!["Nobody wants to go back and fix [it]."](https://www.thecooldown.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/heat-pump-water-heaterimage-recGQSXwy90nbjbjv.jpg?w=1920&h=800)
Water heating accounts for around 20% of your home's energy use and is a significant expense on electric bills, but many homeowners are now upgrading to energy-efficient heat pump water heaters to save money.
Purchasing one is easy, but hiring a company to install it may be another story. One homeowner shared their frustrations in the r/heatpumps subreddit about finding trained plumbers willing to take on heat pump water heater (HPWH) installations.
"I've had a hard time finding someone to install a heat pump hot water heater and I'm curious why that is," they posted.
"Because it seems large numbers of tradesmen don't like to learn anything new. It's ridiculous, a heat pump water heater is no different than an electric water heater except you need to make sure it has adequate ventilation and has a solution for condensate water," one person commented, recommending they DIY it.
Energy Star backs up that statement, explaining that "Installing a Heat Pump Water Heater is similar to installing an electric resistance water heater, so additional trades are typically not needed."
But if you're having trouble finding a qualified contractor, Energy Star offers a free tool to search for HPWH installers by state, making the process easier.
Upgrading your water heater can reduce your electric bills, as Energy Star reports that an average family could see annual savings of $550 per year. You can also take advantage of incentives for heat pump water heaters available through the Inflation Reduction Act, which offers a tax credit of 30% of the project cost (up to $2,000) for eligible HPWHs.
However, these tax breaks and rebates may not be around forever, as President Donald Trump has threatened to dismantle portions of the IRA that include subsidies for energy-efficient appliances. While Congress would have the final say on any changes, now is the time to claim potentially thousands of dollars in savings while they're still on the table.
💡Save thousands with a heat pump
A heat pump can save you thousands of dollars in heating and cooling costs — but first you have to find the right installer at the right price.
Use EnergySage's free tool today to find local options, compare prices, and see how much you can save.
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If you want a high-tech, super-efficient water heater that can optimize your home's water usage and heat water during off-peak hours, Cala can deliver. By only heating water when necessary using smart technology, its HPWHs keep homeowners comfortable and reduce their home's pollution. Switching from a propane water heater could drastically lower your electric bills — Cala estimates the lifetime savings at nearly $7,000.
Other commenters sympathized with the poster's struggle to find qualified plumbers and offered advice on getting a heat pump water heater installed.
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What kind of heater does your home have? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
Heat pump ⚡ "Failure rate. Nobody wants to go back and fix expensive HP they don't have much experience with," one user said. "Check businesses who do both HVAC and plumbing maybe. Or better yet install yourself and save 100%+ markup if you are into adventure. It's as complicated as water faucet if you are replacing existing one."
"Same experience here, companies want to stick to what they know and what they've been doing for decades," another shared.
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