The Big decision - Stay with gas or electrify with a Heat Pump Water Heater (240V or 120V)

In a nutshell here are the main benefits of switching from a gas water heater to a Heat Pump water heater:

-Heat Pump water heaters are 4x to 5x more efficient than gas water heaters.
-Lower operating costs even in markets with high electric rates.
-Ability to enroll in Utility Demand Response programs to energize during the times of the day when the electric rates are cheaper. 
-Reduced carbon emissions.
-Improved indoor air quality

Energy Savings Calculator

Annual Savings: $0.00

10-Year Lifetime Savings: $0.00

Calculator Disclaimers & Methodology:
  • Savings Estimates: Annual savings are estimates based on U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) test procedures comparing a 50-gallon pre-2015 standard electric water heater (3,609 kWh/year) to a modern ENERGY STAR® certified Heat Pump Water Heater (866 kWh/year).
  • Fuel Assumptions: Gas and Propane savings calculations assume a typical 0.6 Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) efficiency for standard combustion units and current local average fuel costs.
  • Data Source: Energy rates are based on the most recent residential data provided by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) as of March 2026.
  • Variability: Actual savings will vary based on household water usage patterns, local climate conditions, installation efficiency, incoming water temperature, and specific utility rate structures (such as tiered pricing or time-of-use plans).
Bax, our HPWH mascot, explains the 3 types of HPWH to decarbonize
-For a swap out of a  gas water heater, a remodel or new construction project where easy access to a 240V 30A electrical outlet is NOT an issue, select a  240V Heat Pump water heater. You’ll get faster recovery as needed with backup electric resistance elements.
-For a fast swap out of an existing gas water heater with no easy access to a 240V 30A electrical outlet, select a 120V Heat Pump Water Heater. No electrical work or hard wiring required with a 120V Heat Pump water heater. No electrical panel upgrade required. It simply plugs into a 120V shared circuit outlet. 15A or 20A breaker.

***Recommendation – Because the recovery (measured in “First Hour Rating” or “FHR”) of the 120V Heat Pump water heaters is significantly slower than gas, upsize the tank 2 fold compared to the gas tank that you are replacing.
-If you are replacing a 30 gallon gas tank, opt for a 50 gallon 120V Heat Pump water heater or larger.
-If you are replacing a 40 gallon gas tank, opt for a 65/66 gallon 120V Heat Pump water heater or larger.
-If you are replacing a 50 gallon gas tank, opt for an 80 gallon 120V Heat Pump water heater.

– Another option is a split system that includes 2 parts, 1/ an external heat pump unit with COâ‚‚ refrigerant to extract heat from the outside, and 2/ the storage tank inside where the hot water is stored. It can fit in small enclosures like under an air handler in Multifamily dwellings and does not require space for air circulation.
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