Focus on Energy is conducting a field study in Wisconsin in partnership with other Midwestern states to assess cold climate performance for 120-volt heat pump water heaters (HPWH). HPWHs use heat pump technology to heat water more efficiently than standard water heaters which include electric resistance and gas- or propane-fired water heaters. Historically, HPWHs have needed a 240-volt connection to work, which may require costly electric upgrades to a home.
120-volt HPWHs, however, claim to deliver energy-saving benefits similar to a 240-volt heat pump, but are more compact and only require a standard household outlet, making them easier and less costly to install. Because these units have a lower voltage, their hot water output can be limited, and it can take longer for water to reach the desired temperature. This project seeks to understand technological barriers, market potential, and savings opportunities of 120-volt HPWHs in Wisconsin. The project aims to evaluate the performance of 120-volt HPWHs in real homes. Through modeling and field validation, this project will provide evidence of performance for the supply chain and help design program strategies to effectively target the best applications of 120-volt HPWHs.
Project Timeline: May 2022 - December 2024
Customer Segment: Single-family residential
The research team conducted energy modeling, cost analysis, secondary data analysis, and supply chain research to determine the best technological applications for 120-volt HPWHs in Wisconsin. A report summarizing the findings can be found (insert link).
Eleven project sites in Wisconsin were recruited for this demonstration project among several others from other Midwestern states. Monitoring equipment and 120V HPWHs have been installed across all sites. Participant surveys have been completed with initial feedback indicating high customer satisfaction. Data collection and analysis is underway with a final project report anticipated in December 2024.
The first phase of this research included modeling 120-volt HPWHs in Wisconsin climate zones, cost analysis, secondary data analysis, supply chain research and surveying market actors. Results from this phase of this project provided the following lessons:
Research and Modeling Report: Final Report- December 2022
Field Study Report: A final report on the field study findings will be available at the end of 2024.
For more information about this study, email hpwh-study@focusonenergy.com.