Heat pump water heaters require installation in locations that remain in the 40º–90ºF (4.4º–32.2ºC) range year-round and provide at least 1,000 cubic feet (28.3 cubic meters) of air space around the water heater. Air passing over the evaporator can be exhausted to the room or outdoors.
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Heat pump water heaters will not operate efficiently in a cold space since they tend to cool the space they are in. Installing them in a space with excess heat, such as a furnace room, will increase their efficiency.
You can also install an air-source heat pump system that combines heating, cooling, and water heating. These combination systems pull their heat indoors from the outside air in the winter and from the inside air in the summer. Because they remove heat from the air, any type of air-source heat pump system works more efficiently in a warm climate.
Homeowners primarily install geothermal heat pumps -- which draw heat from the ground during the winter and from the indoor air during the summer -- for heating and cooling their homes. For water heating, you can add a desuperheater to a geothermal heat pump system. A desuperheater is a small, auxiliary heat exchanger that uses superheated gases from the heat pump's compressor to heat water. This hot water then circulates through a pipe to the storage water heater tank in the house.
Desuperheaters are also available for tankless or demand-type water heaters. In the summer, the desuperheater uses the excess heat that would otherwise be expelled to the ground. With frequent operation during the summer, the geothermal heat pump may provide the majority of your hot water needs.
During the fall, winter, and spring -- when the desuperheater isn't producing as much excess heat -- you'll need to rely more on your storage or demand water heater. Some manufacturers also offer triple-function geothermal heat pump systems, which provide heating, cooling, and hot water. They use a separate heat exchanger to meet all of a household's hot water needs.
The best heat pump water heater in is the Rheem Performance Platinum due to its cost, size, energy efficiency, rebates, and other features. This model is closely followed by the Rheem ProTerra, Stiebel Accelera 300 E, A. O. Smith Signature 900, and Bradford White AeroTherm, among others.
Hot water is something we take for granted until we need to decide what type of hot water heater to invest in. While traditional heaters function well, 18% of the average American’s energy use consists of water heating. For anyone trying to lower their electric bill in an apartment or home, heat pump water heaters are an energy-efficient, cost-effective replacement.
The best heat pump water heaters are designed to save you money over time while delivering consistent hot water for multiple people. To simplify the buying process, our team created an in-depth methodology and analyzed various brands and models of heat pump water heaters to compile a list of the eight best options.
We’ve provided thorough descriptions of each to help guide you toward the best unit for your needs, so continue reading to learn more about the best heat pump water heaters in .
Best for: Quiet living
Cost: $799
BBB Grade: A+
With multiple size options, quiet operation, smart technology, and an extended warranty, there are plenty of reasons why the Rheem Performance Platinum heat pump water heater tops our list. This best-in-class model is ideal for in-home installation with mobile temperature control and energy tracking. Above all else, Rheem is highly rated by the Better Business Bureau and frequently recommended by users on distribution sites, receiving an A+ rating and an average of 4.5 stars, respectively.
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Best for: Leak protection
Cost: $1,859
BBB Grade: A+
With a higher price tag than our number one heat pump water heater pick, the Rheem ProTerra takes the next spot on our list. This advanced heat pump water heater is similar to the Performance Platinum model in many ways, including its smart features and energy efficiency. This model is also our best electric heat pump water heater option and includes an automatic 360-degree leak prevention system designed to prevent damage and danger associated with water leaks. With hybrid electric and plug-in alternatives and High Performance and Vacation modes, this model offers purchasing options and flexibility in its features.
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Best for: Medium-sized households
Cost: $2,675
BBB Grade: A+
While it’s less efficient than our previous two options, we found the Stiebel Accelera 300 E is highly rated by real users with a strong BBB rating, landing this model near the top of our list. The 58-gallon tank is perfect for households of four to five people, and both amateurs and professionals can install the unit. Smaller households can also consider the Stiebel Accelera 220 E, a smaller version of the same model.
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Best for: High-capacity heating
Cost: $1,950
BBB Grade: A+
Clocking in at only 45 dB, the A. O. Smith Signature 900 heat pump water heater is a quiet unit designed for high-capacity heating. Easily supporting a household of three to four people, this model comes highly recommended by everyday users. The A. O. Smith Signature 900’s smart features make it easy to manage on a day-to-day basis, which pairs well with its energy-efficient heating and advanced heat pump technology.
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Best for: Customized heating
Cost: $2,500+
BBB Grade: A+
As our fifth contender, the Bradford White AeroTherm is the best hybrid heat pump water heater designed for customized heating. This model boasts five modes of operation, including Heat Pump, Hybrid, Hybrid Plus, Electric, and Vacation. These modes adjust the efficiency and output of the water heater, which allows users to customize its functionality to their household's needs. Plus, this model’s smart features make remote and in-person customization simple.
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Best for: Compact systems and small spaces
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Cost: $3,700
BBB Grade: A+ but not BBB accredited
The ECO2 Systems’ SANCO2 GS4-45HPC heat pump water heater is the most unique option on our list. This model is a split-system water heater where the storage tank and heater are two separate units, and it offers the longest warranty and largest tank size range of any other heat pump water heater option. However, the GS4-45HPC is also the most expensive unit on our list and comes with simple installation requirements.
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Best for: Affordable energy efficiency
Cost: $1,700
BBB Grade: A+ but not BBB accredited
The Richmond Encore 10E40-HP530 is takes the seventh spot on our list. This unit offers customization similar to the Bradford White AeroTherm, including Energy Saver, Heat Pump, High Demand, Electric, and Vacation/Away modes. With a lower price tag than some of our other options and stellar energy-saving features, this unit is a great choice for households looking to save money without sacrificing flexibility.
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Best for: Easy installation
Cost: $3,000
BBB Grade: A but not BBB accredited
Using less energy than a traditional light bulb and boasting a simple installation process for both professionals and amateurs, the Ruud Ultra Series cracked our list of the best heat pump water heaters. With multiple tank sizes and five operation modes, this unit easily supports households of three to four people. Plus, its increased energy efficiency helps reduce users' carbon footprint.
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Our verdict is that the Rheem Performance Platinum is the best heat pump water heater in . With outstanding user ratings, an affordable price tag, potential rebates, and decreased maintenance, we found that this model satisfies various needs.
Arbor’s verdicts about the best heat pump water heaters take into account the following details and features associated with each water heater model and brand.
A heat pump water heater is a more energy-efficient water heating system than traditional water heaters. This type of water heater uses electricity and ambient heat to increase water temperatures instead of generating heat internally. Heat pump water heaters use refrigerant, compressors, and a condenser coil to transfer heat from one place to another.
Many different parts work together to make a heat pump water heater operate successfully. From the storage tank to the drain, these are the most important parks in a working heat pump water heater:
There are a few different types of hot water heaters on the market. Each unit has a unique heating element and storage system designed to increase and maintain water temperatures. Before investing in a hot water heater, understand the best type for your needs:
Heat pump water heaters work by moving existing heat from one place to another. Instead of using energy to create new heat, these types of water heaters use refrigerants, compressors, and condenser coils to transfer ambient heat into water. Different types of heat pump water heaters pull ambient heat from different sources:
A heat pump water heater works similarly to a refrigerator, except it uses the heat collected from the surrounding air instead of expelling it. Because these water heaters depend on ambient heat, they require temperatures between 40 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit to operate optimally.
The average heat pump water heater usually costs between $4,000 and $8,000. These costs can be broken down into four main categories:
Even after you purchase and install your unit, there are some potential upkeep costs to navigate, including:
Even with all of these considerations, most heat pump water heaters cost less over time than traditional water heaters. With average monthly operation costs around $200 due to their energy efficiency, heat pump water heaters vastly outpace the typical $350 to $500 monthly fees associated with other types of water heaters, which can help lower high electric bills.
Heat pump water heaters are significantly more energy efficient than traditional water heaters, but their benefits don’t end there:
Not all heat pump water heaters are made equally. There are four key considerations you need to keep in mind when deciding the type of heat pump water heater to invest in.
The size of your water heater should correlate with the size of your household. Fifty-gallon tanks typically support up to four people, while an 80-gallon water heater can support households ranging from six to eight people. Larger heat pump water heaters can be more expensive upfront but are necessary for households using more hot water.
Cheaper doesn’t always mean better. At the same time, expensive doesn’t necessarily mean the product is better quality. Research the materials used to create each product and consider your budget and monthly expenses when purchasing. Also, look into the rebates and tax credits available for each brand and model—it’s possible to purchase a unit and receive most or all of the cost back in a rebate.
A heat pump water heater’s first hour rating refers to the amount of hot water the unit can supply per hour in gallons when starting with a full tank. This rating is determined by the unit’s tank capacity, heating source, and the size of the heating element. If sized correctly, your first hour rating will indicate that your water heater will be able to supply ample hot water to your space during your peak hour demand.
Heat pump water heaters can be three times more efficient than traditional water heaters, but it’s still important to pay attention to each model’s certifications and uniform energy factor (UEF). ENERGY STAR-certified units are often eligible for more substantial rebates than others. Plus, higher UEFs can lower annual costs.
Our team has compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about heat pump water heaters below.
Heat pump water heaters work similarly to refrigerators, where a fan brings outside air into the pump, which then collects ambient heat using refrigerant. The refrigerant then passes through a compressor to increase its temperature and then a condenser coil where the heat is passed to the water. This process continues through the duration of the water heater’s use.
According to our research, the best heat pump water heater is the Rheem Performance Platinum, which costs $799 for a 50-gallon model.
The lifespan of a well-maintained heat pump water heater can be up to 15 years, which is longer than the eight to 12 years expected from a traditional water heater.
Heat pump water heaters should produce little noise. Well-constructed models may hum like refrigerators and dishwashers, but check the noise output of a water heater before purchasing one.
The rebates and tax credits available for heat pump water heaters depend on the model and its certifications. ENERGY STAR-certified heat pump water heaters are eligible for a 30% federal tax credit of up to $2,000. This offer is available until and may cover the entire cost of the unit.
Heat pump water heaters can work in cold climates but perform optimally when ambient temperatures are between 40 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Hybrid heat pump water heater models can act like traditional water heaters when ambient temperatures fall below this threshold.
Heat pump water heaters require a 240-volt outlet to run properly. It may be necessary to call an electrician to install this type of outlet before you can utilize a heat pump water heater.