When should I install a HPWH?

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Before your current water heater fails! If your water heater is over 10 years old, now is a good time to research HPWHs. Water heaters typically last about 13 years. Emergency replacements can be harder to do than a planned replacement. Find a qualified contractor.

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What do HPWHs look like?

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A HPWH looks similar to a conventional gas water heater. It is comprised of a large cylindrical tank, an inlet pipe through which cold water enters, and an outlet pipe that sends hot water into the home. When replacing a gas water heater with a HPWH, people usually choose a HPWH with a tank size that’s the same or larger than their existing water heater. HPWHs are slightly taller than the same size gas water heater because the heat pump is built into the top of the tank.

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How do they work?

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A heat pump works like a refrigerator but in reverse. A refrigerator uses electricity, refrigerant and a compressor to move heat from inside the refrigerator to the outside air. A HPWH takes heat from the surrounding air and transfers it to the water in the tank.

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Where is the HPWH typically located?

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When you interview installers, ask where they recommend the unit be installed. A HPWH has a slight cooling effect on the area around it—after all, it’s like a “reverse refrigerator.” Ideally it would be installed in a garage, basement or attic. A storage or laundry room might work, but probably not a small closet; the HPWH needs some air circulation because it extracts heat from the air around it.

A HPWH produces water condensation inside the unit that must be routed to a drain. Your installer will take this into consideration when recommending best locations.

A HPWH’s fan and compressor make a little noise when it runs, similar to a refrigerator, so avoid installing it next to a bedroom or other location where it would disturb occupants.

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What do they cost?

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They cost more upfront than gas or conventional electric water heaters, but the energy savings make up for the initial cost difference. Costs can vary depending on the situation, such as whether the home’s electrical service panel needs to be upgraded. Rebates and a federal tax credit may lower the cost.

For greater savings, ask your contractor about the operating controls on your HPWH. You
can program it so that it actively heats water during your electric company’s off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower. The HPWH’s storage tank will keep the water hot for when you need it.

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How does the water temperature and capacity compare to gas water heaters?

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The output of a HPWH is comparable to that of a gas water heater. The water will get as hot as with a gas water heater. You will have plenty of hot water as long as you use hot water as most households do—some in the morning and some in the evening. HPWHs can take longer to reheat a full tank than a gas water heater, so if you use it all up, you will need to wait a little longer for a full hot tank again. Discuss your household’s hot water use patterns when you interview installers.

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What makes HPWHs environmentally friendly?

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They use much less energy to produce hot water compared to natural gas, propane water heaters or conventional electric water heaters. And they’re all-electric. So, if you have a solar electricity system or you choose a 100% renewable electricity plan with your utility company, you’ll feel good knowing your water is heated with zero- emission electricity.

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I’m planning to install a solar electricity system. Does that affect my water heater decision?

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Most homeowners who have a solar electricity system installed have two goals: reducing their utility bills and powering their home with a cleaner source of energy. If you’re going solar, now is the time to look at the benefits of a heat pump water heater. Tell your solar installer that you may be interested in installing a HPWH now or in the future. It might be easier and more economical to install a somewhat larger solar system now rather than try to expand it later to accommodate the electricity use of a HPWH. Typical energy use for a HPWH is about 1000 kWh per year.

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Can I install a HPWH myself?

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Can I install a HPWH myself? Water heater installation must comply with state and local building codes. Also, HPWH installation requires both plumbing and electrical work. We recommend using a licensed contractor with HPWH experience. Browse BayREN’s list of qualified contractors.

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What questions should I ask when interviewing contractors?

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We recommend interviewing, checking references, and requesting written quotes from at least three contractors. Check their license status with California’s Contractors State License Board. Check for complaints with the Better Business Bureau.

Questions to ask installers during the interview include:

• How many HPWHs have you installed?
• Which model do you recommend and why?
• Where do you recommend the unit be installed?
• Where will the condensate drain to?
• Will any electrical upgrades be needed at the installation location or the electrical service panel? Will the cost of the electrical work be included in the estimate?
• How do you recommend I operate the HPWH for optimal performance and cost savings?

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