Consider a 120V Heat Pump Water Heater

Did you know you can replace your gas water heater with a heat pump electric water heater even if you don’t have a 240V circuit?

Yes, there are 120V heat pump water heaters listed on the Energy Star website as some of the most efficient. I often use the Energy Star website to shop for new appliances. I download the entire list and use Excel to filter by efficiency, size, and manufacturer. Models from A.O Smith are available from Lowes, and the Rheem models are sold at Home Depot. The GE Profile GEOSPRING 40 gallon model is harder to find online, but it can probably be special ordered from any appliance store, including the big box stores.

All of the models I researched, ranging from 40 to 60 gallon were under 20 amps. There are also larger models in case you have a 30 amp outlet available.

These water heaters are heavy, but very simple to install. They need a larger room like a basement utility room because they extract the heat used for the water from the surrounding air.

A couple of real-life experiences with these prompted us to let you know that they work well.

Robert Youngberg purchased the GE unit for a rental and four young adult tenants have had no issues with the supply and temperature of the hot water.

He also ordered a Rheem120V unit for his home. This unit requires a larger 30-amp outlet. It is a ProTerra 50 Gal. 120-Volt Plug-in Smart Heat Pump Water Heater with Leak Detection and Auto Shutoff that was on sale at Home Depot for about $1,900. He was able to take advantage of rebates to bring the cost to him down about $400. But that was for a DIY install. He advises the larger room although the instructions included an optional powered ventilation system. This heater is very quiet and he can stand right next to it and hardly hear it.

Go Electric Colorado also sent some advice for a professional install.

1. Procure a plumber to price "replacing the water heater" without mentioning it's a Heat Pump Water Heater.

2. Understand and prepare a location with >/=700cuft of air supply plus drainage, expansion tank, pressure release valve, 120V 15A outlet, and maybe a mixing valve if not built-in the unit. (A mixing valve is required to keep the hot water from scalding a user.)

3. Order and receive 120V HPWH (we're currently admiring GE Geospring 40 gallon but no long term data yet studying 3 installs).

4. Employ plumber or DIY depending on skills, time and cost.

5. Apply for a rebate, if eligible. Colorado Electric Rebates

These are the models I found available:

• Rheem Performance Platinum ProTerra 50 Gal. 120-Volt Plug-in Smart Heat Pump Water Heater with 10-Year Warranty

• A.O. Smith Signature 900 50-Gallon Tall 10-Year Warranty 120-Volt Plug-In Smart Hybrid Grid Capable Heat Pump Water Heater with Leak Detection & Automatic Shut-Off