Water Heating Upgrades

A better way to have hot water

When it comes to energy efficiency, a heat pump water heater (HPWH) is the best choice on the market. This means you save money when you switch.

Plus, WestLight Energy offers a rebate up to $3,500 that can be combined with other cost-saving incentives, so upgrading could cost less than you think.

Have questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out! Our Advisors are here to help guide you through the process of going electric in a way that works for you.

Benefits of Switching

Heat pump water heaters are safe, clean & all-electric

If you’re transitioning to a clean-energy home, your water heater is a great place to start. Nearly 60% of the methane gas used by homes is for heating water.

Rather than using fossil fuels to create heat, a heat pump water heater (HPWH) works like a recycler, pulling heat from the air and warming your water. Choosing a heat pump water heater can save you thousands of dollars over the lifetime of the appliance.

Lower energy bills

A typical four-person household could save $100-200 per year by utilizing the E-ELEC rate. Over the lifespan of a water heater (10-15 years), a household can save $1,000-3,000 with a heat pump water heater compared to gas.

Energy efficient

Heat pumps are at least three times more efficient than natural gas water heaters. Some models can even be used for space heating—a dual purpose that can reduce heating costs by up to 25%.

Climate friendliness

A heat pump water heater runs on electricity, so you can choose clean energy from WestLight Energy and reduce your dependence on fossil fuels.

A future-proof home

California is on the move toward all-electric homes. Installing a heat pump water heater puts you ahead of the curve.

Real results

Curious how these systems work in real homes? Read our pilot study (PDF) to see performance data from the field.

Getting Started

Steps to upgrading your heat pump water heater

1

Check eligibility for rebates

Look into available rebates to save on upfront costs.

See what WestLight Energy offers for heat pump water heater rebates.
Stack rebates with other federal, state, and local incentives. Check the WestLight Energy Rebate Finder.
Have questions? Reach out to our Advisors, email us, or call 1-866-966-0110 on Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM.

2

Assess your space

Heat pump water heaters need good air circulation. A garage, basement, or utility room is ideal.
Heat pump systems hum softly during operation. Consider this when choosing placement.
Some homes may need a panel upgrade to accommodate the new system but generally won’t need to increase their electrical service with PG&E. Save time and money by asking your contractor these questions.

3

Choose the right size

Match the water heater to your household size for enough hot water.

4

Find a qualified installer

Work with an experienced contractor who knows heat pump systems.

5

Prepare for installation

Heat pumps may require additional electrical capacity, but a service upgrade from PG&E can often be avoided by making smart choices.

6

Schedule the upgrade

Coordinate installation and enjoy lower energy bills.

How We Help

Explore our other home upgrade services & support

Ready to start upgrading your home? Check out the ways we can support you on your home electrification journey.

Personalized Support

WestLight Energy experts will help you with planning, technical questions, contractor quotes and more—at no cost.

Full-Service Installation

We’ll take care of everything to ensure you get the best rebates, pricing, and guaranteed work from our trusted partners.

Self-Service Installation

Use our planning toolkit—including our incentive finder, contractor search, cost estimator, and 0% interest loan to plan your home upgrade project.

Book a Call to Learn More

We're here to help you every step of the way

Please fill out the form below and follow the steps to get expert support for your home upgrade at no charge. This service is designed to help you navigate converting your gas water heater, HVAC system, stove, and/or dryer to electric.

Our Personalized Support service is not currently available for solar, battery storage, and EV charging inquiries. For questions on these topics, please email info@westlightenergy.org and we will connect you with the right resources.

Rebate Checklist

Don't forget these important steps

Here’s a handy checklist to make your heat pump water heater rebate process go smoothly.

Read our rebate guidelines before installation.
Get copies of your final itemized invoice and initial permits.
Take photos of your old gas water heater before it gets replaced.
Take photos from afar of your new equipment both indoor and outdoor, if applicable.
Take photos of the nameplate sticker with product specifications.
Take photos of the capped gas line to the old equipment after the installation is complete.
Take photos of the inside of your new electrical panel, if applicable.
Fill out your application within 90 days of your installation.

WestLight Energy Rebate Application

Apply for your rebate. It's easy!

The application should take approximately 10 minutes to complete.

Step 1: Read the Rebate Checklist, which outlines everything you need to start your application.
Step 2: Fill out the form below to get approved for your WestLight Energy rebate.

Still have questions? Talk to an Advisor.

Not ready to apply just yet? Save this link and come back anytime.

Support

Have more questions about how to go electric at home?

As your community-choice, not-for-profit source of clean, renewable electricity, our goal is to empower and support our community. Reach out any time with questions and we’ll be happy to help.

Email us: info@westlightenergy.org
Call us: 1-866-966-0110
Monday – Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM