Did you know that your home’s water heater uses more energy than your refrigerator, clothes washer and dryer, and dishwasher combined? Switching to an ENERGY STAR® certified heat pump water heater (HPWH) can save a household of four about $550 each year on electric bills compared to a standard electric water heater – that’s more than $5,600 over its lifetime!
While a HPWH costs more upfront, the savings will pay back the difference in about three years for a household of four. Plus, SMMPA member utilities offer rebates of up to $400 on the purchase of ENERGY STAR qualified HPWHs that replace an existing electric storage tank water heater or are installed in a new home. Rebate forms are available by clicking here and selecting your utility.
Qualified customers may also be eligible for federal incentives for HPWHs through the Inflation Reduction Act. Visit whitehouse.gov/cleanenergy/ for more information.
Heat pump water heaters are so efficient because they move heat from one place to another instead of generating heat directly. Imagine a refrigerator working in reverse. While a refrigerator removes heat from an enclosed box and expels that heat to the surrounding air, a HPWH takes the heat from surrounding air and transfers it to water in an enclosed tank.
Heat pump water heaters are unique compared to other water heaters because their performance and efficiency are dependent on the conditions in which they operate. Determine if a HPWH is right for you by reviewing ENERGY STAR’s installation guidance here.
Consider an ENERGY STAR certified HPWH for your next water heater purchase and enjoy big savings, a smart investment, and a product that protects the environment.