The Catalog · Water Heaters

Water Heaters.
Tank, Tankless, Heat Pump.

A new water heater is one of the highest-ROI home upgrades — the average household spends 18% of its energy bill on heating water. Modern heat pump water heaters use up to 4x less electricity than electric resistance models, and tankless units eliminate standby losses entirely. We carry MrCool HeatWise electric tank water heaters, heat pump water heaters, and tankless models — many qualifying for federal 25C tax credits up to $2,000.

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Buying Guide

How to choose the right water heater

Water heater type, capacity, and fuel source all change the math. Here's how to pick correctly for your household.

Electric tank vs heat pump vs tankless

Electric tank water heaters are cheapest upfront ($300-$700) and simplest to install. Heat pump water heaters cost more ($1,500-$2,500) but use 60-70% less electricity — payback in 3-7 years. Tankless water heaters provide unlimited hot water with no standby losses ($800-$2,000) but require larger gas lines or 240V circuits.

Sizing your water heater

Tank water heaters: 30 gal for 1-2 people, 40 gal for 2-3, 50 gal for 3-4, 80 gal for 5+. Tankless water heaters are sized by GPM (gallons per minute) — 5 GPM handles 1-2 simultaneous fixtures, 7-9 GPM handles whole house. Heat pump water heaters typically come in 50, 65, and 80 gallon sizes.

Federal 25C tax credit eligibility

Heat pump water heaters with UEF ≥ 2.2 qualify for the 30% federal tax credit, capped at $2,000. Combined with state utility rebates ($300-$1,500), a heat pump water heater can pay for itself in 2-4 years vs an electric tank model.

Installation considerations

Heat pump water heaters need 700-1,000 cubic feet of unconditioned space (basement, garage, utility room) since they pull heat from surrounding air. Tankless water heaters need a dedicated 240V circuit (electric models) or upgraded gas line + venting (gas models). Standard tank models are the most flexible — they fit anywhere a 30-80 gallon tank does.

Frequently Asked

Common questions

How long does a water heater last?+

Electric tank water heaters typically last 10-15 years. Gas tank models last 8-12 years. Heat pump water heaters last 10-15 years. Tankless water heaters last 15-25 years (the longest of any type) because they don't store water and don't suffer from tank corrosion.

Are heat pump water heaters worth it?+

Yes — in most US climates with electricity under $0.20/kWh. A heat pump water heater uses 60-70% less electricity than an electric resistance tank model, saving $200-$400/year. Combined with the federal 25C tax credit ($2,000) and state rebates, payback is typically 2-5 years.

What size water heater do I need?+

For tank models: 30 gallons for 1-2 people, 40 for 2-3, 50 for 3-4, 80+ for 5+. For tankless: 5 GPM for small homes (1-2 simultaneous fixtures), 7-9 GPM for whole-house demand. Hot water demand depends on shower flow, dishwasher use, and laundry timing.

Can I install a water heater myself?+

Tank water heaters are DIY-friendly for handy homeowners with plumbing experience — drain old tank, disconnect plumbing/electrical, install new tank, reconnect, fill and test. Many municipalities require permits and pressure tests. Tankless and heat pump water heaters are more complex (gas line sizing, venting, condensate drainage) and usually require a licensed plumber.

What does UEF mean on a water heater?+

UEF (Uniform Energy Factor) measures water heater efficiency — higher numbers mean less energy used per unit of hot water. UEF 0.93+ for electric tanks is considered high-efficiency. UEF 2.0+ for heat pump water heaters qualifies for federal tax credits. UEF 0.95+ for tankless models is the standard target.

Ready to buy?

Browse the full MrCool catalog or call for sizing help.