Setup: Emerald Heat Pump Water Heater EE-HWS-A1-220 User Manual

Content

Overview

The Heat Pump Water Heater EE-HWS-A1-220 is an all-in-one hot water heat pump designed to heat and store domestic water using ambient air energy, with controller-based operation and built-in protection logic for safe, efficient performance. It suits residential installations where a compact storage heater with selectable operating modes is needed.

This model is part of the EE-HWS-A1 family and is supported by standard, silent, booster, and electric-heater operating modes depending on configuration. The Heat Pump Water Heater EE-HWS-A1-220 also includes fault monitoring for sensors, communication links, compressor protection, and high-pressure safety.

Specifications

Model: EE-HWS-A1-220
Related model family: EE-HWS-A1-220E, EE-HWS-A1-270, EE-HWS-A1-270E, and single-phase variants
Water tank volume: 220 L
Power supply: 220V to 240V, 50/60Hz, single phase
Electric heating element: 1.6 kW on electric-heater-equipped versions
Heating capacity in standard mode: 2.7 kW
Heating capacity in silent mode: 1.8 kW
Recharge rate: 58 L/h
Sound level: 49 dB(A)
Rated input power in standard mode: 0.56 kW
Rated input power in silent mode: 0.44 kW
Refrigerant: R290
Approximate unit size: 600 x 600 x 1598 mm
Approximate weight: 118 kg
Tank protection: magnesium anodes
Tank insulation: polyurethane
Outlet water temperature: rated 60°C, maximum 70°C

Detailed Description

The Heat Pump Water Heater EE-HWS-A1-220 uses a DC inverter compressor to compress refrigerant so the system can move heat efficiently from air into the water tank. The microchannel heat exchanger transfers heat to water during heating, while the air-side heat exchanger helps absorb or release heat to the surrounding air depending on operating mode.

Several key components work together to manage refrigerant flow and protect the unit. The electronic expansion valve regulates refrigerant pressure, the four-way valve changes flow direction for heating or defrosting functions, and the high-pressure switch shuts the system down if pressure rises too far. A temperature and pressure safety valve protects the water system, while the outdoor fan improves heat transfer across the finned exchanger.

The unit also includes a service gas filling valve for maintenance and an overheat protector for the electric heater. On top of the system, the controller and electronic board manage settings, temperature readings, fault display, and protection logic.

Safety

The Heat Pump Water Heater EE-HWS-A1-220 includes built-in safeguards, but installation and servicing still require care. The R290 refrigerant system must be handled in a well-ventilated area and away from ignition sources. Refrigeration work should only be performed after the system has been properly exhausted.

The electric heater is controlled through a relay or AC contactor rather than being powered directly from the control board. The high-pressure switch and overheat protector are designed to stop the unit before damage or unsafe operation occurs, so repeated protection faults should be investigated rather than ignored.

Setup and Operation

To turn the unit on, press the ON/OFF button for one second. When the system is running, the sun symbol appears on the controller; when it is off, the symbol disappears.

Press the M button to change running mode. Standard mode shows the sun symbol. Silent mode shows both the sun and moon symbols. Booster mode shows the sun, booster, and electric heater symbols. Element mode shows the sun and electric heater symbols.

The target water temperature can be adjusted with the UP or DOWN buttons in any mode. Press OFF or wait five seconds to confirm the setting.

To set the real-time clock, press the Timer button to enter time setting, press it again to move between hour and minute, and use UP or DOWN to adjust the values. The unit supports three daily timer periods, marked 1, 2, and 3, each with its own start and finish time. Hold Timer for three seconds to enter or exit timer programming, then confirm with Timer or wait 15 seconds.

Running readings can be viewed by holding UP for three seconds. Use UP or DOWN to scroll through values, and press ON/OFF to exit.

Back-end parameters are accessed by holding M for five seconds to enter the L series and holding it again for five seconds to enter the P series. Use UP or DOWN to change values, M to confirm, and ON/OFF to leave the parameter menu.

A factory reset is available within five minutes of powering on by pressing M, UP, DOWN, and ON/OFF together for five seconds.

Troubleshooting

The controller displays fault codes cyclically when the Heat Pump Water Heater EE-HWS-A1-220 detects a problem. Once the issue clears, normal display returns. If faults persist and the hardware checks out, the control system or compressor drive may need service.

Common fault codes

E05: high-pressure switch failure
E09: communication failure between controller and main board
E12: gas discharge temperature too high
E14: water temperature sensor failure
E15: water tank temperature sensor failure
E16: evaporator coil temperature sensor failure
E18: gas discharge temperature sensor failure
E21: ambient temperature sensor failure
E29: gas suction temperature sensor failure
E35: compressor current overhigh protection
E38: fan motor failure
E44: low ambient temperature protection
E80: wrong power supply
E88: compressor driver board failure
E96: communication failure between compressor driver board and main board
E98: communication failure between fan driver board and main board

Protection behavior

If the main board loses communication with the controller for 30 seconds, the unit enters E09 protection and shuts down. If communication with the compressor driver is lost for 10 seconds, the system enters E96 protection and stops running.

Sensor faults are detected when a sensor shows open-circuit or short-circuit behavior for five seconds. In those cases, the compressor and fan stop, while the electric heater is allowed to start if needed. The discharge-temperature sensor is checked after the compressor has been running for three minutes.

High-pressure protection triggers after the switch remains open for five seconds. The compressor stops immediately and E05 appears. Recovery happens after the switch remains closed for 60 seconds, but repeated faults within 60 minutes can lock the protection until power is cycled.

Antifreeze protection starts when the ambient temperature is low and the water tank temperature drops close to freezing. The unit then forces heating or electric heating to protect the tank. Low ambient temperature protection can also prevent the compressor from starting when outdoor conditions are too cold.

Discharge temperature protection stops the compressor if the discharge temperature reaches the protected threshold for five seconds. Recovery occurs after the temperature drops and the unit remains off long enough to cool down.

Fault isolation tips

For E12, inspect the gas discharge sensor, refrigerant charge, restriction in the system, and possible blockage at the filter or electronic expansion valve.
For E05, check the high-pressure switch wiring, the ambient reading, and the discharge temperature sensor condition.
For E09, check communication wiring, then test the controller and main board one by one if needed.
For sensor-related faults, measure resistance at the sensor with a multimeter and compare the result with expected continuity behavior.
For compressor problems, check for supply voltage, coil resistance, insulation leakage, abnormal noise, and refrigerant-side symptoms such as no temperature rise.
If the unit runs but water does not heat, investigate refrigerant loss, pressure readings, leaks, and possible heat exchanger issues.
If the four-way valve causes crossover gas behavior, the valve assembly may be damaged and require replacement.

Hot water and leakage symptoms

No hot water: check incoming power, the isolator, the breaker, controller status, and the water temperature sensor connection.
Intermittent hot water: confirm the system is wired for continuous power and check whether the off-peak timer is active.
Leak at the system or TPR valve: slight dripping from the TPR valve can be normal, but higher mains pressure may require a pressure test and pressure-limiting valve.

Warranty

The Heat Pump Water Heater EE-HWS-A1-220 is covered for the original purchaser against defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service. The stated coverage is five years for the tank and heat pump, with two years of labour, subject to terms and conditions.

Damage caused by accident, misuse, abuse, or lack of reasonable care is excluded. The warranty also excludes incidental or consequential damages.

Pros & Cons

Pros: Efficient heat pump operation, multiple running modes, clear controller functions, strong fault protection, and built-in electric-heater backup on supported versions.
Pros: Compact all-in-one layout with integrated tank, compressor, fan, and controls in one unit.
Cons: Fault diagnosis can be technical and may require multimeter checks, refrigerant knowledge, or board-level inspection.
Cons: The R290 refrigerant system and compressor protections make correct installation and servicing especially important.

PDF

Faqs

How do I turn on the Heat Pump Water Heater EE-HWS-A1-220 and choose the right operating mode?

To turn the heat pump on, press the ON/OFF button for about one second until the sun symbol appears on the controller. Use the M button to switch modes based on your hot water needs. Standard mode uses heat pump operation only, Silent mode reduces operating noise, Booster mode combines the heat pump with the electric heater for faster recovery, and Element mode runs on the electric heater. Choose Booster or Element when demand is high or water temperature needs to recover quickly.

Why is my EE-HWS-A1-220 showing an error code, and what should I check first?

When a fault happens, the controller displays an error code and the system may shut down to protect itself. Start by checking the code against the fault list and look for simple causes such as loose wiring, blocked airflow, or a sensor connection that has come loose. Common issues include communication faults, sensor failures, high pressure protection, and overheating protection. If the code clears after a restart, the issue may be temporary, but repeated faults usually point to a component or wiring problem.

What does E09 mean on the EE-HWS-A1-220 controller, and how should I troubleshoot it?

E09 means the controller is not communicating properly with the main board. First, power the unit off and back on to see whether the fault returns. If it does, inspect the communication cable and connector points for looseness, poor contact, or visible damage. Reseating the plug often helps if the connection has slipped. If the wiring looks fine and the fault remains, the problem may be with the controller or main board, and the defective part will need replacement.

What should I do if the heat pump shows E05 high pressure switch failure?

E05 indicates the high pressure switch has opened and the unit has stopped for protection. Check whether the high pressure switch wiring is loose or disconnected at the PCB. If the fault keeps returning, the system may have a refrigerant issue, restricted airflow, or another pressure-related problem. The protection can recover automatically after the switch closes for a period, but repeated trips mean the underlying cause should be inspected before the heat pump is restarted again.

What causes E12 gas discharge temperature overhigh, and how is it usually fixed?

E12 appears when the compressor discharge temperature becomes too high. This can happen if a temperature sensor has failed, the system is low on refrigerant, there is a refrigerant leak, or the refrigerant circuit is blocked. Basic checks include confirming the sensor is working and looking for signs of poor gas charge or restriction in the filter or expansion path. Because this fault involves the refrigeration circuit, it is usually a service issue rather than a user reset problem.

Why is the water heater not producing hot water, even though the controller is on?

If there is no hot water, first check whether the controller display is active and the unit has power. Confirm the isolator switch is on and the circuit breaker has not tripped. If the controller is on, make sure the sun symbol is visible, which indicates operating mode. Also check that the temperature sensor is connected properly and not damaged. A blank display, failed power supply, or sensor connection issue can all stop the unit from heating.

Why does the EE-HWS-A1-220 give intermittent hot water instead of a steady supply?

Intermittent hot water is often caused by the unit being wired to an off-peak supply instead of continuous power. Check the electrical setup to confirm the heat pump is connected to constant power in the switchboard. Another common cause is the timer function being active. If a clock symbol appears on the controller, the timer is on and may be limiting heating periods. Hold the clock button for three seconds to disable it if continuous operation is needed.

Why is the TPR valve or system leaking, and what is normal on the EE-HWS-A1-220?

A small amount of dripping from the TPR valve can be normal during operation because the valve is a safety device that relieves pressure. If the leaking is heavy or constant, the water supply pressure may be too high. In that case, the plumbing system should be pressure tested and a pressure limiting valve may be required if pressure exceeds the recommended level. Condensation from the heat pump is separate from safety valve discharge and should be directed to a suitable drain.