Heat Pump Water Heaters
What is a Heat Pump Water Heater?
- Heat pump water heaters use heat pump technology to move heat instead of burning fossil fuels to generate heat.
- Heat pump water heaters draw heat from the surrounding air, transferring heat to the water. Cold air is blown back out and can be vented out of the house if desired.
Benefits of a Heat Pump Water Heater:
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Reduce Emissions: According to the National Laboratory of the Rockies ReStock tool, switching to a heat pump water heater can save as much as 16 tons of CO2 emissions over its lifetime
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Increased Efficiency: 3x more energy efficient than traditional gas systems
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Lower Operating Costs: A heat pump water heater could save you thousands of dollars over the unit's lifetime compared to traditional water heaters
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Safety: No gases or carbon monoxide and no open flame
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Longer Lifespan: Average lifespan for heat pump water heaters is 13-15 years compared to 10-12 years for traditional water heaters
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Dehumidify: Can help to dehumidify the space it occupies
Key Considerations:
- Tank Size: Tank sizes typically range from 40-80 gallons. The size you need depends on your household size and hot water needs.
- Electric Outlets: Most systems require a 240 volt outlet. If you don’t already have one, you can get one installed or consider opting for a newer model that only requires a 120 volt outlet. These models are often slower and less efficient than systems using a 240 volt outlet.
- Location: For optimum efficiency, heat pump water heaters should be located in a 10' x 10' or larger space that remains between 40° and 90°F. Heat pump water heaters can have a cooling effect on the surrounding air (unless vented) and produce some noise. For these reasons, unoccupied basement spaces are often a great option for installation.
Cost Breakdown:
- Total installation cost: $3,000-$6,000
- Unit price: $1,500-$3,000 (based mostly on the tank size)
- Additional cost factors: Labor, shutting off gas, electrical work
- Rebates: $350 rebate available for Rocky Mountain Power customers through the Wattsmart program
Climate Impact:
- According to the National Laboratory of the Rockies ReStock tool, switching to a heat pump water heater can reduce emissions by up to 1,238 kgCO2e each year.
- This is equivalent to 20 tree seedlings grown for 10 years.
- When powered by renewables, the operational emissions for a heat pump water heater will be zero.
What's Next?
Book a free personalized energy consultation with our Energy Navigator.
The Energy Navigator can help you:
- Discuss your options for installing a heat pump water heater and other energy upgrades
- Get connected to available incentives and rebates to help you save money