As we descend into a frosty and frigid Maine winter, reliable hot water is a non-negotiable. This week, we are talking about heat pump water heaters: how they work, what they cost, recent price drops and available rebates.

What are heat pump water heaters?

Heat pump water heaters use ultra-efficient technology to pull heat from a room and into a water tank to heat it, similar to how air conditioners work. Courtesy image

Heat pump water heaters use ultra-efficient technology to pull heat from a room and into a water tank to heat it, similar to how air conditioners work. Because these systems are moving heat from one place to another as opposed to creating heat directly, they are roughly two to three times more energy efficient than traditional electric water heaters.

In addition, they have the capacity to store a lot of hot water, making them extremely reliable.

Heat pump water heaters are at times referred to as hybrid electric water heaters due to their ability to switch to electric resistance heating elements for times when demand exceeds what the heat pump can produce. This means Maine households can be sure they will have plenty of hot water and energy savings all year round.

Benefits of heat pump water heaters

Tens of thousands of Mainers own heat pump water heaters, proving these systems have no problem providing hot water throughout Maine winters. They are popular due to their many benefits: They produce lots of hot water, dehumidify your home, and are estimated to save over $500 annually on electric bills.

In addition, many of these systems have a 10-plus year warranty, ensuring lower costs and reliable hot water for the lifespan of the system. Plus, with current incentives, these systems can be less expensive than traditional electric water heaters.

Heat pump water heater prices dropped

After a recent price drop in Maine, there is no better time to buy a heat pump water heater than right now. Just six months ago heat pump water heaters cost roughly $1,799. Now, Mainers can purchase one for as little as $549 with instant discounts through Efficiency Maine.

“Since the price of heat pump water heaters dropped in Maine to $549 after our $850 incentive, demand has drastically increased,” said Lily McVetty, program manager at Efficiency Maine. “We are rebating a heat pump water heater every 12 minutes. We estimate that close to one in every 10 heat pump water heaters in the country comes to Maine.”

Not only are heat pump water heaters in high demand, but current price reductions are only available for a limited time. Use the Efficiency Maine instant discounts at Home Depot, Lowe’s and Granite Group before this promotion ends.

Visit www.efficiencymaine.com/heat-pump-water-heater-program/ to access instant discounts and learn more.

Electrify Everything!

In addition to Efficiency Maine’s instant rebate, Electrify Everything! offers rebates on heat pump water heaters.

Electrify Everything! is a city sponsored program that provides rebates on electric vehicles, electric lawncare equipment, e-bikes, heating and cooling systems, and home weatherization. Through Electrify Everything!, you can get up to $2,000 per household on top of Efficiency Maine and other rebates.

See current rebates, check if you’re eligible, and apply for Electrify Everything! at www.southportland.org/electrify.

Our Sustainable City is a recurring column in the Sentry intended to provide residents with news and information about sustainability initiatives in South Portland. Follow the Sustainability Office on Instagram and Facebook @soposustainability.

Mia Ambroiggio is a part-time South Portland Sustainability Office staff member. She can be reached at mambroiggio@southportland.org.