How Much Can I Save with a Heat Pump Water Heater?
With the current rebate, a typical heat pump water heater can pay for itself after about one year, and continue to save you money for the life of the water heater.
Using Energy Star’s estimated energy savings and the PUD’s current residential rate, a heat pump water heater is estimated to provide the following savings:
| Household Size | Annual kWH Savings | Annual Cost Savings | Payback (Years) | Lifetime Cost Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1,880 | $152.28 | 1.1 | $1,809.64 |
| 3 | 2,820 | $228.42 | 0.7 | $2,799.46 |
| 4 | 3,760 | $304.56 | 0.6 | $3,789.28 |
Assumptions: Typical cost of a 50-gallon, Tier 4 heat pump water heater for our area and a 13-year lifespan.
Current electric rate of 8.10¢ per kWh.
Does not include cost of installation.
Heat pump water heaters use electricity to move heat from the air and transfer it, at a higher temperature, into the tank to heat the water. Our Heat Pump Water Heater Program provides rebates and quality assurance to PUD customers who install qualified models. 
Things to Consider
- Space – Heat pump water heaters require 1,000 cubic feet of air-flow around them. This is the equivalent of a 10 feet by 10 feet by 10 feet space.
- Sound – Heat pump water heaters generate sounds similar to an electric fan. Consider if this noise can be heard from your bedroom.
- Cold air – While in operation, heat pump water heaters release cool, dry air into the surrounding space.
- Size – Heat pump water heaters are slightly larger than standard electric water heaters.
- Ducting – Some heat pump water heaters will be installed in a location that will require ducting to the outside.
To Vent or Not To Vent?
Heat pump water heaters can be vented directly to the outside so that they do not cool the air around the water heater. If you don’t have the required air-flow space around your water heater, you may consider venting.
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