State guide

Heat Pump Water Heaters in Rhode Island

Local rates, rebates, and climate change which heat pump models make sense.

Rhode Island operating costs use local energy prices, not national averages.

Running cost Rebates Best fits

Electricity31.1¢/kWh

Gas$2.35/therm

Inlet water52°F

Live models35

Rhode Island electricity is 81% above the national average. Here's what that means for heat pump operating costs.

Running cost in Rhode Island

Rhode Island electricity

31.1¢

per kWh (EIA, Dec 2025)

US average

17.2¢

per kWh

Best HP annual cost

$259

A. O. Smith HPTS-50-2

Electric resistance

$1402

~4,500 kWh/yr baseline

Gas tank baseline

$470

~200 therms/yr

Colder inlet water (52°F annual average, 41°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 Rhode Island changes the call

01Energy cost

Rhode Island electricity is 81% above the national average. That directly affects how much a heat pump saves compared to a standard electric tank.

02Climate impact

Incoming water averages 52°F annually and drops to about 41°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 Rhode Island

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.

Rhode Island Energy Heat Pump Water Heater Rebate

$600-$1,000

Who: Rhode Island Energy (formerly National Grid RI)
Eligibility: ENERGY STAR certified. Rhode Island Energy residential customer.
https://www.rienergy.com/ri-home/energy-saving-programs

IRA HEAR Rebate (Point-of-Sale)

Up to $1,750

Status: Launched in Rhode Island. Income-qualified: under 80% AMI for full rebate, 80-150% AMI for 50% rebate.
Rhode Island launched its IRA HEAR program in 2025.

Install requirements in Rhode Island

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 Rhode Island

Annual operating cost at Rhode Island's 31.1¢/kWh rate. Sorted by lowest annual cost.

A. O. Smith

HPTS-50-2

$259/yr 46 gal UEF 3.80 63" tall

Bradford White

RE2HP50-1NCTT

$260/yr 45 gal UEF 3.89 46.1" tall

Navien

NWP500S050AUMB

$262/yr 44 gal UEF 3.85 63" tall

Rinnai

REHP50BM

$263/yr 46 gal UEF 3.75 66.4" tall

Rinnai

REHP50C

$263/yr 46 gal UEF 3.75 66.4" tall

Rheem

PROPH50 T2 RH400-30

$264/yr 45 gal UEF 3.88 61.75" tall

Rheem

PROPH40 T2 RH400-30

$268/yr 36 gal UEF 3.83 62.3" tall

A. O. Smith

HPTA-50-2

$275/yr 46 gal UEF 3.68 63" tall

A. O. Smith

HPTA-40-2

$281/yr 36 gal UEF 3.60 66" tall

Noritz

NHP50

$292/yr 47 gal UEF 3.46 58.3" tall

Bradford White

RE2H50S

$294/yr 45 gal UEF 3.44 59.1875" tall

Noritz

NHP65

$303/yr 57 gal UEF 3.34 63.8" tall

Bradford White

RE2HP65-1NCTT

$368/yr 65 gal UEF 4.20 44.6" tall

Rheem

PROPH65 T2 RH400-30

$369/yr 59 gal UEF 4.05 64.19" tall

Rheem

PROPH80 T2 RH400-30

$378/yr 72 gal UEF 4.07 74.19" tall

Rinnai

REHP80

$382/yr 75 gal UEF 4.00 74.2" tall

Rinnai

REHP80BM

$382/yr 75 gal UEF 4.00 74.2" tall

Rinnai

REHP80C

$382/yr 75 gal UEF 4.00 74.2" tall

A. O. Smith

HPTS-66-2

$384/yr 67 gal UEF 3.70 61.5" tall

Bradford White

RE2HP80-1NCTT

$386/yr 75 gal UEF 4.00 51.1" tall

Rinnai

REHP65

$386/yr 60 gal UEF 3.90 65.5" tall

Rinnai

REHP65BM

$386/yr 60 gal UEF 3.90 65.5" tall

Rinnai

REHP65C

$386/yr 60 gal UEF 3.90 45.5" tall

Rinnai

REHP65CW

$386/yr 60 gal UEF 3.90 45.5" tall

Rinnai

REHP65W

$386/yr 60 gal UEF 3.90 45.5" tall

Rinnai

REHP65WC

$386/yr 60 gal UEF 3.90 45.5" tall

Navien

NWP500S065AUMB

$388/yr 61 gal UEF 4.03 63" tall

Navien

NWP500S080AUMB

$394/yr 74 gal UEF 4.05 71.6" tall

A. O. Smith

HPTA-80-2

$398/yr 81 gal UEF 3.88 69" tall

A. O. Smith

HPTS-80-2

$398/yr 82 gal UEF 3.88 69" tall

A. O. Smith

HPTA-66-2

$402/yr 68 gal UEF 3.84 61" tall

Bradford White

RE2H65T

$425/yr 64 gal UEF 3.64 63.75" tall

Bradford White

RE2H80T

$430/yr 75 gal UEF 3.59 70.8125" tall

Noritz

NHP80

$444/yr 74 gal UEF 3.48 74" tall

Noritz

NHP120

$457/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$259/yr in Rhode Island 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 (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 16, 2026. Data freshness varies by source.