Heat Pump Water Heaters: Your Energy-Efficient Water Heating Solution

Tens of thousands of Mainers from Fort Kent to Kittery have switched to heat pump water heaters because they produce lots of hot water, help dehumidify, and can save more than $5,000 in electricity over their ten-year warranty period.* 

Many Mainers are already familiar with heat pump technology for home heating. The same proven, high-efficiency technology is also used in hybrid water heaters, which work similarly to how heat pumps work for space heating, but rather than moving heat from outside into your home, heat pump water heaters move heat from your indoor space into a water tank.

Efficiency Maine offers an instant discount at major retailers** or a mail-in rebate on heat pump water heaters for Maine residents, often making them less expensive to buy than less efficient traditional electric water heaters. The mail-in rebate amount for equipment purchased without an instant discount is $850***. Check out this page on our website to learn where to buy your heat pump water heater at the best price. You’ll also find information about federal tax credits of 30% up to $2,000.

To determine if a heat pump water heater is a good fit for your home or business, we suggest you consider a few factors before you buy one: 

• 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. 
• Heat pump water heaters complement, but do not replace, dehumidifiers because they operate based on hot water demand instead of humidity levels. If you need to dehumidify your basement, using a dehumidifier in addition to a heat pump water heater may be a good idea. 
• For optimum efficiency, we recommend that you install heat pump water heaters in 10’ x 10’ or larger rooms with temperatures above 35°F. 

Homeowners have the choice of installing a heat pump water heater themselves or hiring a professional. You can find a heat pump water heater installer near you on our website. 

If your water heater is more than ten years old, or is integrated into your boiler, it might be a good time to think about replacing your water heater. When you do, consider choosing an energy-efficient heat pump water heater and enjoy improved comfort and energy savings for years to come. 

*Compared to an electric resistance water heater as shown on Efficiency Maine’s Compare Water Heating Costs calculator as of 7/1/2024. Your results may differ. 
** Visit efficiencymaine.com/in-store-instant-discounts/ for current instant discount amounts. 
***Rebate amount as of 07/1/2023. For current rebate amounts visit efficiencymaine.com/at-home/heat-pump-water-heater-program/.