Heat Pump Water Heaters

Heat pump water heaters move heat from the surrounding air into the tank instead of generating it, so they use a fraction of the electricity of a standard electric tank.

Rheem ProTerra hybrids run 40 to 80 gallons on a 240 V, 30 A circuit and keep 4,500 W elements as backup for high demand. The ProTerra 120 V plug-in models (40 and 50 gal) run from a standard outlet, which makes them the retrofit choice where a gas heater is being replaced and there is no 240 V circuit. The Sanco Gen5 is a split system: an outdoor CO2 heat pump paired with a separate storage tank.

Two things to plan for: the unit needs enough surrounding air volume to work (check the installation manual for the minimum room size or ducting option), and it produces condensate that needs a drain or a condensate pump. Set it in a drain pan where a leak would cause damage.

See also electric tank water heaters, Rheem 50 gallon water heaters and tankless water heaters.

Popular in this collection: Rheem ProTerra 50 Gallon Hybrid PROPH50, Rheem ProTerra 65 Gallon Hybrid, Rheem ProTerra 80 Gallon Hybrid, Sanco Gen5 GS5-45HPC-D Outdoor Unit.

Frequently asked questions

Is a hybrid water heater the same as a heat pump water heater?

Yes. Hybrid is the common name for a heat pump water heater that also has electric elements. The heat pump does most of the work, and the elements back it up during high demand.

Do I need a 240V circuit for a heat pump water heater?

Most hybrid models, such as the Rheem ProTerra 40 to 80 gallon units, need a 240V circuit. The ProTerra 120V plug-in models run from a standard outlet, which helps when replacing a gas water heater without a 240V circuit.

Does a heat pump water heater need a drain?

Yes. The heat pump makes condensate, so the installation needs a condensate drain or a condensate pump, as well as the usual relief valve discharge. Check the installation manual for the air space the unit needs around it.

ProTerra 120V plug-in or 240V hybrid: which should I choose?

The ProTerra 120V plug-in (40 and 50 gallon) plugs into a standard 120V outlet, so it suits gas-to-electric replacements where there is no 240V circuit at the water heater. The 240V ProTerra hybrids (40 to 80 gallon) need a 240V, 30A circuit and add 4,500 W backup elements, which recover faster when demand is high. Where a 240V circuit is already in place, or the household uses a lot of hot water, the 240V hybrid is usually the better fit. Check the electrical requirements in the installation manual before ordering.