On a recent episode of And So It Flows, Kristen Bayles sat down with Gregg Holladay, business development manager for specialty markets at Bradford White, to discuss the growing role heat pump water heaters are expected to play in the residential plumbing market and why the plumbing industry needs to start preparing now.

Holladay, who has worked with heat pump water heater technology since the launch of the first Energy Star-rated heat pump water heater in 2009, explained that many contractors are still approaching the systems like traditional electric water heaters, something he says can create installation and performance problems.

“Contractors are used to putting an electric water heater in, pushing it up against the wall to get it out of the way,” Holladay said. “But heat pump water heaters are different. They need air.”

Throughout the conversation, Holladay emphasized the importance of understanding manufacturer installation instructions, airflow requirements and operating modes as adoption continues to increase ahead of upcoming Department of Energy regulations set to take effect in 2029.

He also encouraged contractors to become more comfortable explaining the technology and long-term energy savings to homeowners.

“It’s not that heat pump water heaters are complicated,” Holladay said. “It’s that they’re not understood.”

The episode explored common installation mistakes, hybrid operating modes, homeowner education and how utility rebates are helping drive interest in higher-efficiency water heating technologies.

Holladay also discussed the financial benefits of heat pump water heaters, noting that many homeowners can save hundreds of dollars annually on operating costs compared to traditional electric resistance units.

“If I put in this Bradford White G2 heat pump water heater, it’s going to be 420% efficient,” Holladay said. “That means it’s going to give you $4.20 for every $1 you spend to heat water in actual hot water.”

As the industry continues shifting toward electrification and higher-efficiency equipment, Holladay said contractors who invest time now in learning the technology will be positioned well for the future.

“Get heat pumped up,” Holladay said. “2029 is right around the corner.”