This new paper by AWHI discusses barriers to HPWH adoption in low-income to moderate-income households and why having access to HPWHs is important. Learn about opportunities and considerations to help ensure that those who cannot afford HPWHs or have other barriers preventing their installation are not left with the negative impacts of gas-fueled and electric resistance water heaters.  

Also find included here, a link to the companion guide—The Why, What, and How of Successful Heat Pump Water Heater Programs. In the guide you will find a summary of current successful and emerging federal, state, and regional HPWH programs. 

Have questions? ENERGY STAR has a team of experts available to answer consumer questions about heat pump water heaters. ENERGY STAR expert advice can be found on the Ask the Expert website. There you can find answers to common questions such as:

Is a Heat Pump Water Heater Right for Your Home?

Do Heat Pump Water Heaters Work in Cold Climates? (Spoiler alert—yes!)

When Should You Replace Your Water Heater?

AWHI submitted comments on behalf of several of its partnering organizations in support of the proposed changes to the ENERGY STAR Residential Water Heaters Specification, version 5.0. The proposed recommendations include raising the required uniform energy factor (UEF) values for all water heaters, that would uniquely make electric HPWH the favored technology for ENERGY STAR certification. The recommendations also include adding grid connectivity and load shift capabilities for all electric water heaters among other things. If adopted, the new requirements could significantly boost the national market for HPWH, leveraging the widely recognized and valued ENERGY STAR label by consumers.

Questions about this specification can be emailed to waterheaters@energystar.gov.