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Heater Types

Heat Pump Water HeatersHigh-efficiency electric replacements and hybrid tanks.Condensing Tankless Water HeatersCondensing whole-home flow with venting constraints.Gas Tank Water HeatersStraight swaps when gas storage is still the fit.

Plan Your Swap

Sizing guideCapacity, first-hour rating, and temperature-rise fit.Accessories hubInstall extras, code-adjacent parts, and paid-link accessory picks.Upgrade from NHP50Replacement candidates and projected operating-cost delta.Upgrade from NHP65Replacement candidates and projected operating-cost delta.Upgrade from NHP80Replacement candidates and projected operating-cost delta.Upgrade from NPE 210S2Replacement candidates and projected operating-cost delta.Upgrade from PROE50 T2 RH95Replacement candidates and projected operating-cost delta.HPTA 50 2 vs HPTA 80 2Side-by-side specs, efficiency, and fit differences.HPTS 50 2 vs NHP50Side-by-side specs, efficiency, and fit differences.NHP120 vs PROPH80 T2 RH400 30Side-by-side specs, efficiency, and fit differences.NPE 210S2 vs NPE 240S2Side-by-side specs, efficiency, and fit differences.

Guides & Data

California heat pump guideLocal rates, rebates, and operating costs.Colorado heat pump guideLocal rates, rebates, and operating costs.Massachusetts heat pump guideLocal rates, rebates, and operating costs.Oregon heat pump guideLocal rates, rebates, and operating costs.Washington heat pump guideLocal rates, rebates, and operating costs.DOE 2029 standardsWhat changes in 2029 and which product classes move first.

Brands

A.O. Smith Water HeatersPublished models, product lines, and brand coverage.Bradford White Water HeatersPublished models, product lines, and brand coverage.Navien Water HeatersPublished models, product lines, and brand coverage.Noritz Water HeatersPublished models, product lines, and brand coverage.Rheem Water HeatersPublished models, product lines, and brand coverage.Rinnai Water HeatersPublished models, product lines, and brand coverage.Takagi Water HeatersPublished models, product lines, and brand coverage.
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Comparison

HPTA-50-2 vs HPTA-80-2

Heat Pump vs Heat Pump for specs, cost, and install fit.
Both are heat pump water heaters. The HPTA-80-2 is more efficient (UEF 3.88 vs 3.68). The HPTA-50-2 saves $68/year to operate. All figures from published specs and EIA energy prices. UEF measures lab efficiency under DOE test conditions. Annual cost uses that rating plus national average energy prices. Different draw patterns, local rates, and standby losses can cause the rankings to diverge.

Performance

SpecHPTA-50-2
A. O. Smith · Heat Pump		HPTA-80-2
A. O. Smith · Heat Pump
UEF3.683.88Δ 0.20
Capacity46 gal81 galΔ 35 gal
First Hour Rating65 gal95 galΔ 30 gal
kW Input4.50 kWidentical
The HPTA-80-2 leads on efficiency. But does it fit? Sizing guide

Physical dimensions

DimensionHPTA-50-2HPTA-80-2
Height63"Δ 6"69"
Width15"Δ 12"27"
Weight196 lbsΔ 106 lbs302 lbs
The HPTA-80-2 is taller. Fit checked. Now the operating cost.

Operating cost

CostHPTA-50-2HPTA-80-2
Annual Operating Cost$152/yrΔ $68/yr$220/yr
10-Year Operating Cost$1,520Δ $680$2,200
Annual Energy883 kWhΔ 396 kWh1,279 kWh
10-year difference: $680 in favor of the HPTA-50-2, at current US average energy rates. Actual savings depend on local rates and usage patterns.

Costs vary by state. The HPTA-50-2 ranges from $97/yr (ND) to $368/yr (HI). The HPTA-80-2 ranges from $141/yr (ND) to $532/yr (HI).

$68/yr separates them. Install requirements determine the upfront gap. Installation accessories

Installation requirements

RequirementHPTA-50-2HPTA-80-2
Voltage240Videntical
Amperage22Aidentical
Breaker30Aidentical
Same electrical requirements. Swapping between these units should not require electrical changes.

Warranty

CoverageHPTA-50-2HPTA-80-2
Tank10 yridentical

Features

FeatureHPTA-50-2HPTA-80-2
RefrigerantR-134aidentical

Decision split

Pick this one if...

A. O. Smith HPTA-50-2

  • Your ceiling or space is under 69"
  • Minimizing energy cost matters (saves $68/yr)

Pick this one if...

A. O. Smith HPTA-80-2

  • Peak efficiency is the priority (UEF 3.88)
  • You have high peak demand (95 gal FHR)

Neither if...

  • Your home only has 120V service and you cannot upgrade the panel
  • Your install space is under 700 sq ft of open air
Common accessories for this type of installation.

Common install considerations for heat pump units

What is required depends on your existing installation, local code, and installer preference.

Thermal Expansion Tank Often required by code Check on Amazon (paid link)
Water Heater Drain Pan Often required by code Check on Amazon (paid link)
Earthquake Straps (Seismic Restraints) Often required by code Check on Amazon (paid link)
Full accessories list
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Related
Sources. ENERGY STAR, manufacturer spec sheets, EIA average energy prices.Methodology