This document provides comprehensive installation and operation instructions for the Bradford White Heat Pump Water Heater, a device designed to provide hot water for residential use. The manual emphasizes safety, efficiency, and proper maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the unit.
Function Description
The Bradford White Heat Pump Water Heater is an appliance that heats water using a heat pump system, which extracts heat from the surrounding air, making it a highly energy-efficient method. It also incorporates traditional electric resistance heating elements for faster recovery and operation in various conditions. The unit is designed to be installed indoors, providing hot water for a household's comfort, safety, and convenience. Its primary function is to store and heat water to a user-selected temperature, with various operational modes to balance energy savings and hot water availability.
Usage Features
The water heater features a user-friendly control panel that allows for easy interaction and customization.
- Temperature Setpoint Display: The control panel displays the current temperature setpoint. It activates when any button is pressed and goes blank after 30 seconds of inactivity to conserve energy, though the LED for the selected mode remains lit.
- Power On/Off: The unit does not have a dedicated power button. It turns on automatically when wired and supplied with power, displaying the current temperature setting and illuminating the LED for the active operating mode. Power is controlled via the circuit breaker or a disconnect switch.
- Operational Modes: The water heater offers several modes to suit different needs:
- Heat Pump (Only) Mode: This is the most energy-efficient mode, utilizing only the heat pump to extract heat from the ambient air. It offers maximum energy savings but has a slower recovery time, making it suitable for situations with lower hot water demand.
- Hybrid Mode: This is the factory preset mode, combining the energy efficiency of the Heat Pump (Only) mode with the faster recovery of electric elements. It provides a balance of energy savings and hot water convenience, performing like a standard electric water heater while still offering significant energy savings.
- Electric (Only) Mode: In this mode, only the upper and lower electric resistance heating elements are used. This provides the fastest hot water recovery but is the least energy-efficient option. The unit will switch back to a more energy-efficient mode after a set number of days (default 3 days, maximum 99 days). A flashing green LED after 48 hours indicates operation in this less efficient mode.
- Vacation Mode: Designed for extended periods away from home, this mode reduces the water temperature setting to 50°F (10°C) to conserve energy. The unit automatically resumes heating one day before the user's return to ensure hot water availability. Users can set the duration of vacation mode (default 7 days, maximum 199 days, or indefinitely).
- Temperature Adjustment: Users can easily adjust the water temperature setpoint between 100°F (38°C) and 140°F (60°C) using the UP and DOWN arrow pads on the control panel, confirming the selection with the ENTER key. The factory preset is 120°F (49°C) to reduce the risk of scalding. The display can also be switched between Fahrenheit (°F) and Celsius (°C) by pressing and holding the MODE button.
- Safety Features: The unit is equipped with a temperature-limiting control (TCO) that breaks the power circuit to the heating element if water temperature becomes excessively high, requiring manual reset by a qualified service technician. The manual also warns about the potential for hydrogen gas accumulation in hot water systems after long periods of disuse, recommending flushing faucets before using electrical appliances connected to the hot water system.
- Scald Prevention: The manual provides a chart detailing approximate time/temperature relationships in scalding to emphasize the danger of high water temperatures. It recommends installing an ASSE-approved mixing valve in the water system to reduce point-of-use water temperatures, especially in households with children, disabled, or elderly persons.
- Thermal Expansion Control: For closed water systems (those with a back-flow preventer), the manual recommends installing an expansion tank in the cold water line to manage thermal expansion and prevent premature failure of the relief valve and the water heater itself.
- Fault Code Display: The control panel can display various fault codes (e.g., FC, Fd, FE, F11, bAd linE, Dirty Filter (F14), F16*) to help identify potential issues, though it stresses that these codes should only be used as a guide for certified technicians, not for direct part replacement.
Maintenance Features
Regular maintenance is crucial for the water heater's efficient operation and extended lifespan.
- Annual Inspection: The water heater should be inspected annually by a qualified service technician for damaged components.
- Draining and Flushing: To prevent sediment buildup and noisy operation, the water heater tank should be drained and flushed at least once a month until the water runs clear. This involves turning off power and cold water supply, attaching a hose to the drain valve, opening hot water faucets to admit air, and then opening the drain valve. For flushing, the cold water supply is turned on with the drain valve open to flush out sediment.
- Air Filter Cleaning: The air filter, located on top of the unit, protects the evaporator from dirt and dust. A clean filter is essential for high efficiency. When the filter requires cleaning, a red light above the FILTER button illuminates, and an alarm sounds. To clean, the filter is removed (by squeezing two tabs), vacuumed or wiped with a damp cloth, rinsed, dried, and then reinstalled. The FILTER button is held for 5 seconds to reset the alarm. If the alarm returns quickly, it may indicate a refrigerant leak, requiring service.
- Condensate Drain Tube Clearing: The unit has a condensate drain to remove moisture. If it becomes clogged, the heat pump stops, an F20 error is displayed, and an alarm sounds. Users should clear any debris from the drain lines and connections. The water heater will use electric elements until the drain is clear.
- Temperature & Pressure Relief Valve Inspection: Annually, the lever handle on the temperature and pressure-relief valve should be lifted and released several times to ensure it operates freely and to flush a few gallons through the discharge line.
- Anode Rod Maintenance: Sacrificial anode rods are installed to protect the tank from corrosion and extend its life. They should be removed and inspected annually and replaced when more than 6 inches (15.2 cm) of core wire is exposed. Artificially softened water can accelerate anode rod consumption. This service requires turning off power and cold water supply and should be performed by a qualified servicer or plumber.
- Electrical Connection Check: Periodically, electrical connections should be checked to ensure they are secure and free from damage.
- Dry-Fire Prevention: The system includes a dry-fire prevention algorithm that ensures the tank is full of water before the heating elements are activated, preventing damage.
- Professional Servicing: The manual strongly recommends that all repairs and complex maintenance tasks be performed by a qualified service technician or plumbing professional to ensure safety and proper operation.
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