Heat Pump Water Heaters
Tens of thousands of Mainers own heat pump water heaters. They’re popular because they produce lots of hot water, can save $3,000 over their ten-year life, and with current rebates can be less expensive to buy than traditional electric water heaters. In addition, while they heat water they also dehumidify.
To understand how heat pump water heaters work, imagine an air conditioner connected to a water tank. The air conditioner would remove heat from the room and transfer it to the water in the tank.
Heat pump water heaters are sometimes called “hybrids” because in addition to a heat pump, they have traditional electric resistance heating elements for times when demand exceeds what the heat pump can produce.
Financial Example
| Electric Water Heater |
Heat Pump Water Heater |
|
| Warranty/Capacity | 6 year/40 gal. | 10 year/50 gal. |
| Purchase price* | $379 | $1,099 |
| Rebate | n/a | -$750 |
| Net cost | $379 | $349 |
| Upfront purchase price savings | $ 30 |
| Ten-year electricity savings** | + $3,300 |
| Ten-year total savings | $ 3,330 |
Benefits
- With available rebates, heat pump water heaters can cost as little as $350.
- They produce lots of hot water.
- They can save more than $3,000 over the life of the unit compared to electric water heaters.**
- They typically have 10+ year warranties.
- They help dehumidify.***
*Note: Your costs may vary.
**Source: energystar.gov accessed 4/19/19
***Heat pump water heaters complement but do not replace dehumidifiers because they operate based on hot water demand instead of humidity levels.
Take Action
- If your electric water heater is more than 10 years old, replace it now while incentives are available. Don’t wait for it to break.
- Use our online tools to find participating retailers and installers who can help you determine if a heat pump water heater is right for you.
Things to Consider
- Because of their noise and cooling effect, heat pump water heaters are better suited to basements than living spaces, especially if there is extra heat available from a boiler.
- They complement but do not replace dehumidifiers because they operate based on hot water demand instead of humidity levels.
- Condensate from the heat pump water heater must be plumbed to a sink or drain.
- For optimum efficiency, install units in 10’ x 10’ or larger rooms with temperatures above 35°F.
- Recommended clearances from walls and ceilings should be followed to ensure adequate air circulation and access.
- The first few feet of incoming and outgoing pipe should be insulated to minimize heat loss.
- Air filters must be rinsed regularly.
Click here for a heat pump water heater brochure/rebate form.
Click here for a heat pump water heater user tips guide.
Click here to see what Maine plumbers are saying about heat pump water heaters.
Click here for our Heat Pump Water Heater Myths and Facts sheet.