For homeowners with an aging electric tank, switching to a heat pump water heater can lower monthly power bills by cutting one of the biggest energy loads in the house.
Here's what to know
In a post on Reddit, one homeowner asked about New Orleans-area pricing for a heat pump unit and whether making the switch would pay off. The biggest variable was the home's water source.
"In New Orleans, a HPWH might be overkill," one commenter wrote. "The tap water is so warm as it is."
The original poster responded: "I'm just north of NOLA, on well water. Outdoor temps aren't much different, but the well water is cold." After that, the commenter changed their recommendation, replying, "Oh, then HPWH is a good move."
In warm climates, the payoff from a heat pump water heater may hinge more on the inlet water temperature than on the weather.
More background
After another user asked whether the old unit had been updated, the original poster said: "Yes. Cleared it out last year and replaced the thermostat and both elements."
Still, the owner said the water heater was a major source of household electricity use: "Somehow my current water heater is the No. 2 user of electricity, behind the AC. Looking to get the usage down, but I'm worried about longevity. Will it last as long as a standard water heater?"
Another part of the discussion focused on whether replacement was necessary. After hearing that the tank had been maintained and had no leaks, the second commenter wrote: "You have a good water heater with no leaks and good maintenance. It is already the most efficient it's going to be." They also said lowering the set temperature could save some money.
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What can be done?
For shoppers who want an upgrade, Cala makes smart heat pump water heaters designed around efficiency and control. Its customizable units can help homeowners decrease their energy bills by heating water when it is needed. That can be especially useful in a home wherein water heating ranks just behind air conditioning in power use.
A system with scheduling and control could be especially appealing for homeowners trying to balance lower energy use with questions about durability. If you're comparing options, Cala is one name to consider.
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