Hot water is a wonderful thing. It’s also surprisingly expensive.
In fact, it’s the second-largest energy expense in most US homes: It accounts for nearly 20% of the overall energy use in the average home, according to the US Department of Energy.
A heat pump water heater can help reduce those costs up to 75%.
Of course, you might not be in the market for a new water heater. Your old one may be working just fine. You probably haven’t even thought about it.
Most people don’t spend their free time contemplating how their shower gets all nice and steamy in the morning—not until that water unexpectedly runs cold, as it did for me on that horrible Sunday morning right before Christmas when the water tank gave out and flooded the house.
That’s just one reason why it’s generally recommended to start thinking about a new water heater before the old one fails on you.
After researching this topic extensively, we’ve found a lot of scenarios where a heat pump water heater may be the best option for most homes.
Our pick
The most efficient water heater we’ve seen has a hybrid backup system and plenty of smart-home features. But it may have a slower recovery time than you’re used to.
The Rheem ProTerra XE65T10HS45U0 is the best overall heat pump water heater we’ve found, with a Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) rating that’s at least four times more efficient than that of any other standard electric or gas water heater.
It also has a hybrid electric backup system that kicks on when the tank is low, so you don’t have to wait too long when you run out of hot water.
It does have a slower recovery time than non–heat pump water heaters, however, and it may require a home electrical upgrade, depending on your current setup.
Also great
The Signature 900 offers all of the benefits of a heat pump water heater without the need for an electrical upgrade. It’s far more efficient than a traditional electric heater, but other heat pump models can outperform it.
The AO Smith Signature 900 HPV10-66H01DV is a 120-volt model that works with any standard wall outlet, so it’s a great option in an emergency or when you don’t have the time or money to upgrade your electrical panel.
It’s not quite as efficient as other heat pump water heaters, but it’s still three to four times better than any other gas or standard electric option, and it still offers the same warranty and tax incentives.
Also great
This is the quietest heat pump water heater we’ve seen, and the LG’s smart-home features can integrate with the company’s other appliances. But this is LG’s first heat pump water heater. So compared with our other picks, with this one you may find there’s less availability or fewer qualified installers.
If you’re bothered by the white noise of a fan somewhere off in the distance, the LG APHWC501M Inverter Heat Pump Water Heater has the lowest decibel rating of any model we’ve found.
It has an impressive efficiency rating, too, thanks to LG’s dual inverter compressor design.
You can also sync this water heater with other LG appliances as well as with the larger electrical grid, for a truly integrated smart-home experience.
As with all heat pump water heaters, this model’s recovery time is good but not great, and it might take longer than you’re used to.
This is LG’s first entry in the heat pump water heater space, so you may find there’s less availability and support or fewer qualified installers than with AO Smith or Rheem.
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