When one Reddit user set out to replace their aging gas water heater, their post in r/heatpumps sparked a wave of practical advice on how to modernize a home and cut costs.
"Our first [water heater] had an awful banging problem. It literally sounded like we had an insane relative locked in the closet and would wake us up," the homeowner wrote, describing why they were looking to upgrade.
The Redditor explained that they live in Los Angeles, where mild weather and an existing solar setup make their home an excellent candidate for a heat pump water heater. These appliances pull heat from surrounding air instead of burning fuel, slashing the amount of electricity needed to heat water. Such efficiency translates to big savings, with families able to save hundreds of dollars annually on utility bills.
On top of monthly savings, homeowners who install a heat pump water heater can still claim generous federal incentives. A 30% tax credit, up to $2,000, is available for installation costs. However, these credits are set to expire at the end of the year, meaning early adopters could save thousands more by acting now (though many federal rebates will remain available after that deadline).
For those ready to make the switch, LG offers a wide variety of water heaters that can help lower energy bills and pair seamlessly with solar setups. With more homes embracing electrification, upgrades like this make daily life both more affordable and more resilient against extreme weather events.
The thread quickly filled up with encouragement and tips for the OP's plans:
"The location and climate are perfect for a HPWH," said one commenter.
"You've got a pretty much ideal setup for a HPWH … With solar, and correct programming, your HPWH will be essentially 'free' to operate (it'll use electricity during the day that you'd overwise be giving back to your utility)," added another.
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Still others advised upsizing to a larger tank or adding a mixing valve for long-term comfort. Swapping out an HVAC system for a Mitsubishi Electric Heat pump can save nearly $400 a year on energy costs while also reducing pollution.
And speaking of home upgrades, installing solar panels can bring your energy costs down to nearly $0. EnergySage provides a free service that lets homeowners compare local installers for the job, saving up to $10,000 in the process. Leasing panels is also an option: Palmetto's LightReach program installs panels with no money down, helping residents to lock in low energy rates.
For homeowners like this Reddit poster, upgrading to efficient appliances unlocks thousands in savings alongside a cleaner, more comfortable home.
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