The work · Heat pump
Heat Pump Water Heaters in NH
The most energy-efficient way to heat your water. Heat pump water heaters use 2-3x less energy than traditional electric units, saving NH homeowners hundreds of dollars per year. And with NHSaves rebates, the upfront cost is more affordable than you think.
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(603) 440-8113 A real person answers · Not a call treeHow Heat Pump Water Heaters Work
A heat pump water heater doesn't generate heat directly, it moves heat from the surrounding air into your water tank. Think of it like an air conditioner running in reverse. A compressor and evaporator coil on top of the tank absorb heat from the ambient air and transfer it to the water inside.
Because moving heat is far more efficient than creating it, heat pump water heaters use only about one-third the electricity of a conventional electric water heater. The Department of Energy rates them as the most efficient water heating technology available to homeowners.
Most heat pump water heaters also have a standard electric element as backup for periods of extremely high demand or very cold ambient temperatures. In hybrid mode, the unit uses the heat pump for most of the work and switches to the electric element only when needed, giving you the best balance of efficiency and performance.
Key stats: 60% Less Energy Used; 3.5x More Efficient; $300+ Annual Savings; 13-15 Year Lifespan.
Why Heat Pump Water Heaters Are Great for NH Homes
Ideal Basement Installation: Most NH homes have basements, the perfect location for heat pump water heaters. Basements maintain a consistent 50-65 degree temperature year-round, providing a reliable heat source for the unit. The heat pump draws warmth from the basement air, which is constantly replenished by the home above.
Dehumidification Bonus: As a heat pump water heater pulls heat from the air, it also removes moisture, acting as a built-in dehumidifier. NH basements are notorious for summer humidity, and this dehumidification effect is a genuine bonus. Many customers tell us their basement feels noticeably drier after installation.
NHSaves Energy Rebates: New Hampshire utilities offer rebates for energy-efficient water heaters through the NHSaves program. Heat pump water heaters typically qualify for the highest rebate amounts because of their exceptional efficiency. Combined with federal tax credits, the effective cost of a heat pump water heater drops significantly.
Heat Pump Brands We Install
Rheem ProTerra (Our top recommendation): The Rheem ProTerra Hybrid is the highest-efficiency heat pump water heater on the market with a UEF up to 4.0. Features LeakGuard technology that shuts down the unit and alerts you at the first sign of a leak. Wi-Fi enabled with the EcoNet app for monitoring and control. 50 or 65-gallon | $1,800-$3,500 installed.
A.O. Smith Voltex (Proven reliability): The A.O. Smith Voltex series offers excellent efficiency (up to 3.75 UEF) with a straightforward design that's easy to install and maintain. Known for reliability and a strong warranty. The 80-gallon model is ideal for larger NH households. 50, 66, or 80-gallon | $2,000-$4,000 installed.
Bradford White AeroTherm (American-made quality): Bradford White's AeroTherm heat pump water heater is made in the USA and engineered for the professional installer. Features a user-friendly control panel and efficient performance across a range of ambient temperatures, well-suited for NH basement installations. 50 or 80-gallon | $2,200-$4,500 installed.
Heat Pump Water Heater Pricing
Higher upfront cost, but the lowest operating cost of any water heater type.
Installed Cost: $1,800-$4,500 (Before rebates and tax credits). Annual Operating Cost: $150-$250 (vs. $400-$600 for standard electric).
Available Savings on Heat Pump Water Heaters in NH: NHSaves Rebates: Utility rebates for qualifying ENERGY STAR heat pump water heaters. Federal Tax Credit: Up to $2,000 through the Inflation Reduction Act for qualifying heat pump water heaters. Annual Energy Savings: $200-$400 per year compared to standard electric water heating. We help with rebate applications and can provide documentation for tax credits. Rebate amounts vary by utility and are subject to change.
A Heat Pump Water Heater Is Best For You If:
You have an unfinished basement or garage with space for the unit (they need about 700 cubic feet of surrounding air space); You currently have an electric water heater and want to dramatically reduce your energy costs; You plan to stay in your home for 5+ years and want to recoup the investment through energy savings; You want to take advantage of NHSaves rebates and federal tax credits; Your basement has humidity issues, the dehumidification effect is a genuine bonus; You're building a new home and want the most energy-efficient water heating system available.
Sound like your basement? Call (603) 440-8113 — straight diagnosis, written quote, no pressure.
Fair questions
Heat pump questions, answered straight
How does a heat pump water heater work?
A heat pump water heater works like a refrigerator in reverse. Instead of removing heat from a box and pushing it out, it pulls heat from the surrounding air and transfers it into the water tank. This process uses electricity, but because it's moving heat rather than generating it, it's 2-3 times more efficient than a traditional electric water heater.
Will a heat pump water heater work in a cold NH basement?
Yes, but with some considerations. Heat pump water heaters work best in spaces that remain above 40 degrees F. Most NH basements stay in the 50-65 degree range year-round, which is well within the operating range. The unit will also help dehumidify your basement, a welcome bonus in the humid NH summers. In extremely cold conditions, the unit switches to standard electric backup mode.
How much will I actually save with a heat pump water heater?
The average NH family spends $400-$600 per year on water heating with a traditional electric unit. A heat pump water heater can reduce that to $150-$250 per year, saving $200-$400 annually. Over the 13-15 year lifespan of the unit, that's $2,600-$6,000 in total savings, often enough to offset the higher upfront cost.
What rebates are available for heat pump water heaters in NH?
Through the NHSaves program, New Hampshire homeowners can access rebates for qualifying heat pump water heaters. Additionally, federal tax credits through the Inflation Reduction Act may provide up to $2,000 for heat pump water heater installations. We stay up to date on current incentives and help you apply for all available rebates.
Are heat pump water heaters noisy?
They produce about as much noise as a dehumidifier or window air conditioner, typically 45-55 decibels. Most homeowners don't notice the sound, especially when the unit is in a basement. It's significantly quieter than a furnace or central air conditioner.
How long does a heat pump water heater last?
Heat pump water heaters typically last 13-15 years, longer than a standard electric tank (8-12 years). With annual maintenance, some units can last even longer. The compressor (the heat pump component) is usually the longest-lasting part of the system.
The rest of the ledger
Other work the shop does
Tank at end of life? Right-sized replacement, installed to code, permit pulled — most days, same day.
RepairNo hot water this morning? Diagnosed straight — repaired if it'll hold, replaced only if it won't.
TanklessEndless hot water off the wall — Navien and Rinnai units sized for New Hampshire winters.
MaintenanceThe annual flush and anode check that adds years to a tank — cheap insurance against a cold Saturday.
Cold shower to hot water — one call.
(603) 440-8113You'll talk to the shop. Not a national installer program.
Emergencies · Answered day or night