Our Services » Heat Pump Water Heater Installation

Heat Pump Water Heater Installation

We offer heat pump water heater installation throughout the Chicago area.

Heat pump water heaters use electricity to heat water. They are extremely efficient because instead of using a resistive element or natural gas burner to generate heat, they just move it from the ambient air — sort of like a refrigerator in reverse.

Certasun installs heat pump water heaters throughout our Chicago-area service territory because:

  • Getting gas out of your home makes it safer and healthier
  • They save you money on your energy bills
  • Tax credits make them competitive with conventional water heaters

So what’s the catch?

Electrical Circuit Needed

Unless you already have a conventional electric water heater, you’ll likely need an electrician like Certasun to install a 240 volt electrical circuit for your heat pump water heater.

And, since older water heaters don’t typically give you a warning before failing, it can be challenging to install a heat pump water heater if you don’t prepare ahead of time.

If your current water heater is more than 10 years old, you may want to think seriously about switching to a heat pump water heater before your old unit fails. (Most experts expect hot water heaters to last about 10 years, and less than 15% of homes in our area have a hot water heater more than 15 years old.)

Energy Cost Savings

Installing that 240 volt circuit can pay big benefits, however. Heat pump water heaters aren’t just a little bit more efficient than conventional electric or gas models. For example, heat pumps uses one fourth as much electricity as conventional electric resistance water heaters.

If you already have an electric resistance water heater, replacing it with heat pump unit is a no-brainer. With Chicago area-electricity prices and typical household hot water demand, you’ll likely save $500 per year or more on your electricity bills by switching.

A heat pump water heater should also save you money relative to a gas water heater. With current Chicago-area electricity and natural gas prices (from ComEd and Nicor Gas, the largest electric and gas utilities in the region), a household with typical hot water demand would save $30-120 per year by switching to a heat pump unit (the range depends on the efficiency of the gas unit you are replacing).

You can increase your savings even more by using ComEd’s hourly pricing plan, since most people’s peak hot water demand is when energy prices are relatively low (i.e. morning or late evening). You can even program your water heater to reduce energy use when electricity costs are highest.

Heat Pump Water Heater Installation Cost

Replacing a typical natural gas water heater in the Chicago area costs in the neighborhood of $2,500 to $3,500. Installing an equivalent heat pump water heater typically costs $4,000 to 6,000.  

So, heat pump water heaters should save you money over time, but are more expensive up front. It’s a dilemma, right? Actually, no.

The federal government also offers a 30% tax credit (up to $2,000) for the installation of a heat pump water heater! In addition, you can take a credit of 30% (up to $600) for the costs of upgrading your electrical wiring to support the water heater. Most any household that pays federal income tax can take advantage of these credits. You can claim both on IRS Form 5695 as part of your federal income tax return.

With the tax credit, the cost of heat pump water heater should be either comparable to or cheaper than a conventional water heater. Then, you’ll get the health, safety, and energy cost savings that come with heat pump water heaters for a decade or more.

Installation Considerations

Heat pump water heaters are usually a bit taller than conventional units of the same capacity, so if you have very little space above your current water heater using a heat pump unit could be a bit more difficult.

Speaking of space, heat pump water heaters need air to operate efficiently. If you want to install one in a small utility room or closet, you many need to install a louvered door or air ducts to an adjacent space. These aren’t usually difficult or expensive, but are something to be aware of.

Ready to Learn More?

Getting a quote for a heat pump water installation in the Chicago area doesn’t have to be a chore. Just load this page on your smartphone and fill out the form below. You’ll use your phone to take a few pictures of your existing water heater and main electric service panel. We’ll also need a few measurements, so bring along a tape measure.

Once we receive your completed form, we typically send a quote within one business day.

If you decide to move forward, we’ll arrange to have one of our technicians come to your home for a detailed site assessment. He or she will collect some required technical information and develop a plan for the installation. If we find anything that would change the cost you’ll have the option of a full refund.

Get a Quote for Heat Pump Water Heater Installation

Use your mobile to fill out this form so you can use it to take some required photos.
(You’ll also want to have a tape measure handy.)

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1You
2Your Home
3Your Water Heater
4Your Electric Service
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Not quite ready? Call (312) 638-0800 with any questions!