Heat pump water heaters are twice as efficient as other electric water heaters because they move heat instead of generating it, just like a refrigerator, but in reverse. And because they use the existing heat in the ambient air, they’re very efficient.

Heat pump water heaters come in different shapes and styles. Some models are called “hybrid” water heaters because they can switch modes to operate like a standard electric model when needed—like a hybrid car switching modes for a quick boost of power. This flexibility allows hybrid water heaters to balance efficiency and performance.

Heat pump water heaters make the same amount of hot water using 70 percent less electricity. They use 1/3 the electricity of conventional electric water heaters which conserves resources and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

On an annual basis, an ENERGY STAR certified commercial electric heat pump water heater would be expected to save at least 10 MWh with an emissions savings equivalent to removing 1.5 cars from the road per year.