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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.
State guide

Heat Pump Water Heaters in California

Local rates, rebates, and climate change which heat pump models make sense.
California operating costs use local energy prices, not national averages.
Running cost Rebates Best fits
Electricity34.7¢/kWh
Gas$2.29/therm
Inlet water62°F
Live models35
California electricity is 101% above the national average. Here's what that means for heat pump operating costs.

Running cost in California

California electricity
34.7¢
per kWh (EIA, Dec 2025)
US average
17.2¢
per kWh
Best HP annual cost
$288
A. O. Smith HPTS-50-2
Electric resistance
$1562
~4,500 kWh/yr baseline
Gas tank baseline
$458
~200 therms/yr
Inlet water temperature (62°F annual average) is close to the DOE test standard (58°F). Rated UEF values are a reasonable approximation of real-world performance.

Why California changes the call

01Energy cost
California electricity is 101% above the national average. That directly affects how much a heat pump saves compared to a standard electric tank.
02Climate impact
Incoming water averages 62°F annually and drops to about 53°F in winter. Colder water means the heat pump works harder and real efficiency is slightly lower than rated.
03Available incentives
State and utility rebates can significantly change the payback period. Check what's currently available before finalizing your decision.

Rebates in California

The federal $2,000 tax credit (IRA Section 25C) expired December 31, 2025. State and utility rebates listed below may still be available. Verify current status at the links provided.

Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) / TECH Clean California

$1,000-$3,000 depending on income and program
Who: California Public Utilities Commission / Energy Commission
Eligibility: ENERGY STAR certified. Must replace existing gas or electric resistance water heater. Income-qualified tiers available with higher rebates.
https://techcleanca.com/

Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN) Water Heater Rebate

$1,000-$2,500
Who: BayREN / Association of Bay Area Governments
Eligibility: Must be in Bay Area. ENERGY STAR certified HPWH replacing gas water heater. Higher rebates for low-income.
https://www.bayren.org/residents

IRA HEAR Rebate (Point-of-Sale)

Status: Program launched in California but is not currently accepting new applications. Up to $1,750 for income-qualified households.
California's IRA HEAR program launched in 2025 through TECH Clean California but single-family HEEHRA rebates are fully reserved statewide as of February 2026. Not currently accepting new income-verification applications. $582M total IRA allocation.

Install requirements in California

Code basis: California Plumbing Code (based on UPC), California Mechanical Code, California Energy Code (Title 24)

Seismic strapping
Two straps required on all water heaters. Required at time of installation and at time of property sale. Straps must be listed and approved earthquake strapping kits.
Title 24 energy requirements
As of January 1, 2026 (2025 Energy Code), new construction heavily favors heat pump water heaters. New homes must include a dedicated 240V/30A circuit and space for a heat pump water heater even if a gas unit is initially installed.
Low-NOx emissions
South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD Rule 1121) requires ultra-low-NOx gas water heaters (under 14 ng/J) in parts of Southern California. This applies to new installations and replacements.
Electric-ready requirements
New construction must designate a space at least 2.5 x 2.5 x 7 feet suitable for future installation of a heat pump water heater, with a 240V/30A circuit wired within 3 feet.
Expansion tank
Required on all closed plumbing water heating systems per California Plumbing Code Section 608.3.
CARB zero-emission gas water heater phase-out
California Air Resources Board (CARB) adopted zero-emission standards for space and water heaters. Bay Area: new gas water heater sales banned starting 2027. Statewide: phased manufacturer sales limits beginning 2030, reaching full phase-out by 2035. Applies to new sales only, not existing installations.
Electrical
Dedicated 240V, 30A circuit (most models). Some newer 120V plug-in models exist but most residential units require 240V. Check the unit's nameplate for exact requirements.
Condensate drain
Heat pump water heaters produce condensate during operation. A condensate drain line to an approved location (floor drain, condensate pump, or exterior) is required.
Air space
Approximately 700 cubic feet of surrounding air (roughly a 10x10x7-foot room). The heat pump extracts heat from surrounding air. Insufficient air volume reduces efficiency and can cause the unit to underperform. Some manufacturers allow ducting to supplement air supply in smaller spaces.
Noise
Heat pump water heaters produce operational noise similar to a window AC unit (45-55 dB). Consider placement away from bedrooms.

Best fits for California

Annual operating cost at California's 34.7¢/kWh rate. Sorted by lowest annual cost.

A. O. Smith
HPTS-50-2
$288/yr 46 gal UEF 3.80 63" tall
Bradford White
RE2HP50-1NCTT
$290/yr 45 gal UEF 3.89 46.1" tall
Navien
NWP500S050AUMB
$292/yr 44 gal UEF 3.85 63" tall
Rinnai
REHP50BM
$293/yr 46 gal UEF 3.75 66.4" tall
Rinnai
REHP50C
$293/yr 46 gal UEF 3.75 66.4" tall
Rheem
PROPH50 T2 RH400-30
$294/yr 45 gal UEF 3.88 61.75" tall
Rheem
PROPH40 T2 RH400-30
$298/yr 36 gal UEF 3.83 62.3" tall
A. O. Smith
HPTA-50-2
$306/yr 46 gal UEF 3.68 63" tall
A. O. Smith
HPTA-40-2
$313/yr 36 gal UEF 3.60 66" tall
Noritz
NHP50
$326/yr 47 gal UEF 3.46 58.3" tall
Bradford White
RE2H50S
$328/yr 45 gal UEF 3.44 59.1875" tall
Noritz
NHP65
$338/yr 57 gal UEF 3.34 63.8" tall
Bradford White
RE2HP65-1NCTT
$410/yr 65 gal UEF 4.20 44.6" tall
Rheem
PROPH65 T2 RH400-30
$411/yr 59 gal UEF 4.05 64.19" tall
Rheem
PROPH80 T2 RH400-30
$421/yr 72 gal UEF 4.07 74.19" tall
Rinnai
REHP80
$425/yr 75 gal UEF 4.00 74.2" tall
Rinnai
REHP80BM
$425/yr 75 gal UEF 4.00 74.2" tall
Rinnai
REHP80C
$425/yr 75 gal UEF 4.00 74.2" tall
A. O. Smith
HPTS-66-2
$428/yr 67 gal UEF 3.70 61.5" tall
Bradford White
RE2HP80-1NCTT
$430/yr 75 gal UEF 4.00 51.1" tall
Rinnai
REHP65
$430/yr 60 gal UEF 3.90 65.5" tall
Rinnai
REHP65BM
$430/yr 60 gal UEF 3.90 65.5" tall
Rinnai
REHP65C
$430/yr 60 gal UEF 3.90 45.5" tall
Rinnai
REHP65CW
$430/yr 60 gal UEF 3.90 45.5" tall
Rinnai
REHP65W
$430/yr 60 gal UEF 3.90 45.5" tall
Rinnai
REHP65WC
$430/yr 60 gal UEF 3.90 45.5" tall
Navien
NWP500S065AUMB
$432/yr 61 gal UEF 4.03 63" tall
Navien
NWP500S080AUMB
$439/yr 74 gal UEF 4.05 71.6" tall
A. O. Smith
HPTA-80-2
$444/yr 81 gal UEF 3.88 69" tall
A. O. Smith
HPTS-80-2
$444/yr 82 gal UEF 3.88 69" tall
A. O. Smith
HPTA-66-2
$448/yr 68 gal UEF 3.84 61" tall
Bradford White
RE2H65T
$473/yr 64 gal UEF 3.64 63.75" tall
Bradford White
RE2H80T
$480/yr 75 gal UEF 3.59 70.8125" tall
Noritz
NHP80
$494/yr 74 gal UEF 3.48 74" tall
Noritz
NHP120
$509/yr 109 gal UEF 3.38 84.5" tall

Your next click

All heat pump modelsCompare specs across brands Back to homepageCompare other types or find a specific model Lowest cost: A. O. Smith$288/yr in California Sizing guideWhat size do you need?

Sources

Electricity and natural gas rates: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), residential sector, December 2025.

Rebate data compiled from state energy offices, utility program pages, DSIRE, and ENERGY STAR. Rebate amounts and eligibility change frequently. Verify at listed program URLs.

Inlet water temperatures estimated from NOAA climate normals using the Burch-Christensen mains water temperature model (NREL).

Model specifications from ENERGY STAR certified product data and manufacturer spec sheets.

Page generated March 15, 2026. Data freshness varies by source.