Los Banos heat pump water heater program FAQs
No, all installations need to be done on or after April 01, 2022 for the Peninsula Clean Energy Rebate.
No, each customer is limited to one heat pump water heater rebate.
No, to be eligible for the additional electrical panel upgrade rebate, it needs to be paired with a Heat Pump Water Heater installation.
Yes, an upgrade to or an addition of a sub-panel required to make room for the new heat pump water heater is eligible for a rebate of up to $750.
Currently, Peninsula Clean Energy is only incentivizing Heat Pump Water Heaters.
Manufacturers use backup heating elements to ensure that the water heater will supply enough hot water in high-demand situations. However, you can avoid the use of the backup element by having a larger tank capacity heat pump water heater and/or thermostatic mixing valve installed.
Heat Pump Water Heaters (HPWH) tend to heat up the water more gradually than do standard electric resistance water heaters. To ensure enough hot water is available for your needs, it is important to size the HPWH correctly so that it can use its efficient heat pump rather than the faster, but less efficient, back-up resistance heating element. Installing a thermostatic mixing valve along with your HPWH would further ensure you do not run out of hot water. The thermostatic mixing valve will allow you to set the tank temperature higher (e.g. 140 F), then mix that hot water with cold water to bring the temperature down to a safe, usable temperature (e.g. 125 F).
For maximum efficiency, use whichever mode prioritizes the use of the heat pump. The owner’s manual will describe each mode.
Heat pump water heaters have an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years.