State guide

Heat Pump Water Heaters in Montana

Heat pumps make financial sense in Montana. Estimated savings: $511/yr vs a standard electric tank.

$511/yr savings/4.7 yr payback/1 rebate program/13.9¢/kWh (23% below avg)

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

Running cost Rebates Best fits

Score breakdown: 45/100

Savings

31/55

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 23% below the national average. Here's what that means for heat pump operating costs.

Running cost in Montana

At Montana's 13.9¢/kWh electricity rate, the most efficient heat pump water heater saves an estimated $511 per year compared to a standard electric tank.

Montana electricity

13.9¢

per kWh (EIA, 12-month avg. through Aug 2026)

US average

18.0¢

per kWh

Best HP annual cost

$116

A. O. Smith HPTS-50-2

Electric resistance

$627

~4,500 kWh/yr baseline

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.

Heat pump vs gas tank in Montana

At Montana prices (13.9¢/kWh electricity, $0.89/therm gas), a heat pump costs about $35 less per year to run than a standard gas tank, on the same DOE rated hot water load. See replacing a gas water heater in 2026 and all 50 states compared.

Heat pump

$119/yr

855 kWh/yr (median 50-gal)

Gas tank

$154/yr

173 therms/yr (UEF 0.64)

Difference

$35/yr

heat pump cheaper

Both use the DOE medium draw test load (55 gallons a day). Gas price: EIA, 12-month avg. through Aug 2026. Replacing gas with a heat pump also means adding a 240V circuit (or choosing a 120V model) and a condensate drain, and the federal HEAR rebate no longer covers gas replacements.

Why Montana changes the call

01Energy cost

Montana electricity is 23% 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 November 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 Heat Pump Water Heater Program

Up to $3,000 (instant incentive)

Who: NorthWestern Energy
Eligibility: Montana NorthWestern Energy residential electric customers replacing an existing electric resistance tank. No fuel switching. Must use a participating contractor. Funding limited, first come first served.
https://www.northwesternenergy.com/billing-payment/ways-to-save/rebates-incentives/heat-pump-water-heater-program

IRA HEAR Rebate (Point-of-Sale)

Not yet available in Montana as of November 2026. Up to $1,750 for income-qualified households when available. Under federal guidance effective May 29, 2026, this rebate covers replacing an existing electric water heater (or new construction). Replacing a gas, propane, or oil water heater no longer qualifies.
As of November 2026, the Montana Home Energy Rebates Program (HEAR and HOMES) is not available. Montana DEQ submitted its implementation application in November 2024 and states that final U.S. Department of Energy approval is required before the program can launch.

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 13.9¢/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.

$116/yr 45 gal UEF 3.89 64.125" tall

Best efficiency

GE Profile

PH80S10BPY01

Highest UEF in the published lineup.

$157/yr 80 gal UEF 4.40 76.375" tall

50-gallon sweet spot

A. O. Smith

HPTS-50-2

Common replacement size for 1 to 3 people.

$116/yr 46 gal UEF 3.80 63" tall

Large-household pick

Noritz

NHP120

Higher first-hour rating for heavier simultaneous demand.

$204/yr 109 gal UEF 3.38 85" tall

Tight-space pick

Bradford White

RE2H50S

Shortest cabinet among the published options.

$132/yr 45 gal UEF 3.44 59.1875" tall

Prefer to buy online? The 45-gallon Rheem PROPH50 T2 RH400-30 is a heat pump available on Amazon.

Check price and availability: Rheem PROPH50 T2 RH400-30 on Amazon (paid link)

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 $511 per year compared to a standard electric tank. Payback on the higher upfront cost is roughly 4.7 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 13.9 cents per kWh, the most efficient heat pump water heater costs about $116/yr to run. A standard electric tank costs about $627 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 4.7 years based on $511 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$116/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, 12-month avg. through Aug 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 updated November 1, 2026. Data freshness varies by source.

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