Hot water
at the lowest
possible cost
Our heat pump water heaters convert the heat from the room air into energy to heat your water. All electric, with no fuel combustion, a heat pump water heater is an environmentally friendly choice.
A Closer Look:
How do heat pump water heaters work?
A fan at the top of the hybrid electric heat pump water heater pulls ambient air in from the room it resides in. The air is pulled in through an evaporator while refrigerant in the evaporator absorbs the heat from the air. The refrigerant runs through a compressor which raises the temperature and the pressure. Finally, the heated refrigerant is passed through a condenser coil that is wrapped around the inside of the tank. This helical shape ensures the most efficient transfer of the heat from the refrigerant to the water.
EFFICIENCY
The most energy efficient mode uses the heat pump only.
Use the EFFICIENCY mode to maximize your savings. Going up a tank size will help you stay in this mode longer and will better meet your hot water needs.
HYBRID
Convenient HYBRID mode combines HEAT PUMP and ELECTRIC operation.
In HYRBID mode, your heat pump water heater automatically switches between heat pump and electric operation as needed.
ELECTRIC
Switch to ELECTRIC mode to meet your highest demand times.
When you have house guests, or perhaps just when the whole family is home, ELECTRIC mode ensures your hot water demands are met.
VACATION
Minimize your energy costs when you’re away with VACATION mode.
Enjoy peace of mind with this handy mode that minimizes your energy costs when you aren’t using your hot water.
Operating Cost
* Based on 50 USG water heater, average household usage and Ontario utility rates.
FAQs
How Heat Pump Water Heaters Work
Q: How does a heat pump water heater work compared to a standard electric tank?
A: A heat pump water heater absorbs heat from surrounding air and transfers it into the water using a compressor, whereas a standard electric tank uses electric elements to generate heat directly.
Q: Will a heat pump water heater work in Canadian winters?
A: Yes, the Voltex® AL operates down to 2°C, suitable for most Canadian basements.
Q: What happens when the temperature drops below -2°C?
A: Efficiency drops and the unit may switch more often to electric backup heat.
Q: Does the Voltex® AL automatically switch to electric backup heat?
A: Yes, Hybrid Mode adds electric elements when needed.
Q: How does incoming water temperature affect performance?
A: Colder water increases recovery time and electric assist.
Q: How does humidity affect performance?
A: Humid air contains more heat, slightly improving efficiency.
Efficiency, Energy Use & Savings
Q: How much energy can a heat pump water heater save per year?
A: Up to 75% savings or about $600 per year depending on electricity rates.
Q: How does the total cost of ownership compare to a standard electric tank?
A: Higher upfront cost but far lower operating cost due to 75% energy savings.
Q: What is the typical payback period for the Voltex® AL in Canada?
A: Around 4–7 years depending on usage and energy rates.
Q: Does a heat pump water heater reduce my carbon footprint?
A: Yes, using 75% less electricity lowers emissions.
Q: Can a heat pump water heater eliminate the need for a dehumidifier?
A: Partially; heat pump water heaters naturally dehumidify the air.
Installation Requirements
Q: Where is the best place to install a heat pump water heater in a Canadian home?
A: Basements, utility rooms, or garages with adequate airflow.
Q: Do I need additional space for air circulation around the unit?
A: Yes, about 18 inches of clearance is recommended.
Q: Can I install a heat pump water heater in a cold basement?
A: Yes, basements typically stay above 2°C.
Q: Is additional electrical work required during installation?
A: Most use 208/240V like standard electric tanks; check breaker capacity.
Q: Can I use a heat pump water heater in a small mechanical room?
A: Yes; zero side/back clearance and ducting options help.
Q: How long does installation usually take?
A: Typically 2–4 hours.
Q: Do I need a certified installer for a heat pump water heater?
A: Yes; required for rebates and proper setup.
Q: Is a heat pump water heater compatible with solar or off‑grid systems?
A: Yes, if the system supplies adequate 240V power.
Performance for Households
Q: Are heat pump water heaters reliable for larger families?
A: Yes; high first-hour ratings (up to 95 gallons) support high demand.
Q: Is the Voltex® AL louder than a regular water heater?
A: No; it operates at a quiet 45 dBA.
Q: Does the Voltex® AL produce cool air in the room where it is installed?
A: Yes, it cools and dehumidifies the surrounding air.
Q: Does the Voltex® AL work during power outages?
A: No; it requires electricity to operate.
Q: Is a heat pump water heater a good choice for cottages or seasonal homes?
A: Yes, with winterizing steps like pipe insulation.
Q: Are there any noise considerations for placement near living spaces?
A: Quiet at 45 dBA, but still best away from bedrooms.
Maintenance & Longevity
Q: Does it require more maintenance than other water heaters?
A: Not much; mainly filter cleaning and airflow checks.
Q: How often should I clean or replace the air filter?
A: Clean the air filter every three months. Replace as needed.
Q: Does hard water affect heat pump performance?
A: Scale affects any water heater.
Q: Does the unit need annual servicing for optimal performance?
A: Annual inspection of filters and condensate is recommended.
Q: What should I do if the unit is frequently switching to electric mode?
A: Check temperature, airflow, and filter condition.
Q: What is the expected lifespan of a heat pump water heater?
A: Voltex® AL includes a 10-year tank and parts warranty, indicating long life.
Smart Features & Controls
Q: Can the unit be connected to a smart thermostat or home energy management system?
A: Yes; supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Q: How does the hybrid mode work?
A: It prioritizes heat pump operation and adds electric elements as needed.
Q: Can I manually switch between heat pump, hybrid, and electric modes?
A: Yes, via the user interface.
Rebates, Incentives & Eligibility
Q: Will switching to a heat pump water heater qualify me for rebates?
A: Yes, ENERGY STAR® certified heat pump water heaters qualify for federal and provincial incentives.
Q: Which provinces currently offer incentives or rebates?
A: Check out our rebate section on this page to find out more about incentives and rebates near you.
Sizing & Home Compatibility
Q: How do I size a heat pump water heater for my home?
A: 50 gal = 2–3 people, 66 gal = 3–4, 80 gal = 4+.
Product-Specific (Voltex® AL)
Q: What warranty does the Voltex AL come with?
A: 10-year limited tank and parts warranty.
Q: Is the Voltex® AL suitable for rental properties or multi‑unit buildings?
A: Yes; remote monitoring and efficiency benefit landlords. Ensure the application is sized appropriately.
Available Rebates
Alberta
| Program Name | How to Apply |
|---|---|
| Banff Post-Purchase Rebate Program | Apply Here |
British Columbia
| Program Name | How to Apply |
|---|---|
| CleanBC Better Homes – Income Eligible Heat Pump Water Heater Rebate | Apply Here |
|
Apply Here |
| CleanBC Better Homes – Heat Pump Water Heater Rebate | Apply Here |
|
Apply Here |
Nova Scotia
| Program Name | How to Apply |
|---|---|
| Efficiency Nova Scotia ENERGY STAR® Certified Heat Pump Water Heaters Instant Rebate | Apply Here |
Ontario
| Program Name | How to Apply |
|---|---|
| Home Renovation Savings – Heat Pump Water Heater | Apply Here |
Prince Edward Island
| Program Name | How to Apply |
|---|---|
| Prince Edward Island – Income Eligible Heat Pump Water Heater Rebate | Apply Here |
| Prince Edward Island Heat Pump Water Heater Rebate | Apply Here |
*More details on these rebates can be seen on the desktop version of this page.
Need more information?
Check out our heat pump product pages:
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