Type guide
Heat Pump Water Heaters
Live heat pump water heater models, compared by efficiency, size, and install needs.
A heat pump water heater uses electricity to move heat from the surrounding air into the water tank...
Models27
Brands6
UEF3.34 to 4.20
Capacity40 gal, 50 gal, 65 gal, 80 gal
A heat pump water heater uses electricity to move heat from the surrounding air into the water tank, working like a refrigerator in reverse. Start by checking physical fit, then compare efficiency across the models below. Sizing guide
What to know
Best for
Homeowners in moderate to warm climates with an unconditioned space like a garage, basement, or utility room that stays above 40°F year-round. Ideal for households looking to cut electric water heating costs significantly. State and utility rebates may apply.
Not ideal for
Homes in very cold climates without a heated space for installation, or tight closet installations without adequate airflow. Not a good fit if the surrounding space needs to stay warm, since the unit pulls heat from the air. Renters or short-term owners may not recoup the higher upfront cost.
Advantages
- 2x to 3.5x more efficient than standard electric resistance tanks, cutting water heating bills by 50-70%
- Was eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $2,000 under IRA Section 25C (expired December 31, 2025)
- Dehumidifies and slightly cools the space where it operates, a useful side benefit in warm climates
- Uses no fossil fuels on-site, making it compatible with fully electric homes and clean grid goals
- Long lifespan of 13-15 years, comparable to or better than standard electric tanks
Trade-offs
- Higher upfront cost ($1,200-$3,500 for equipment) compared to standard electric tanks
- Requires a space with at least 750-1,000 cubic feet of air around the unit for efficient heat extraction
- Performance drops in ambient temperatures below 40°F; most units switch to less efficient resistance backup
- Produces 40-55 dBA of noise during compressor operation, comparable to a conversation
- Slower recovery rate than resistance heating when relying solely on the heat pump mode
Is this the right type?
Good fitThis type works when
Homeowners in moderate to warm climates with an unconditioned space like a garage, basement, or utility room that stays above 40°F year-round.
Poor fitConsider a different type if
Homes in very cold climates without a heated space for installation, or tight closet installations without adequate airflow.
Open nextCheck your state's numbers
Heat pump economics change significantly by state. Local electricity rates, rebates, and climate all affect the payback.
See Alaska costs and rebatesFastest way to narrow this category
Best efficiency
Bradford White RE2HP65-1NCTT
UEF 4.20
Shortest unit
Bradford White RE2HP65-1NCTT
44.6" tall
Lightest unit
Navien NWP500S050AUMB
181 lbs
Shallowest footprint
Navien NWP500S050AUMB
21.7" deep
The trade-off: efficiency vs height (80-gallon class)
How efficiency and height relate
In the 80-gallon class, higher efficiency often means a taller unit. Understanding this trade-off is the key to picking the right model for your space.
Efficiency (UEF)
Height
40-gallon models for 1 to 2 people.
40-gallon models
| Model | Brand | UEF | FHR | Height | Est. Cost/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PROPH40 T2 RH400-30 | Rheem | 3.83 | 60 gal | 62.3" | ~$150 |
| HPTA-40-2 | A. O. Smith | 3.60 | 55 gal | 66" | ~$157 |
● Best in group
50-gallon models for the most common residential size, best for 1 to 3 people.
50-gallon models
| Model | Brand | UEF | FHR | Height | Est. Cost/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RE2HP50-1NCTT | Bradford White | 3.89 | 65 gal | 46.1" | ~$146 |
| PROPH50 T2 RH400-30 | Rheem | 3.88 | 67 gal | 61.75" | ~$148 |
| NWP500S050AUMB | Navien | 3.85 | 65 gal | 63" | ~$147 |
| HPTS-50-2 | A. O. Smith | 3.80 | 65 gal | 63" | ~$145 |
| REHP50BM | Rinnai | 3.75 | 73 gal | 66.4" | ~$147 |
| HPTA-50-2 | A. O. Smith | 3.68 | 65 gal | 63" | ~$154 |
| NHP50 | Noritz | 3.46 | 58 gal | 58.3" | ~$164 |
| RE2H50S | Bradford White | 3.44 | 65 gal | 59.1875" | ~$165 |
● Best in group
65-gallon models for 3 to 4 people, higher first-hour ratings for simultaneous demand.
65-gallon models
| Model | Brand | UEF | FHR | Height | Est. Cost/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RE2HP65-1NCTT | Bradford White | 4.20 | 82 gal | 44.6" | ~$206 |
| PROPH65 T2 RH400-30 | Rheem | 4.05 | 75 gal | 64.19" | ~$207 |
| NWP500S065AUMB | Navien | 4.03 | 80 gal | 63" | ~$217 |
| REHP65BM | Rinnai | 3.90 | 80 gal | 65.5" | ~$216 |
| HPTA-66-2 | A. O. Smith | 3.84 | 83 gal | 61" | ~$225 |
| HPTS-66-2 | A. O. Smith | 3.70 | 82 gal | 61.5" | ~$215 |
| RE2H65T | Bradford White | 3.64 | 79 gal | 63.75" | ~$238 |
| NHP65 | Noritz | 3.34 | 70 gal | 63.8" | ~$170 |
● Best in group
80-gallon models for 4+ people or high simultaneous demand.
80-gallon models
| Model | Brand | UEF | FHR | Height | Est. Cost/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PROPH80 T2 RH400-30 | Rheem | 4.07 | 87 gal | 74.19" | ~$212 |
| NWP500S080AUMB | Navien | 4.05 | 85 gal | 71.6" | ~$221 |
| RE2HP80-1NCTT | Bradford White | 4.00 | 88 gal | 51.1" | ~$216 |
| REHP80BM | Rinnai | 4.00 | 91 gal | 74.2" | ~$214 |
| HPTA-80-2 | A. O. Smith | 3.88 | 95 gal | 69" | ~$223 |
| HPTS-80-2 | A. O. Smith | 3.88 | 95 gal | 69" | ~$223 |
| RE2H80T | Bradford White | 3.59 | 88 gal | 70.8125" | ~$241 |
| NHP80 | Noritz | 3.48 | 86 gal | 74" | ~$248 |
| NHP120 | Noritz | 3.38 | 105 gal | 84.5" | ~$256 |
● Best in group
Installation accessories for heat pump water heater setups. Full accessories list
DOE 2029 standards: DOE 2029 standards require heat pump technology for electric tanks over 35 gallons. Units 35 gallons and under can still use resistance elements but face higher UEF floors. This makes heat pump the only viable technology for virtually all standard residential electric water heaters. Full DOE 2029 analysis
Installation requirements
What installation involves
Electrical: Dedicated 240V, 30A circuit. No gas line needed. Space: Minimum 750-1,000 cubic feet of ambient air space. Typically installed in garages, basements, or large utility rooms. Units are taller than standard tanks (about 60-75 inches). Other: Condensate drain required (the unit produces moisture as it dehumidifies). Floor drain or condensate pump needed. Some units need clearance on top for the fan assembly.
Equipment typically costs $1,200 - $3,500. Installed cost including labor and materials: $2,500 - $5,500.
Other water heater types
Tools and guides
- Sizing guide Find the right capacity
- Replacement cost guide Equipment, labor, and hidden costs
- Heat pump vs electric tank Annual cost comparison
- Heat pump vs gas tankless Different fuels, different trade-offs
State guides
- Heat pump guide: Alaska State rebates, costs, and codes
- Heat pump guide: Alabama State rebates, costs, and codes
- Heat pump guide: Arkansas State rebates, costs, and codes
- Heat pump guide: Arizona State rebates, costs, and codes
- Heat pump guide: California State rebates, costs, and codes
- Heat pump guide: Colorado State rebates, costs, and codes
- Heat pump guide: Connecticut State rebates, costs, and codes
- Heat pump guide: District of Columbia State rebates, costs, and codes
- Heat pump guide: Delaware State rebates, costs, and codes
- Heat pump guide: Florida State rebates, costs, and codes
- Heat pump guide: Georgia State rebates, costs, and codes
- Heat pump guide: Hawaii State rebates, costs, and codes
- Heat pump guide: Iowa State rebates, costs, and codes
- Heat pump guide: Idaho State rebates, costs, and codes
- Heat pump guide: Illinois State rebates, costs, and codes
- Heat pump guide: Indiana State rebates, costs, and codes
- Heat pump guide: Kansas State rebates, costs, and codes
- Heat pump guide: Kentucky State rebates, costs, and codes
- Heat pump guide: Louisiana State rebates, costs, and codes
- Heat pump guide: Massachusetts State rebates, costs, and codes
- Heat pump guide: Maryland State rebates, costs, and codes
- Heat pump guide: Maine State rebates, costs, and codes
- Heat pump guide: Michigan State rebates, costs, and codes
- Heat pump guide: Minnesota State rebates, costs, and codes
- Heat pump guide: Missouri State rebates, costs, and codes
- Heat pump guide: Mississippi State rebates, costs, and codes
- Heat pump guide: Montana State rebates, costs, and codes
- Heat pump guide: North Carolina State rebates, costs, and codes
- Heat pump guide: North Dakota State rebates, costs, and codes
- Heat pump guide: Nebraska State rebates, costs, and codes
- Heat pump guide: New Hampshire State rebates, costs, and codes
- Heat pump guide: New Jersey State rebates, costs, and codes
- Heat pump guide: New Mexico State rebates, costs, and codes
- Heat pump guide: Nevada State rebates, costs, and codes
- Heat pump guide: New York State rebates, costs, and codes
- Heat pump guide: Ohio State rebates, costs, and codes
- Heat pump guide: Oklahoma State rebates, costs, and codes
- Heat pump guide: Oregon State rebates, costs, and codes
- Heat pump guide: Pennsylvania State rebates, costs, and codes
- Heat pump guide: Rhode Island State rebates, costs, and codes
- Heat pump guide: South Carolina State rebates, costs, and codes
- Heat pump guide: South Dakota State rebates, costs, and codes
- Heat pump guide: Tennessee State rebates, costs, and codes
- Heat pump guide: Texas State rebates, costs, and codes
- Heat pump guide: Utah State rebates, costs, and codes
- Heat pump guide: Virginia State rebates, costs, and codes
- Heat pump guide: Vermont State rebates, costs, and codes
- Heat pump guide: Washington State rebates, costs, and codes
- Heat pump guide: Wisconsin State rebates, costs, and codes
- Heat pump guide: West Virginia State rebates, costs, and codes
- Heat pump guide: Wyoming State rebates, costs, and codes
Sources. Performance: ENERGY STAR. Specs: manufacturer spec sheets. Cost: EIA, Jan 2026, US avg. Regulatory: DOE 10 CFR 430.