About Heat Pump Water Heating

Efficient, Electrified, and Designed for the Way Buildings Actually Use Hot Water

Hot water is one of the largest—and often overlooked—energy loads in homes and multifamily buildings. Traditional gas and electric resistance water heaters are inefficient, carbon-intensive, and increasingly out of step with modern building standards.

At Small Planet Supply, we focus on high-efficiency, all-electric water heating solutions that support electrification goals, reduce operating costs, and perform reliably in real-world conditions. Whether you’re designing a single-family home, retrofitting an existing building, or planning a multifamily project, the right water heating system plays a critical role in comfort, energy performance, and long-term durability.

Why Water Heating Matters

In many buildings, domestic hot water can account for 20–40% of total energy use. Poor system selection or sizing can lead to:

Higher utility bills
Inconsistent hot water delivery
Oversized equipment and wasted energy
Increased maintenance and early equipment failure

High-performance water heating systems are designed to match demand, recover efficiently, and integrate seamlessly with modern, well-insulated, airtight buildings.

Our Approach to High-Efficiency Water Heating

We curate water heating solutions that meet three core criteria:

Electrification-First
All systems we carry support the transition away from fossil fuels and align with state and local decarbonization goals.

Proven Performance
We prioritize manufacturers with documented field performance, strong warranties, and long-term serviceability.

Right-Sized Design
From single-family homes to multifamily applications, proper sizing and system selection are essential. We help customers avoid the common pitfalls of over- or under-sizing.

Types of Water Heating Systems We Offer

Heat Pump Water Heaters (HPWHs)

Heat pump water heaters use electricity to move heat rather than generate it directly, making them significantly more efficient than conventional electric tanks.

Benefits include:

2–4× the efficiency of standard electric water heaters
Lower operating costs
Compatibility with solar and renewable energy systems
Reduced greenhouse gas emissions

CO₂ (R744) Heat Pump Water Heaters leading edge of water heating technology, particularly for cold climates and high-demand applications.

Advantages include:

Exceptional efficiency even in low outdoor temperatures
Very high water delivery temperatures
Natural refrigerant with ultra-low global warming potential
Ideal for electrified, high-performance buildings

Small Planet Supply Featured Water Heating Brands

LG

LG’s inverter-driven heat pump water heaters are designed for residential applications where efficiency, quiet operation, and reliability are priorities. These systems are a strong fit for both new construction and retrofit projects.

The LG page of Small Planet's website has a lot more information about LG heat pump water heaters. In addition, these Small Planet Supply blog posts can help you learn more about LG water heating:

SANCO2

SANCO₂ systems use natural CO₂ refrigerant (R744) to deliver industry-leading performance, especially in cold climates.

They are widely used in high-performance homes and Passive House projects across North America.

The SANCO2 page of Small Planet's website has a lot more information about SANCO2 heat pump water heaters. In addition, these Small Planet Supply blog posts can help you learn more about SANCO2 heat pump water heaters:

SANCO₂ systems use natural CO₂ refrigerant (R744) to deliver industry-leading performance, especially in cold climates. They are widely used in high-performance homes and Passive House projects across North America.

Choosing the Right Water Heating System

Selecting the right system depends on several factors:

Building type (single-family, multifamily, retrofit, new construction)
Hot water demand patterns
Climate zone
Electrical capacity
Space and installation constraints

Our team works with homeowners, builders, and design professionals to evaluate these variables and recommend solutions that are practical—not theoretical.

Water Heating + Whole-Building Performance

Water heating doesn’t exist in isolation. It works best when considered alongside:

Building envelope performance
Ventilation systems
Space heating and cooling
Electrical service planning

This integrated approach leads to better comfort, lower energy use, and fewer surprises during installation and operation.

Get Help with Water Heating Design & Selection

If you’re planning a project or replacing an existing system, we’re here to help.

Talk with our team to:

Compare heat pump water heater options
Review sizing and layout considerations
Understand incentives and rebates
Ensure your system aligns with your building goals

Not sure whether these systems will work for you, schedule a 15-minute Pre-Purchase System Review with one of our experienced Small Planet Supply team members.

Heat Pump Water Heater FAQs

What is a heat pump water heater?

A heat pump water heater (HPWH) uses electricity to move heat into the water rather than creating heat directly with resistance elements. This process allows the system to deliver hot water using significantly less energy than a conventional electric water heater.

How efficient are heat pump water heaters compared to standard electric water heaters?

In many residential applications, heat pump water heaters can use approximately 50–70% less electricity than standard electric tank water heaters. Efficiency varies based on usage patterns, installation location, and system design.

What is a CO₂ (R744) heat pump water heater and why is it different?

A CO₂ heat pump water heater uses carbon dioxide (R744) as the refrigerant instead of synthetic refrigerants. CO₂ systems are known for strong performance in colder climates and the ability to deliver higher hot water temperatures, making them well suited for high-performance homes and certain multifamily buildings.

Are heat pump water heaters a good fit for cold climates?

Yes. Many modern heat pump water heaters are designed to operate effectively in cold climates. CO₂-based systems, in particular, are often selected for projects where consistent performance is needed in low outdoor temperatures. Climate zone, installation location, and demand patterns should all be considered during system selection.

How do I know what size water heater I need?

YProper sizing depends on several factors, including household size, hot water usage patterns, incoming water temperature, and peak demand scenarios such as simultaneous showers. For heat pump systems, sizing also considers recovery rate and storage strategy—not just tank volume.

Do heat pump water heaters need special installation space?

Often, yes. Most heat pump water heaters require adequate air volume and clearance to operate efficiently. They also produce cool, dehumidified exhaust air, which can be beneficial or require planning depending on where the unit is installed.

Can I pair a heat pump water heater with solar or an all-electric home?

Yes. Heat pump water heaters are commonly used in all-electric homes and pair well with solar electric systems. Their high efficiency reduces overall energy demand, and smart controls or scheduling can help maximize the use of onsite renewable energy.

What are the main benefits of electrified water heating for high-performance buildings?

Electrified water heating supports decarbonization goals, lowers operational energy use, and integrates well with airtight, well-insulated building envelopes. It also eliminates onsite combustion, which can simplify mechanical design and improve indoor air quality.

Have More Questions?

You can contact Small Planet Supply's customer service team at: 1-855-367-7442. Or use the form below to connect with us.

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