water heater at my basement, and it does not cool the basement that much (2-3DegF during operation).

Hi Farcrazy,
tell us about your experience.

Do you like it? Is it saving you money on electric?
Is it noisy? Is the temperature drop in the room a problem?

Hi Neo - Yes, I like it very much. I had it for about 4-5 months now, and it is saving me about $20/month off my electric bill. As someone has mentioned, there is a noise from the fans when it is operating that sounds like a handheld vacuum cleaner - it bothered me for about 2 weeks intially when the house is quiet at night... but I have gotten used to it and now it is just pure background noise.

The water heater is in my unfinished basement, and as I mentioned above, I have no problem in terms of cooling the room and "stealing" heat form the house.

I would like to address some people's concern about this stealing heat from house during winter: I have posted my reasoning and argument of why I think you will still come out ahead in another forum.

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1. Since it is only heating the water and not the whole house, using air natural and forced convection to earth seems to be good enough. Recently, I put a digital thermostat in my basement about 10' from the GE water heater. While running, the temperature readings dropped about 2-3F. After finished heating, the basement temperature reverts back to "normal" (about 60F nowadays).

2. I am fully aware and and am considering the whole house energy balance system, and it is my contention that you will still save money during the heating months. Let's use a simple theoretical example to illustrate my point: let say you use 100,000BTU of water heating a month and it costs $100 with a typical 90% efficient electric water heater. The home is using a 300% efficient electric heat pump to heat the house during the winter. That means is will only cost $30 to get the same 100,000 BTU of heat energy ($100 * 90%/300%). Now, you have to add the heat pump water heater efficiency to move the heat from the house to the water - the GE water heater is rated at 235% efficiency, so that will take about $38 and makes the total cost to be $30 + $38 = $68... a lot better than $100 using the standard electric resistance heaters.

Granted, it is not better than the cooling months in which the heat pump is additive to the whole house energy equation. However, it is still saving you money during the heating months due to the fact that it take less energy to move the heat (outside->home->water) versus generating the heat outright.

Another thing to thing about is when people think that people is solving the problem by just ducting the evaporator cold air outside. The problem is the air that you ducted outside will have to be replaced with air from somewhere (you cannot get too negative air pressure)... well, if you are in Midwest winter, the air outside is usually colder than the air that is coming out of the back of the GE water heater.

Here is the DOE Energy Star analysis of water heaters. On page 9, there is a comparison table for various Electric heating technology. The HPWH wins in almost every category.

http://www.energystar.gov/ia/partners/prod_development/new_specs...
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Hope it helps...

Here is a link that might be useful: fatwallet heat pump water heater

I have one and I HATE it, I live in New England and work in my basement. I'm always cold, even with the pellet stove down there in the winter. I'm going to take a baseball bat to it. stupidest most inconsiderate thing my husband has ever done.