Heat pump water heaters can help homeowners lower their energy bills, but the right installation location can make a major difference.
A basement that became too cold in winter led one homeowner to use their unit's electric-only setting during especially cold spells.
Here's what to know
A homeowner on Reddit asked for advice on replacing an aging electric water heater. They were considering an 80-gallon heat pump model for a spacious basement but wanted to hear from other owners before investing.
"The more I read about heat pump heaters the better they sound, online- but I would like to hear some real world experience with them before we plop down a chunk-a-change for one," the homeowner wrote, asking about energy savings, installation, and brands.
"I have a state one and it works great," one commenter explained. They added a cold-weather caveat: "Except in deep cold winter streaks I have to run it as electric only because my basement gets too cold."
Other owners reported substantial savings. One three-person household with a 65-gallon Rheem estimated monthly operating costs of $5-$10, with electricity consumption averaging 1-3 kilowatt-hours per day. Those figures reflect individual experiences, rather than guaranteed savings. Still, the thread was very bullish on the tech.
More background
Fan noise led one owner to close the laundry room door or sometimes use electric-only mode on their 65-gallon heat pump water heater. That room nevertheless provided a useful source of warmth from the dryer for the heater to draw on, even as the unit released cold air.
Quiet operation and basement dehumidification were two benefits reported by the owner of an older, 40-gallon Geospring. The heater had run for more than 10 years in a basement that typically stayed around 65 degrees.
Crushed by your bills? See instant solar savings from vetted installers in just a few clicks With energy prices through the roof, there's never been a better time to go solar — and EasyHome can help you find the best prices from the best installers in your area. EasyHome takes the guesswork and headaches out of energy upgrades by showing you estimated savings from a network of vetted local partners. To get started, just enter your ZIP and share a few details about your home — seeing your estimate is really that easy. |
Plans for a 240-volt purchase followed the original poster's initial confusion between heat-pump-only operation and a 120-volt circuit.
Voltage does not determine the operating mode, a commenter explained. Owners make that selection through the unit's controls.
What can be done?
An afternoon heating schedule let one ProTerra owner rely on the tank's hot water during higher-priced evening hours. The unit was programmed to heat water to 140 degrees Fahrenheit at 2:30 p.m., then lower the setting to 125 degrees at 3:45 p.m.
For installations without a nearby floor drain, commenters suggested using a condensate pump to carry water to another drain. Heat pump water heaters need a condensate drain line, so drainage is part of installation planning.
Owners also raised the unit's cooling effect on the surrounding area, along with manufacturers' space requirements.
"It's super energy-efficient, fairly quiet, and has had no problems so far," a commenter said of their new purchase.
Cala offers smart heat pump water heaters for homeowners considering this upgrade. Cala's customizable smart heat pump water heaters can help homeowners lower their energy bills by heating water exactly when needed. For shoppers interested in that scheduling approach, Cala is an option to compare.
Where can I learn more?
Your basement's temperature and available space can help determine whether a heat pump water heater is a good fit.
• A cramped New England closet raised concerns about installing a heat pump water heater.
• Owners cited a three-year payback period when a new-build buyer questioned heat pump water heater reviews.
• In Massachusetts, a heat pump water heater reduced power use and helped during outages.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
