The Unsung Energy Hero Hiding in Your Basement
By
Kiana Kazemi
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When we talk about clean tech, certain stars always have the spotlight—solar panels, EVs, LED lighting, and heat pumps for space heating. But there’s one climate solution quietly working behind the scenes that deserves its place on the Clean Tech Mt. Rushmore: the heat pump water heater (HPWH).
Water heating is the second-largest energy user in most homes (and the first in many multi-family buildings). It’s easy to overlook, but it’s an energy hog—accounting for up to 32% of home energy use in large apartments. That makes it a powerful place to cut emissions.
Unlike gas or electric resistance water heaters, HPWHs are 3x-5x more efficient, and they run on electricity—making them a perfect match for an increasingly clean grid. Replacing a gas water heater with a HPWH can cut more than 2,000 pounds of CO₂ every year.
That’s one literal ton of CO₂, gone—just for upgrading your water heater. No lifestyle changes required. Your long showers and bubble baths? Still very much encouraged.
What Does a Ton Look Like?
It's hard to picture 2,000 pounds of CO₂. But here’s some context:
It’s the same amount of pollution as a roundtrip flight from LA to New York. Not bad, for a thing that stays completely still.
Installing a HPWH isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a long-term solution that works quietly, consistently, and efficiently, every day. And with healthy federal, state, and local incentives, installing a heat pump water heater is more accessible than ever.
Hot Water, Smarter
Harvest is built around the idea that heat pumps work best when they run smarter. Our platform features an ultra high-efficiency air-to-water heat pump that powers a thermal battery (basically, an insulated hot water tank), storing energy when it’s cheapest and cleanest. It delivers conditioned air and hot water whenever it’s needed, regardless of the grid’s condition.
As we electrify everything, water heating is a smart place to start. It’s often the easiest and quickest swap—and thanks to federal and state incentives, it’s more affordable than ever.
Out of the shadows, and into the spotlight: the humble heat pump water will have its day in the sun…even if it never leaves the basement.
Read more HERE.
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