With DOE’s 2029 standard, should homeowners wait on heat-pump water heaters (HPWH) or install now—what’s the expected cost curve?
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If you’re thinking about getting a heat pump water heater, check if you qualify for rebates and see how your old water heater is doing. Even though prices might go up later, the rebates could make getting one now cheaper.
The Department of Energy’s (DOE) 2029 standard for heat-pump water heaters (HPWH) is likely to impact the cost and efficiency of these systems.
If your current water heater is nearing the end of its lifespan, it might be worth considering installation now to avoid emergency replacement costs.
Install now if you need hot water—current HPWHs are efficient. Waiting for the 2029 DOE standard may slightly raise upfront costs, though lifetime savings improve.
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Install now if you want immediate energy savings and current rebates—HPWH prices may rise as 2029 DOE standards kick in. Waiting could get slightly more advanced models, but likely at higher cost.
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Installing now can make sense because current HPWHs are more efficient than electric resistance and incentives can offset cost. The DOE 2029 standard will likely raise baseline efficiency, slightly increasing upfront prices but lowering operating costs. Overall early adoption recoups savings, and supply constraints may keep near-term prices from dropping much.
Install now if you want immediate savings and rebates; prices may dip slightly by 2029, but tech and efficiency gains will be incremental, not game-changing.
Install now if you want to take advantage of rebates and start saving on energy costs sooner.
Wait until 2029 if you’re looking for lower prices as new DOE standards make heat-pump water heaters cheaper and more common.
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