Switched my shop's water heater to a heat pump model last fall

My electric bill for the dog wash area dropped by about $40 a month starting in October. I was skeptical it would work well enough for the constant hot water we need, but it's been fine. The install cost a bit upfront, but the local utility had a rebate that covered nearly half of it. Over six months, the savings have already paid for a good chunk of the difference from the old tank. Has anyone else made a similar switch in a small business setting and seen the numbers work out?

3 comments

3 Comments

ryanprice1mo ago

Did your shop get one of those units that can also cool the room it's in? My buddy runs a small car detail place and he said that was a game changer, his back office used to be a sauna in the summer. He was worried about the noise at first but honestly with all the other shop sounds you don't even notice it. His payback time was a little longer than yours, maybe nine months, but he said the extra comfort for his guys was worth it alone.

the_sean3d ago

Not sure I buy the whole "game changer" thing, @ryanprice. I mean, if your shop already has decent airflow and a fan or two, does a cooling unit really move the needle that much? Maybe it's just me, but my back office stays fine with a window unit and a box fan. The payback time is what gets me, nine months feels like a lot to cool one room when you could just install a cheap split system for less. Plus, I've seen those combo units break down way faster than standalone units, so you're basically trading one headache for another. Idk, maybe your buddy got lucky, but I'd rather put that money into something that actually makes my guys more money, not just a comfortable lunch break.

williams.amy1mo agoTop Commenter

That's a solid point from your buddy, @ryanprice. My uncle's garage had a similar setup, and honestly the noise just blends into the background with air tools and music going. It made a huge difference for his lunchroom area, like guys actually wanted to take their break inside instead of sitting in a hot car. I mean, it's not just about the money payback, right? If your team isn't melting, they probably work better too.