Heat Pump Water Heater FAQ’s

What is a heat pump water heater?

A heat pump water heater is an energy efficient electric hot water heater. It uses air source heat pump technology to transfer heat from the surrounding air to the water inside the tank.

How is a heat pump water heater different from other water heaters?

Heat pumps work a lot like refrigerators or air conditioners, but in reverse. Rather than generating heat, they use refrigeration coils to move heat from one place to the other, in this case from the surrounding air to the water in a water tank.

Can I get a rebate or a tax credit for installing a heat pump water heater?

Rebate programs are always changing, but generally, programs that provide rebates or tax credits for heat pumps will also apply to heat pump water heaters.

Are there other types of energy-efficient water heaters available?

Yes. Tankless or on-demand water heaters heat water instantaneously without the use of a storage tank. They are available in both electric-powered and natural gas-fired models.

What should I think about in choosing an energy-efficient water heater?

Choose a heat pump water heater if:

• You want the lowest operating costs. A heat pump water heater can use up to 70% less electricity than a standard electric water heater.
• You have enough space for the heat pump water heater to draw heat from the air.
• You value quiet, steady efficiency and don’t mind that the water heater takes a bit longer to recover after heavy use.
• You’d like to take advantage of Mass Save® rebates or federal tax credits to help pay for the water heater.

Choose a tankless water heater if:

• You have limited space and want a compact, wall-mounted option.
• You want endless hot water for back-to-back showers or loads of laundry.
• You want high-efficiency performance without needing a storage tank.
• You prefer instant recovery rather than waiting for a tank to reheat.

Is there more than one brand of heat pump water heater?

Absolutely! McMahon Plumbing & Heating offers heat pump water heaters by all the leading manufacturers, including AO Smith, Rheem, and smart water heaters by Cala Systems