• 866-376-2463
  • Contact
  • Search
Efficiency Maine Logo Search
Menu
  • At Home
    • Solutions
      • Appliances
      • Electric Vehicles
      • Heating and Cooling
      • Insulation
      • Lighting
      • Renewables
      • Water Heating
    • Incentives
      • Biomass Boilers and Furnaces
      • Circulator Pumps
      • Clothes Washers
      • LED Light Bulbs
      • Electric Vehicles
      • Geothermal Systems
      • Heat Pumps
      • Heat Pump Water Heaters
      • Insulation
      • Low Income Options
      • Natural Gas
      • Room Air Purifiers
    • Getting Started
      • EV Rebate Participating Dealers
      • Find a Vendor
      • Find a Participating Retailer
      • Home Energy Loans
      • Residential Forms
      • Vendor Support
    • Tools and Tips
      • Best Heat Pump Water Heater Deals
      • Best LED Bulb Prices in Maine
      • Calculate Your Home’s Energy Efficiency
      • Compare Home Heating Costs
      • Compare Water Heating Costs
      • Electricity Monitor Loaners
      • Energy Saving Tips
      • Electric Vehicle Resources
      • Lighting Savings Calculator
      • Residential Virtual Tour
      • Vehicle Cost Calculator
      • Versant Special Heat Pump Rate
      • Charging Station Locator
  • At Work
    • Solutions
      • Agricultural
      • Commercial Kitchen
      • Compressed Air
      • Cooling
      • Distributed Generation
      • Electric Vehicles
      • Heating
      • Heating and Cooling
      • Heat Pumps
      • Lighting
      • Refrigeration
      • Water Heating
    • Incentives
      • Agricultural
      • Circulator Pumps
      • Compressed Air
      • Electric Vehicles
      • Heat Pumps
      • Heat Pump Water Heaters
      • Lighting
      • Refrigeration
      • Variable-Frequency Drive Systems
      • Variable-Refrigerant Flow Systems
    • Getting Started
      • Commercial and Industrial Prescriptive Incentive
      • Commercial and Industrial Custom
      • Find a Qualified Partner
      • Virtual Customer Consultations
      • Natural Gas Customers
      • Small Business Energy Loans
    • Sectors
      • Education
      • Grocery and Convenience
      • Healthcare
      • Hospitality
      • Manufacturing
      • Multifamily
      • Office
      • Public Sector
      • Restaurant
      • Small Business
      • Warehouse
  • Energy Information
    • Municipal Initiatives
    • Collective Purchase
  • Resources
    • Blog
    • Building Energy Codes
    • Case Studies
    • Events
    • Professional Training
    • Resources for Homeowners
    • Resources for Renters
  • About
    • News
    • Board
    • Library
    • Opportunities
    • Federal Funding
    • Staff
    • Contact
    • Subscribe

Water Heating Solutions

Here’s some information to help you decide which type of water heater is best for you. Below are five common types. Some are eligible for incentives, others are not.

Heat Pump Water Heater

Uses built-in heat pump to heat water.

$850 MAIL-IN REBATE$850 INSTANT DISCOUNT
 

Learn More Find An Installer Find A Retailer

Advantages

  • Can cost as little as $479
  • Produces lots of hot water
  • Can save more than $3,500 over the life of the unit compared to electric water heaters*
  • Typically has a 10+ year warranty
  • Helps dehumidify
Disadvantages

  • Requires open room with 6’ or higher ceiling
  • Requires condensate drain
  • Reduced savings if in an intentionally heated space
  • Air filter needs periodic rinsing
  • As loud as a dehumidifier
 
*Source: energystar.gov accessed 4/28/2022

Gas Water Heater

Uses propane or natural gas. Can have a tank or be tankless.

$300-$560 NATURAL GAS WATER HEATER INCENTIVE
Advantages

  • Low operating cost if using natural gas
  • Endless hot water (tankless models)
  • ENERGY STAR® rated models available
Disadvantages

  • High operating cost if using propane
  • Requires exhaust venting
  • May not work with low-flow fixtures (some tankless models)
 

Electric Water Heater

Uses electric resistance elements to heat water.

Advantages

  • Low upfront cost
  • Compact versions available
  • No combustion
Disadvantages

  • High operating cost
  • Typically short warranty
  • Not ENERGY STAR®
 

Tankless Coil Water Heater

Built into an oil boiler. It has no visible tank.

Advantages

  • Lasts as long as the boiler
  • Takes up no additional space
Disadvantages

  • The least efficient water heating system
  • Boiler must stay hot all year long
  • Can cause boiler to “short cycle” which minimizes efficiency
  • Not ENERGY STAR®
 

Solar Water Heater

Typically panels on roof plumbed to tank in basement with some backup.

Learn More
Advantages

  • Low operating cost
  • Low environmental impact
  • No combustion
Disadvantages

  • High installation cost
  • Backup required
  • Solar exposure required
 

Click here for our Guide to Water Heating.

Water Heating

  • Find an Installer
  • Find a Participating Retailer
  • Heat Pump Water Heater Info
  • Compare Water Heating Costs
  • Best Heat Pump Water Heater Prices

Learn More

  • At Home
  • At Work
  • Resources

Efficiency Maine

  • About
  • Contact
  • Sitemap
  • Privacy Policy

Contact

866-376-2463

INFO@EFFICIENCYMAINE.COM

Follow Efficiency Maine Via Email

Click to follow and receive notifications of new offers by email.

Follow

© COPYRIGHT 2022 EFFICIENCY MAINE