Heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) are rapidly growing in popularity as homeowners look for ways to cut energy costs and reduce carbon emissions. But a common question comes up when people research their installation:

Do Heat Pump Water Heaters Need 240 Volts?

The short answer is:
Most heat pump water heaters require a 240-volt electrical circuit, but new 120-volt models are now available, and they’re changing the game.

In this in-depth guide, we break down everything you need to know about voltage requirements, installation options, efficiency differences, and which type is right for your home.

What Is a Heat Pump Water Heater?

Heat pump water heaters use electricity to move heat rather than generate it. Instead of heating water by resistance coils like a conventional electric heater, an HPWH pulls heat from the surrounding air and transfers it into the water tank.

This makes them 2–4 times more efficient than standard electric water heaters.

Because they rely on a compressor—similar to a small air conditioner—they traditionally require higher voltage to operate efficiently.

So, Do Heat Pump Water Heaters Need 240 Volts?

Traditional Answer: Yes, most do.

Most heat pump water heaters installed today are 240-volt units. They need a dedicated 240V circuit (often 30A) to power both the heat pump compressor and backup electric resistance elements.

This is the standard setup for:

• Rheem ProTerra
  
• A.O. Smith Voltex
  
• Bradford White AeroTherm
  
• And most hybrid heat pump water heaters on the market
  

However, the modern answer is changing…

New 120-Volt Plug-In Heat Pump Water Heaters (The Game Changer)

Until recently, homeowners without a 240-V circuit near their water heater were forced to:

• Hire an electrician
  
• Upgrade their panel
  
• Install a new 240-V line.
  
• Pay hundreds to thousands for electrical work.
  

This stopped many people from switching to heat pump water heaters.

But now 120-volt heat pump water heaters exist.

Brands like Rheem, GE, and A.O. Smith have introduced plug-in 120-volt HPWHs designed to work on a standard household outlet — the same type used for lamps and TVs.

Benefits of 120-Volt HPWHs

• No electrical panel upgrade needed
  
• No new wiring required
  
• Lower installation cost
  
• Ideal for older homes or apartments
  
• Faster, simpler installation
  

 Downsides

• Slower water heating compared to 240-V versions
  
• Often, there is no electric resistance backup.
  
• Best for smaller households or low-to-medium usage

Why Most Heat Pump Water Heaters Use 240 Volts

Even though 120-V models exist, 240 volts remain the standard for most installations. Here’s why:

Faster Recovery Time

240-V heat pump water heaters can reheat water much faster.
This is crucial for:

• Large families
  
• Homes with multiple bathrooms
  
• High hot-water usage
  

Backup Electric Resistance Elements

Many 240-V hybrid models include backup heating coils, which:

• Heat water quickly if demand spikes
  
• Maintain temperature in cold spaces.
• Work even if the heat pump mode is temporarily inefficient.

Higher Efficiency at High Demand

The compressor in a 240-V HPWH simply has more power available, making it more reliable in:

• Cold basements
  
• Unheated garages
  
• Large-capacity tanks
  
• Continuous-use households

Larger Tank Compatibility

Most 65- and 80-gallon tanks are only available in 240-V models.

How to Tell What Voltage Your Home Has Available

A heat pump water heater is usually installed near:

• The existing water heater
  
• A basement utility area
  
• A garage
• A laundry room

Check for a 240-V Outlet

You have a 240-V circuit if you see:

• A double-pole breaker (two linked switches)
  
• A large outlet similar to a dryer outlet
  

If not, you likely have only 120 volts nearby.

If you’re unsure:

Any licensed electrician can check in minutes.

Should You Upgrade to 240 Volts?

Whether you need a 240-V install depends on your home and usage.

Here’s a breakdown:

Choose a 240-Volt HPWH if…

• You have a family of 3–6 people.
  
• You frequently use hot water.
  
• Your water heater is in an unconditioned space.
  
• You want the fastest recovery times.
  
• You want maximum long-term efficiency.
  
• You want a larger water heater (65–80 gallons)

Choose a 120-Volt HPWH if…

• You live in a small home or apartment.
  
• You want the lowest installation cost.
  
• You don’t want to upgrade your panel or wiring.
  
• You have 1–2 people in your home.
  
• You’re replacing a gas water heater and want an easy transition.
  
• You’re renting and need a non-invasive option

Installation Differences Between 120-Volt and 240-Volt HPWHs

120-Volt Installation

• Plug into a standard outlet
  
• Uses the existing 15A or 20A circuit
  
• No electrical panel work
  
• Ideal for retrofit projects
  
• Quick installation (2–3 hours)
  

240-Volt Installation

• Requires a dedicated breaker (usually 30A)
  
• May require new wiring
  
• May require panel upgrade (especially older homes)
  
• Takes longer and costs more
  

Installation Cost Comparison

Prices vary by region and home type.

Energy Efficiency: Does Voltage Affect It?

Voltage does not directly determine energy efficiency — the heat pump system does.

However:

• 240-V systems can handle higher loads and recover faster.
  
• 120-V systems can be extremely efficient but are slower.
  
• Both save 50–70% compared to traditional electric water heaters.
  

Efficiency is determined by:

• Ambient air temperature
  
• Heat pump design
  
• Tank size
  
• Usage patterns
  
• Compressor power
  

Both voltage types are far more efficient than resistance-based electric heaters.

Can You Convert a 240-Volt Heat Pump Water Heater to 120 Volts?

No.
240-V models cannot be converted to 120 volts.

If you only have 120 V available, you must purchase a specific 120-volt heat pump water heater model.

Best Locations for 120-V and 240-V Heat Pump Water Heaters

Best places for 120-V models

• Small utility closets
  
• Indoor mechanical rooms
  
• Apartments
  
• Homes with limited electrical capacity
  
• Replacing gas water heaters in tight spaces
  

Best places for 240-V models

• Basements
  
• Garages
  
• Large homes
  
• Homes with high hot-water demand
  
• New construction projects
  

Future Trends: Will 120-Volt Models Become the Standard?

The industry is moving toward more plug-in, low-cost, easy-installation heat pump water heaters.
Governments and utilities love them because they:

• Reduce energy load
  
• Lower household energy bills
  
• Avoid expensive electrical upgrades.
  
• Encourage mass adoption
  

As of 2025:

• 120-V HPWHs are increasingly popular
  
• More brands are releasing new models.
  
• They’re becoming the preferred option for retrofits.
  

However, 240-V models will remain the best choice for large homes and heavy usage.

Conclusion: Do Heat Pump Water Heaters Need 240 Volts?

In most cases, yes — traditional heat pump water heaters require 240 volts.

But today, homeowners also have the option of new 120-volt plug-in heat pump water heaters, which:

• Install faster
  
• Cost less
  
• Require no electrical upgrades.
• They are ideal for smaller households.

 Quick Summary

FAQs

1. Do all heat pump water heaters require 240 volts?

No. While most heat pump water heaters traditionally use a 240-volt circuit, newer 120-volt plug-in models are now available. These 120-V units run on a standard household outlet and are ideal for homes without access to 240 volts.

2. Is a 120-volt heat pump water heater less efficient?

Not necessarily. Both 120-V and 240-V heat pump water heaters use the same energy-saving technology. However, 240-V models heat water faster and typically handle higher hot-water demand, making them better for larger households.

3. Can I replace my gas water heater with a 120-volt heat pump water heater?

Yes. A 120-V heat pump water heater is often the easiest option when replacing a gas unit because it usually requires no electrical panel upgrades and simply plugs into a standard outlet.

4. Will I need to upgrade my electrical panel for a 240-volt heat pump water heater?

Possibly. If your panel doesn’t have a spare 30-amp 240-V circuit, an upgrade may be required. This can add cost, but many homeowners still choose 240-V models for their faster recovery times and backup heating elements.

5. Which voltage type is better for a large family?

A 240-volt heat pump water heater is generally the better choice for families with high hot-water usage. It heats water faster, recovers more quickly, and often includes an electric resistance backup for peak demand.