State guide

Heat Pump Water Heaters in South Carolina

Heat pumps make financial sense in South Carolina. Estimated savings: $578/yr vs a standard electric tank.

$578/yr savings/4.1 yr payback/2 rebate programs/15.8¢/kWh (13% below avg)

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

Running cost Rebates Best fits

Score breakdown: 62/100

Savings

36/55

Rebates

8/20

Climate

12/15

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

South Carolina electricity is 13% below the national average. Here's what that means for heat pump operating costs.

Running cost in South Carolina

At South Carolina's 15.8¢/kWh electricity rate, the most efficient heat pump water heater saves an estimated $578 per year compared to a standard electric tank.

South Carolina electricity

15.8¢

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

US average

18.0¢

per kWh

Best HP annual cost

$131

A. O. Smith HPTS-50-2

Electric resistance

$710

~4,500 kWh/yr baseline

Warmer inlet water (64°F annual average) means heat pump efficiency may exceed rated UEF in South Carolina. Less temperature rise needed, lower energy consumption.

Heat pump vs gas tank in South Carolina

At South Carolina prices (15.8¢/kWh electricity, $1.79/therm gas), a heat pump costs about $175 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

$135/yr

855 kWh/yr (median 50-gal)

Gas tank

$310/yr

173 therms/yr (UEF 0.64)

Difference

$175/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 South Carolina changes the call

01Energy cost

South Carolina electricity is 13% below the national average. That directly affects how much a heat pump saves compared to a standard electric tank.

02Climate impact

Incoming water averages 64°F annually and drops to about 54°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 South Carolina

South Carolina has 2 rebate programs 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.

Duke Energy Heat Pump Water Heater Rebate

$500-$800 (by tank size)

Who: Duke Energy Carolinas / Duke Energy Progress
Eligibility: Duke Energy residential customer. ENERGY STAR certified with UEF of at least 3.3. $500 for a 50-gallon unit, $800 for an 80-gallon unit. Rebate requested online after installation.
https://www.duke-energy.com/home/products/home-energy-improvement/heat-pump-water-heater

Dominion Energy South Carolina Heat Pump Water Heater Rebate

$750

Who: Dominion Energy South Carolina
Eligibility: Dominion Energy South Carolina residential electric customer. ENERGY STAR certified. Must replace an older electric water heater (no fuel switching). Installed by a licensed plumbing contractor. Apply within 90 days of installation.
https://www.dominionenergy.com/south-carolina/save-energy/heating-and-cooling-rebates/heat-pump-water-heaters

IRA HEAR Rebate (Point-of-Sale)

Not yet available in South Carolina 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.
South Carolina has not launched its IRA HOMES or HEAR rebate programs as of October 2026. The South Carolina Energy Office says the programs are expected to launch statewide in 2026 but has not announced a date.

Install requirements in South Carolina

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 South Carolina

A smaller set of representative fits using South Carolina's 15.8¢/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

A. O. Smith

HPTS-50-2

Lowest annual bill at this state's electricity rate.

$131/yr 46 gal UEF 3.80 63" tall

Best efficiency

GE Profile

PH80S10BPY01

Highest UEF in the published lineup.

$178/yr 80 gal UEF 4.40 76.375" tall

50-gallon sweet spot

Bradford White

RE2HP50-1NCTT

Common replacement size for 1 to 3 people.

$132/yr 45 gal UEF 3.89 64.125" tall

Large-household pick

Noritz

NHP120

Higher first-hour rating for heavier simultaneous demand.

$231/yr 109 gal UEF 3.38 85" tall

Tight-space pick

Bradford White

RE2H50S

Shortest cabinet among the published options.

$149/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: South Carolina

Is a heat pump water heater worth it in South Carolina?

Yes. South Carolina scores B on RatingPlate's analysis, with estimated savings of $578 per year compared to a standard electric tank. Payback on the higher upfront cost is roughly 4.1 years before rebates.

What rebates are available for heat pump water heaters in South Carolina?

South Carolina has 2 rebate programs. The IRA HEAR program has not launched in South Carolina 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 South Carolina?

At South Carolina's electricity rate of 15.8 cents per kWh, the most efficient heat pump water heater costs about $131/yr to run. A standard electric tank costs about $709 per year.

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

South Carolina 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 South Carolina?

Without rebates, the payback period in South Carolina is approximately 4.1 years based on $578 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$131/yr in South Carolina 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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