One Massachusetts homeowner says they missed out on a $750 heat pump water heater discount after their plumber purchased the equipment, underscoring the importance of checking incentive requirements before buying.
Here's what to know
The account appeared in a Reddit discussion about Mass Save's water heater incentive. "Can anyone confirm that there's no way I can self-install a heat pump water heater and get the $750 rebate?" the original poster asked the r/massachusetts forum.
One commenter said their plumber had purchased the unit at a plumbing supply store and did not obtain the incentive.
"I can speak to this because I screwed up and didn't get the rebate. The heat pump water heater rebate is at the POINT OF SALE, not something you submit an invoice for after the fact and get a check," they wrote. "... My experience was my plumber ordered from a plumbing supply store and didn't get the rebate. After he purchased and installed it, it was too late to get the rebate."
Someone replied, "He pocketed it."
Other participants described different experiences, including one who said: "I got the rebate on mine and self-installed. You can get a coupon on the Mass Save website that takes $750 off at Lowe's or Home Depot."
A third commenter explained, "Since people here are giving different answers, the surest way to settle the rebate is to call Mass Save or read the install requirements on the current form, because the program rules change from year to year."
One commenter recalled finding that only in-stock models qualified for the discount.
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For homeowners comparing equipment, Cala is one company offering smart heat pump water heaters. Cala's customizable smart heat pump water heaters can help homeowners decrease their energy bills by heating water exactly when it is needed.
Where can I learn more?
Other homeowners have also had to sort through water heater costs, contractor work, and incentive rules.
• One Massachusetts homeowner said a heat pump water heater cut power use and helped during outages.
• Another Massachusetts homeowner unable to access Mass Save faced heat pump quotes of $20,000-30,000.
• A plumber installed an upgraded water heater under warranty, but the serial numbers didn't match.
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