Washington electricity
13.3¢
per kWh (EIA, Dec 2025)
Best HP annual cost
$111
A. O. Smith HPTS-50-2
Electric resistance
$600
~4,500 kWh/yr baseline
Gas tank baseline
$300
~200 therms/yr
Colder inlet water (50°F annual average, 42°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.
01Energy costWashington electricity is 23% below the national average. That directly affects how much a heat pump saves compared to a standard electric tank.
02Climate impactIncoming water averages 50°F annually and drops to about 42°F in winter. Colder water means the heat pump works harder and real efficiency is slightly lower than rated.
03Available incentivesState and utility rebates can significantly change the payback period. Check what's currently available before finalizing your decision.
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.
PSE / Seattle City Light / Tacoma Power Rebates
$500-$1,000
Who: Puget Sound Energy / Seattle City Light / Tacoma Power / Avista
Eligibility: ENERGY STAR certified. Utility residential customer. UEF >= 2.0.
https://www.pse.com/rebates
IRA HEAR Rebate (Point-of-Sale)
Up to $1,750
Status: Launched in Washington. Income-qualified: under 80% AMI for full rebate, 80-150% AMI for 50% rebate.
Washington launched its IRA HEAR program in 2025.
Code basis: Washington State Energy Code (based on IECC with amendments)
Heat pump preference in energy code
Washington's energy code uses a credit-based system that makes gas water heaters more difficult to install in new construction. Builders who install gas appliances must add compensating energy efficiency improvements. Not an outright mandate, but strongly incentivizes heat pump water heaters.
Seismic strapping
Required in western Washington and other seismic zones. Two straps, upper and lower third of the tank.
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.
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.