Heat pump water heaters, also commonly referred to as hybrid electric water heaters, use advanced technology to do the job with significantly less energy. In most homes they can be installed right where your current water heater sits. Take a moment to go through 4 simple installation considerations to figure out if a heat pump water heater is right for your home.
Why Choose an ENERGY STAR certified heat pump water heater?
- Save more than 50% on water heating energy costs – up to $3,500 lifetime savings for a family of four.
- Take advantage of utility rebates that may be available in your area.
- Products with the ENERGY STAR label are independently certified to deliver energy savings and help protect the environment.
Water Heater Replacement Guide
STEP 1: CHECK YOUR ELECTRICITY SUPPLY
Heat pump water heaters require 240-volt supply.
Do you currently have an electric water heater?
Not sure if your existing water heater is electric or gas? If your water heater does not have a flue, then it is an electric water heater with a 240-volt supply (see the images in Figure 1).
Figure 1: Conventional electric water heater without flue on left and gas water heater with flue on the right (exhaust flue circled in red).
Water Heater Replacement Guide
STEP 2: Check for access to air
A heat pump water heater pulls in air from its surroundings to heat the water and releases cold air, so it needs access to plenty of air (See Figure 2).
Does your water heater location have:
A room air temperature that is greater than 40 degrees F year-round?
AND
Space that is at least 100 square ft. (10 ft. x 10 ft.) or a smaller space that can be fitted with louvered doors or ducted?
Figure 2: For spaces less than 100 square feet, talk to your installer about a louvered door and ducting system.
Water Heater Replacement Guide
STEP 3: Check for head room
A heat pump water heater is a few inches to a foot taller than a conventional electric water heater and requires a certain ceiling height based on the size of the water heater – which is dependent on household size.
Does your water heater location have:
At least a 6 ft. high ceiling for a household of 5 or less members?
OR
At least a 7 ft. high ceiling for a household of 6 or more members?
Water Heater Replacement Guide
STEP 4: Check for water drainage
Heat pump water heaters require proper drainage, since—like air conditioners—they dehumidify air and produce condensate that must be removed via a nearby floor drain, or another outlet using a small condensate pump.
Does your water heater location have access to one of the following?
- Floor Drain.
- Utility Sink.
- Sump pump.
- Existing drain pipe / line (Figure 3).
- Outside (only for locations that are above freezing all year round).
Figure 3: Examples of existing drainage pipes.
Water Heater Replacement Guide
Results
You may need electric upgrades to accommodate a heat pump water heater.
Your water heater location:
- Has 240-volt electricity supply
- Does not have 240-volt electricity supply
- Has adequate warm air circulation.
- Has inadequate warm air circulation.
- Has adequate ceiling height.
- Has inadequate ceiling height.
- Does have access to water drainage.
- Does not have access to water drainage.
However, since ENERGY STAR certified heat pump water heaters are significantly more energy efficient than standard electric water heaters, it might be worth consulting a professional, just in case. Visit https://www.energystar.gov/productfinder/product/certified-water-heaters/ for more information on models that have earned the ENERGY STAR as well as links to rebates and other special deals in your area.
DISCLAIMER: This guide is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered definitive in terms of the suitability of your home for installation of a heat pump water heater. Please check the water heater manufacturer’s installation instructions and/or a professional installer for more information.
Water Heater Replacement Guide
Results
You may be a good candidate for a heat pump water heater.
Your water heater location:
- Has 240-volt electricity supply
- Does not have 240-volt electricity supply
- Has adequate warm air circulation.
- Has inadequate warm air circulation.
- Has adequate ceiling height.
- Has inadequate ceiling height.
- Does have access to water drainage.
- Does not have access to water drainage.
It is unusual not to have access to adequate water drainage so you might want to consult a professional. Visit https://www.energystar.gov/productfinder/product/certified-water-heaters/ for more information on models that have earned the ENERGY STAR as well as links to rebates and other special deals in your area.
DISCLAIMER: This guide is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered definitive in terms of the suitability of your home for installation of a heat pump water heater. Please check the water heater manufacturer’s installation instructions and/or a professional installer for more information.
Water Heater Replacement Guide
Results
Congratulations!
You appear to be a good candidate for a heat pump water heater.
Your water heater location:
- Has 240-volt electricity supply
- Does not have 240-volt electricity supply
- Has adequate warm air circulation.
- Has inadequate warm air circulation.
- Has adequate ceiling height.
- Has inadequate ceiling height.
- Does have access to water drainage.
- Does not have access to water drainage.
Be smart and plan your replacement before your old water heater fails. See more information on models that have earned the ENERGY STAR as well as links to rebates and other special deals in your area.
DISCLAIMER: This guide is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered definitive in terms of the suitability of your home for installation of a heat pump water heater. Please check the water heater manufacturer’s installation instructions and/or a professional installer for more information.
