State guide

Heat Pump Water Heaters in Montana

Heat pumps make financial sense in Montana. Estimated savings: $471/yr vs a standard electric tank.

$471/yr savings/5.1 yr payback/1 rebate program/12.9¢/kWh (26% below avg)

Utility rebates available now. IRA HEAR has not launched in Montana yet.

Running cost Rebates Best fits

Score breakdown: 43/100

Savings

29/55

Rebates

4/20

Climate

4/15

Install

6/10

RatingPlate Score. Based on EIA energy prices, ENERGY STAR data, state rebate programs, and permit research. Not a government rating or purchasing recommendation. FAQ

Montana electricity is 26% below the national average. Here's what that means for heat pump operating costs.

Running cost in Montana

At Montana's 12.9¢/kWh electricity rate, the most efficient heat pump water heater saves an estimated $471 per year compared to a standard electric tank.

Montana electricity

12.9¢

per kWh (EIA, Jan 2026)

US average

17.4¢

per kWh

Best HP annual cost

$107

A. O. Smith HPTS-50-2

Electric resistance

$579

~4,500 kWh/yr baseline

Gas tank baseline

$170

~200 therms/yr

Colder inlet water (45°F annual average, 34°F in winter) means the heat pump works harder than DOE test conditions assume (58°F). Real-world efficiency will be slightly lower than rated UEF, and winter operating costs will be higher than the annual average.

Why Montana changes the call

01Energy cost

Montana electricity is 26% below the national average. That directly affects how much a heat pump saves compared to a standard electric tank.

02Climate impact

Incoming water averages 45°F annually and drops to about 34°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 Montana

Montana has 1 rebate program as of March 2026.

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.

NorthWestern Energy Rebates

$200-$400

Who: NorthWestern Energy
Eligibility: ENERGY STAR certified. NorthWestern Energy residential customer.
https://www.northwesternenergy.com/save-energy-money

IRA HEAR Rebate (Point-of-Sale)

Not yet available in Montana as of March 2026. Up to $1,750 for income-qualified households when available.
Montana has not yet launched its IRA HOMES or HEAR rebate programs.

Install requirements in Montana

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 Montana

A smaller set of representative fits using Montana's 12.9¢/kWh rate. Curated to show different trade-offs instead of listing every published model on every state page. See the full heat pump lineup.

Lowest running cost

Bradford White

RE2HP50-1NCTT

Lowest annual bill at this state's electricity rate.

$107/yr 45 gal UEF 3.89 46.1" tall

Best efficiency

Bradford White

RE2HP65-1NCTT

Highest UEF in the published lineup.

$152/yr 65 gal UEF 4.20 44.6" tall

50-gallon sweet spot

A. O. Smith

HPTS-50-2

Common replacement size for 1 to 3 people.

$107/yr 46 gal UEF 3.80 63" tall

Large-household pick

Noritz

NHP120

Higher first-hour rating for heavier simultaneous demand.

$189/yr 109 gal UEF 3.38 84.5" tall

Tight-space pick

Bradford White

RE2HP80-1NCTT

Shortest cabinet among the published options.

$159/yr 75 gal UEF 4.00 51.1" tall

Common questions: Montana

Is a heat pump water heater worth it in Montana?

Yes. Montana scores C on RatingPlate's analysis, with estimated savings of $471 per year compared to a standard electric tank. Payback on the higher upfront cost is roughly 5.1 years before rebates.

What rebates are available for heat pump water heaters in Montana?

Montana has 1 rebate program. The IRA HEAR program has not launched in Montana yet. Verify amounts and eligibility at the links in the rebates section above.

How much does a heat pump water heater cost to run in Montana?

At Montana's electricity rate of 12.9 cents per kWh, the most efficient heat pump water heater costs about $107/yr to run. A standard electric tank costs about $578 per year.

Do I need a permit for a heat pump water heater in Montana?

Montana does not have unusual state-level requirements beyond standard plumbing and mechanical permits. Check with your local building department for jurisdiction-specific rules.

What is the payback period for a heat pump water heater in Montana?

Without rebates, the payback period in Montana is approximately 5.1 years based on $471 in annual savings versus a standard electric tank. With available rebates, payback could be significantly shorter.

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$107/yr in Montana Sizing guideWhat size do you need? Replacement cost guideEquipment, labor, and hidden costs Heat pump vs gas tanklessCompare technologies across fuel types

Sources

Electricity and natural gas rates: U.S. Energy Information Administration, residential sector (EIA, Jan 2026).

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 April 24, 2026. Data freshness varies by source.