Heat Pump Water Heater Control

A control system is described for a heat pump water heater which uses the thermostat on an existing electric water heater to determine the need for water heating. The control system allows an installer to wire in an electric water heater with the heat pump using the same connections for supplying power to the water heater which would normally be used. This control system will also automatically turn off the heat pump when frost forms on the evaporator coil and will allow the electric elements in the tank to heat the water. The system is easy to install, provides reliable operation of a heat pump, does not create any unusual safety problems, and gives uninterrupted hot water service.