Excellence in Water Heating Awards

Join us as we recognize excellence in advanced water heating by individuals and groups who are transforming the market to heat pump water heaters (HPWHs). We want to hear from you. Do you know individuals and companies whose excellent work is leading the way to significant advancements and installations of HPWHs or increasing equitable access to HPWHs in homes and businesses? Tell us about them! The submission date has been extended. Nominations are requested before October 4, 2024. Link to the submission form below.

Why this work is important and worth celebrating

Water heating accounts for 17% of a typical residential home’s energy usage and HPWHs are two-three times more efficient than gas or electric resistance water heaters. Upgrading a water heater to a HPWH is impactful climate action and recommended for every home nearing or exceeding the 12-14 year expected lifecycle of a typical water heater.

Heating water is the number one source of energy use in multi-family buildings with more than five units. Installing heat pump water heaters in multi-family and other commercial applications present tremendous opportunities to reduce the substantial energy used in water heating and they can also act as giant thermal batteries.

HPWHs can provide all the hot water needed while they reduce the amount of energy used, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and reduce peak electricity demands.

Recognition categories

Nominate candidates in one or more of the following five categories and join us on HPWH Day, October 23, 2024, when we will announce and celebrate the top candidates for their excellence in a special online event.

• Commercial HPWH Market Transformer—Recognition will be given to commercial HPWH manufacturer or a team for a commercial HPWH installation, product release, or innovative strategy to encourage commercial HPWH adoption.  

• Residential HPWH Market Transformer—Recognition will be given to residential HPWH manufacturer or program for a HPWH product release or innovative strategy to encourage HPWH adoption. 

• Star HPWH Installer—Recognition will be given to an installer of commercial or residential HPWHs for their commitment to HPWH technology. 

• HPWH New Construction Excellence—Recognition will be given to a builder who excels in residential or multi-family HPWH installations in new construction 

• HPWH Research or Equity Program Excellence—Recognition will be given to an individual or organization that has conducted groundbreaking research into improved HPWH technology or created a program or marketing effort that expands HPWH adoption in innovative and equitable ways. 

Recognition benefits could include

Inclusion in an online event on HPWH Day on October 23

A "Best in Class for Water Heating" designation from AWHI that includes a graphic that can be added to your individual or company website and social media profile

Being featured in an article or blog on the AWHI website

An opportunity to present during an online AWHI working group meeting

About the nomination and determination process

Submit your nomination by completing the online form here by October 1, 2024. For your convenience, a copy of the nomination form can be downloaded. Feel free to copy and paste from the form you downloaded into the online form.

Applicants are scored based on the following criteria:

• Increased numbers of HPWHs in a residential or commercial setting

• Improved efficiency

• Positive impact on community

• Clarity and detail in the nomination

Feel free to reach out us at info@advancedwaterheatinginitiative.org if you have any questions. Our panelists will review each application and we will follow up with you by email.

Nominations are due by October 4, 2024.