A heat pump water heater uses electricity to move heat from the surrounding air into water stored in a tank instead of generating heat directly. ENERGY STAR compares the basic idea to a refrigerator working in reverse: a refrigerator moves heat out of its cabinet, while a heat pump water heater moves heat from surrounding air into the tank.
What the explanation does not determine
This operating principle does not determine which model fits a home or what it will cost to buy, install, or operate. Product configuration, controls, capacity, electrical requirements, location requirements, sound, warranty, and other details can vary. Confirm current details in the manufacturer documentation and with a qualified installer.
Continue your research
- Compare detailed product reviews and the current certification catalog.
- Estimate annual operating savings from your state, household-size range, and current water-heating fuel.
- Review the calculator data, assumptions, and limitations before interpreting a result.
Verified source
ENERGY STAR: How Heat Pump Water Heaters Work. This source supports only the operating-principle explanation above. It supplies no product recommendation, price, rebate, warranty, or savings guarantee.