Split System Heat Pump Water Heater 101

Don’t worry we can bring you up to speed. The OMNI split system hybrid heat pump water heater consists of two main components: a water tank and a separate heat pump unit connected by refrigerant lines. The outdoor heat pump unit extracts heat from the air outside, even in cold temperatures, and transfers the heat energy to the water tank stored up to 30’ away. In cold climates, where the outdoor air temperature might not provide enough heat, the OMNI uses backup electric heating elements to ensure the water reaches the desired temperature.

This design solves many of the issues commonly found in integrated tower heat pump water heaters—like their bulky size, venting, condensate drainage problems, room temperature conditioning, noisy operation, and the need for ducting. The OMNI’s split system offers a more flexible and quieter installation option, plus it’s easier to set up. With its two-piece design, one person can easily move it/ transport it, and it fits into tighter spaces without hassle. Bonus, the tank can lay down on its side for transport.

Additionally, the outdoor unit can operate in low temperatures—typically down to about 5°F (-15°C)—making it suitable in extreme cold climates because below 5°F it will switch to the backup heating elements in the tank. This is comparable to cold-climate heat pumps used for space heating, which can operate efficiently in cold temperatures.