Air-source heat. Electric efficiency. Real savings.
Heat pump water heaters use warmth from surrounding air to heat your water — working like an air conditioner in reverse. Heat is pulled from the room into the storage tank, which also helps cool and dehumidify the space. In hybrid mode, two 4,500-watt backup heating elements handle peak demand so you never run short. Up to 5× more efficient than a standard gas or electric unit, and the smart replacement choice ahead of the 2028 Bay Area gas phase-out.
Rebates may be available now. Heat pump water heaters qualify for up to $3,100 in TECH Clean California rebates — applied as a direct reduction on your invoice — plus a 30% federal tax credit up to $2,000. Some utilities stack additional rebates on top of those. We identify what you qualify for at the time of the estimate.
What to consider
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How it worksHPWHs extract heat from surrounding air and transfer it to the water tank — using far less electricity than a resistance element that generates heat directly. The result is 3–5× more efficient operation and a noticeably lower energy bill.
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Space requirementsThe unit needs adequate air volume around it — typically 700–1,000 cubic feet minimum. Garages, utility rooms, and basements work well. Enclosed closets and confined mechanical rooms generally don’t. We assess the space during the estimate.
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Electrical requirementsMost models run on a standard 240V/30A circuit. If you have that circuit available, no panel upgrade is needed. Plug-in 120V models exist for smaller households. We check your panel and tell you exactly what’s required before the installation.
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Tank sizesAvailable in 50, 65, and 80-gallon configurations. Larger tanks recover more heat over a longer period and tend to run more efficiently. We size the unit to your household’s hot water demand at the estimate.
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2028 readinessStarting January 1, 2028, new gas water heater installations will be prohibited in Bay Area counties. An electric heat pump water heater is compliant from day one — no future rule changes will require you to replace it again. If your gas unit is aging now, switching to HPWH is the cleanest path forward.
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Heat Pumps—up to 5X More Efficient Than Standard Electric or Gas Water Heaters A. O. Smith Voltex® Hybrid Electric Heat Pump water heaters are up to 5X* more efficient than standard gas or electric water heaters. Reduce carbon emissions by up to 4X** and save energy by replacing your conventional gas or electric with an electric heat pump water heater.
Installation — often the same day.
We carry heat pump water heaters in stock and can complete most installations in a single visit. If a panel circuit upgrade is needed, we coordinate that separately and schedule the HPWH installation right after. Our goal is to get your new system running as quickly as possible.
