Heat naturally moves from warmer places to cooler places.  Heat pumps use electricity to move heat in the opposite direction, from cooler places to warmer places, making the cool space cooler and the warm space warmer.  A refrigerator is a heat pump, moving heat from inside the refrigerated cabinet (cooler place) into the kitchen (warmer place).  An air conditioner is a heat pump, moving heat from inside the building (cooler place) to the outside summer air (warmer place).

A Heat Pump Water Heater collects heat from the ambient air, concentrates it via a compressor, and uses it to heat the water in the tank.  Although they can be placed in unheated spaces, such as a basement, even in winter there is enough heat in the surrounding air for HPWHs to work in our climate.  Heat pumps require electricity to run, but can deliver more energy than they use.

Learn more from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center's Guide to Heat Pump Water Heaters. 

• CMLP offers a $750 rebate for HPWHs replacing oil, natural gas or propane-fired water heaters or for new construction. Customers replacing an electric resistance unit are eligible for a $185 rebate.  
• For each calendar year: 
  • Residential customers may receive a rebate for one HPWH per account number.
  • Commercial customers may receive rebates for up to five HPWHs per account number. 
• Customers must apply for the rebate within 90 days of installation, as shown by the date on the invoice or receipt.
• HPWH must:
  • be installed by a licensed plumber
  • be ENERGY Star Certified
  • have a Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) that meets or exceeds the requirements displayed below.

*Units not meeting these UEF requirements are not eligible for a rebate.

Click the button below to access the online rebate application portal. Once you reach the HPWH application form, click the HELP button at the top for information on how CMLP will deliver your rebate.