Water Heating
Heat Pump Water Heaters
How They Work
Heat Pump Water Heaters (HPWHs) work like a refrigerator in reverse. While a refrigerator removes heat from an enclosed box and expels that heat to the surrounding air, a HPWH takes heat from surrounding air and transfers it to water in an enclosed tank. As a result, they can be two to three times more energy efficient than conventional electric resistance water heaters. HPWH models that are certified ENERGY STAR can save almost $300 annually on electric bills. Find information on HPWHs here.
What Assistance Is Available for Me?
There are several sources of funding to assist you with purchase and installation of a HPWH:
- The federal Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) provides rebates that cover 100% of heat pump water heater costs for low-income households (up to $1,750) and 50% of heat pump water heater costs for moderate-income households (up to $1,750). Find more information about HEAR here.
- The federal government offers a tax credit of up to 30% of the cost of the purchase and installation of a HPWH (maximum $2,000 credit). Find more information about federal tax credits for HPWHs here.
- The Duquesne Light Company Energy Efficiency Rebate Program provides a $300 rebate for each ENERGY STAR HPWH. Find more information about Duquesne Light’s HPWH rebate here.
What Products Are Eligible?
Only HPWHs that have earned the ENERGY STAR are eligible for the federal tax credit and rebates. Find eligible products here.
Important Dates
The federal tax credits are available for products purchased and installed between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2032. Assistance through DLC’s rebate program ends May 31, 2026, or earlier if program funding is depleted. Details on HEAR are still under development, but it is anticipated that funds will be available in Pennsylvania by the end of 2023 and apply through the end of 2032.