I’ll never forget the first time I installed a Bradford White heat pump water heater. I was working on a home renovation, and the owner wanted to cut down on energy bills while reducing their environmental footprint. Having installed numerous water heaters before, I was excited to try this one out—it promised huge savings and a more eco-friendly option compared to standard electric models. Here’s everything I learned from the installation and after a year of monitoring its performance.
What Makes Bradford White Heat Pump Water Heaters Stand Out?
Bradford White heat pump water heaters are part of their AeroTherm® series, combining traditional water heating with energy-efficient heat pump technology. Instead of relying solely on electricity to heat water, the heat pump pulls in heat from the surrounding air and transfers it to the water. This hybrid system is designed to save homeowners a significant amount of energy.
Bradford White AeroTherm® Heat Pump Water Heater Models
| Model | Capacity | UEF Rating | Heating Modes | Warranty | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AeroTherm® 50 Gallon (HPTU-50-A1) | 50 Gallon | 3.45 UEF | 4 Modes (Heat Pump, Hybrid, Electric, Vacation) | 10 Years | ENERGY STAR certified, LCD control screen |
| AeroTherm® 80 Gallon (HPTU-80-A1) | 80 Gallon | 3.39 UEF | 4 Modes | 10 Years | Larger capacity, designed for bigger households |
Performance Overview:
Energy Efficiency:
One of the biggest selling points of the Bradford White heat pump water heater is its incredible energy efficiency. With a UEF (Uniform Energy Factor) rating as high as 3.45, these models are at least three times more efficient than a standard electric water heater. In practical terms, this translates to up to 70% energy savings.
For reference, most standard electric water heaters have a UEF rating of around 0.90, meaning Bradford White heat pump models are a game-changer for reducing monthly utility bills.
4 Heating Modes:
One of the things I love about this unit is the flexibility it offers with four heating modes:
- Heat Pump Mode: The most energy-efficient setting. It uses the heat pump almost exclusively, drawing warmth from the surrounding air to heat the water.
- Hybrid Mode: A blend of heat pump and traditional electric resistance elements. This setting balances efficiency with faster water recovery time, which is great if your household has fluctuating hot water demand.
- Electric Mode: Functions like a standard electric water heater. It’s useful when there’s low ambient heat (e.g., during very cold weather).
- Vacation Mode: A low-power setting designed for times when you’ll be away. It keeps the water at a lower temperature to save energy.
Pros of Bradford White Heat Pump Water Heaters
- Massive Energy Savings: The primary reason homeowners switch to heat pump water heaters is the savings. After installing one in a client’s home, they reported a noticeable reduction in their energy bills—sometimes up to 60% less than their old electric water heater.
- Smart LCD Control: Bradford White’s AeroTherm series comes with a sleek LCD control screen that lets you easily switch between modes, check the water temperature, and even monitor energy usage. The display makes it incredibly user-friendly, even for those not particularly tech-savvy.
- Quiet Operation: While heat pumps are notorious for making noise, the Bradford White AeroTherm water heater runs much quieter than I expected. Even though it has a fan, it’s nowhere near as loud as I feared—it hums away softly, similar to a refrigerator.
- Eco-Friendly: Heat pump water heaters are one of the most environmentally friendly options available. By using ambient air to heat water, they significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional electric or gas water heaters.
- Durable and Long-Lasting: Bradford White is known for building durable products, and the AeroTherm series is no exception. The 10-year warranty reflects the confidence the company has in these units. With proper maintenance, you can expect these water heaters to last well beyond a decade.
Cons of Bradford White Heat Pump Water Heaters
- Higher Upfront Cost: While the long-term savings are substantial, the upfront cost of a Bradford White heat pump water heater is considerably higher than that of a standard electric model. You can expect to pay anywhere between $1,200 to $2,500, depending on the model and installation costs.
- Ambient Air Temperature Matters: Heat pump water heaters work best in temperatures between 40°F and 90°F. If you install one in a cold or unheated space, it will have to rely more on electric resistance heating, reducing its efficiency. For homes in colder climates, you might have to plan where to install it (like in a heated basement).
- Installation Complexity: If you’re upgrading from a standard electric water heater, the installation for a heat pump model is more complex. It requires a space with good airflow, and some homeowners may need to make adjustments to ensure there’s enough room for air circulation. Depending on your home’s layout, this could increase installation costs.
- Slow Recovery Time in Heat Pump Mode: When set to Heat Pump mode, the recovery time (how fast it heats a new tank of cold water) is slower than a traditional electric heater. For large families with high hot water demand, you might need to use Hybrid or Electric mode more often, which can affect energy savings.
Is a Bradford White Heat Pump Water Heater Right for You?
If you’re looking for an efficient, eco-friendly water heater and don’t mind the higher initial cost, the Bradford White AeroTherm® heat pump series is an excellent choice. It’s especially ideal if:
- You live in a warm or moderate climate: These water heaters perform best in warmer conditions, where the heat pump mode can operate efficiently year-round.
- You have a well-ventilated space for installation: Proper airflow is key to maximizing performance.
- You want to cut down on energy bills: The high UEF rating ensures that you’ll see significant long-term savings, making it a good investment for the future.
- You’re eco-conscious: With its reduced energy consumption, this is one of the greenest water heater options on the market today.
Final Verdict:
The Bradford White AeroTherm® heat pump water heater is a standout choice for homeowners who are serious about slashing their energy bills and adopting a greener lifestyle. While it does come with a higher upfront cost and installation complexity, the energy savings over the years more than make up for it. If you can provide the right environment for the unit (moderate temperatures and proper airflow), it will outperform most traditional electric water heaters by a long shot.
After installing several of these units for my clients, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive—particularly from those who value efficiency and long-term savings. For larger families or eco-conscious homeowners, this is one water heater that deserves serious consideration.