Frequently asked questions:
Q. What is a heat pump water heater?
Q. Is a heat pump water heater right for my home?
Q. What does a heat pump water heater look like?
Q. How much hot water will be available for our household?
Q. How much does a heat pump water heater cost?
Q. How much money can I save with a heat pump water heater?
Q. What incentives are available for the purchase and installation of a heat pump water heater?
Q. How do I change the temperature and settings of a heat pump water heater?
Q. What type of maintenance does a heat pump water heater require?
Q. Where can I install a heat pump water heater?
Q. What is the warranty on a heat pump water heater?
Q. What is a heat pump water heater?
It is like an electric water heater that uses advanced heat pump technology to heat water inside a tank.
Heat pumps use an electric compressor system to transfer heat from one place to another rather than generating heat directly.
Q. Is a heat pump water heater right for my home?
A heat pump water heater is right for homes in the Pacific Northwest if installation requirements are met. Those requirements are:
- Your new heat pump water heater can be installed in a garage
- Your garage will sound and cool air generated by the unit
- You are currently using a standard electric water heater
- Changing to a heat pump system is not downsizing from a larger size water heater
Q. What does a heat pump water heater look like?
Heat pump water heaters are a bit taller and larger around than standard electric water heaters, depending upon manufacturer and tank size (ex. 50 gallon and 80 gallon). While technology varies, most units are operated via control panel on the front of the tank, which allows a homeowner to adjust temperature and setting. Heat pump water heaters utilize the same connections as standard electric water heaters, but require a drain to remove condensation water that is continually pulled from the air as the unit operates.
Q. How much hot water will be available for our household?
Heat pump water heaters come in different sizes. The most common size currently on the market is 50 gallons. Consumers replacing a standard electric water heater with a heat pump water heater of the same size should not notice a change in the amount of hot water available.
Q. How much does a heat pump water heater cost?
Typically the price of a hybrid water heater is approximately $2,200-$3,000 with installation. There are factors that can affect this estimate of cost, including location, installation complexity, model selected, and the installer’s rates.
Q. How much money can I save with a heat pump water heater?
Homeowners can save from 25% to 50% per year on their electric water heating costs in most instances. These savings are not just for the first year though. They continue throughout the life of the unit!
Q. What incentives are available for the purchase and installation of a heat pump water heater?
Tax credits may be available at a state and national level. Visit http://www.energystar.gov for details.
Here are some examples of incentives:
Puget Sound Energy
$500 rebate from PSE for an ENERGY STAR qualified heat pump water heater: http://www.pse.com/solutions/foryourhome/pages/rebatesOnWaterHeating.aspx?tab=1&chapter=2
Seattle City Light
$250 rebate from Seattle City Light on a qualified ENERGY STAR heat pump water heater: http://www.seattle.gov/light/conserve/resident/hpwhrebate/docs/HPWH_Rebfinal.pdf
Mason County PUD 3
$250 rebate from Mason County PUD 3 on a qualified ENERGY STAR heat pump water heater: http://www.masonpud3.org/powerSupply/applianceRebates.aspx
Salem Electric
$120 rebate from Salem Electric on a qualified ENERGY STAR heat pump water heater: http://www.salemelectric.com/residential/pdfs/rebates_programs/ApplianceBrochure.pdf
Clallam County PUD
$25 High Efficiency Water Heater Rebate: http://www.clallampud.net/conservation/res_Water_Heaters.asp
EWEB
$25 Electric Storage Water Heater rebate: http://www.eweb.org/saveenergy/home/hpwaterheater
Lower Valley Energy
$15 Energy Star Appliance Rebate: http://www.lvenergy.com/rebates-resources/our-rebate-programs
City of Port Angeles
$25 to $50 rebate is available for a qualifying electric water heater: http://www.cityofpa.us/PDFs/Conservation/Forms/APPLIANCEREBATESResident.pdf
Inland Power and Light Company
$25 Rebate for New or Replacement of Existing Electric Water Heaters: http://www.inlandpower.com/customer_carec.php?id=177
Please confirm incentive level, availability and requirements with your utility prior to purchase and installation
Q. How do I change the temperature and settings of a heat pump water heater?
Heat pump water heating systems are more interactive than a standard electric water heater. Most models feature a control panel, allowing homeowners to select water temperature and operation mode.
Q. What type of maintenance does a heat pump water heater require?
Unlike standard electric water heaters, heat pump water heaters utilize an air filter. These filters need to be cleaned regularly to ensure efficient operation. Otherwise maintenance needs are similar to standard electric water heaters.
Q. Where can I install a heat pump water heater?
In garage with the following:
- Maintains an average temperature above 45 degrees
- Measures at least 10 feet x 10 feet x 10 feet, providing the unit with adequate air flow
- Will not be affected by the cold, dry air that the unit puts out
- Ability to isolate the noise that fans and compressors generate while in operation
Q. What is the warranty on a heat pump water heater?
Major manufacturers of heat pump water heater units typically offer 10-year warranties on their products. Please refer to your manufacturer for more details.