If you aren’t ready to make the change to Heat Pumps as the primary heating and cooling technology in our home, heat pump water heaters (HPWH) are a great way to test heat pump technology.

Unlike when installing an air source or ground source heat pump, a heat pump water heater does not require an installation by an approved contractor to qualify for the incentive. In addition to the possible incentive offered by NYSERDA, your new electric hybrid heat pump water heater may be eligible for “Equipment Tax Credits for Primary Residence,” a $300 federal tax credit.

So, what’s the difference between heat pump water heaters and electric type?

• The way they heat: The way they both heat water is different. While an electric water heater uses electricity to heat the water, a heat pump water heater uses the heat energy in the air to heat the water. This reduces the amount of electricity that is used in heating.
• Energy efficiency: Heat pump water heaters are several times more efficient than electric water heaters.  Due to the heating technology of the HPWP, the warmer the air is; less power is used in heating the water.

Other things to consider when making the switch to HPWH:

• Incentives: $700 incentive from the utility company when an Energy Star labeled heat pump water heater is installed.
• Cost of switching from a gas to an electric water heater:
• The plug: Currently, the vast majority of heat pump and electric water heaters require a 220 outlet. If needed, the cost to install the outlet is a one time cost. There are some heat pump water heaters that use a 110 outlet coming out, so stay tuned if that is the best option for you.
• The vent: Electric and heat pump water heaters do not require ventilation! Plan to close/remove the existing vent if you are switching from a gas to heat pump water heater.