Jetson launches fixed-price heat pump water heater with installation included

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This Heat Pump Water Heater Week, Jetson released some big news. They are bringing a heat pump water heater (HPWH) to market using the same vertical integration model they use with heat pump installations, where they purchase all the equipment and install and monitor the HPWH, all for a fixed price.

CEO Stephen Lake spoke with the Advanced Water Heating Initiative about the heat pump water heater the company is bringing to market and the company’s unique way of controlling every step of the installation process, which he believes reduces costs and improves customer experiences.

Jetson also joins 17 other HPWH manufacturers in what is becoming a comprehensive and efficient water heating market.

Supersonic the company

Jetson launched its heat pump model for heating and cooling homes just two years ago. They started in Vancouver BC and Denver, and have since moved to New York, California, Tennessee, and Maryland.

Their model is to own the entire heat pump installation process, from quoting to procurement, installation, service and repairs. They also analyze data from your equipment to ensure systems are operating optimally. It aims to address the two biggest obstacles to electrification and decarbonization: cost and consumer experience.

From space heating heat pumps, the company is now moving into the heat pump water heater space. They said they had heard from homeowners who wanted their water heater replaced in addition to their boiler. And Jetson brings the same philosophy of owning the entire installation process, which could revolutionize the industry.

Where are we now with the HPWH?

Heat pump water heaters are at an inflection point. Their sales still represent only about 2 to 3% of national water heater sales, but they have grown steadily since they hit the market 15 years ago and there are now many product and manufacturer options to choose from. Additionally, an upcoming DOE water heating standard will phase out inefficient electric water heaters and give this technology a boost starting in 2029. Sales could reach into the millions by the end of the decade.

But, like most technologies in the early part of their adoption curve, heat pump water heaters can carry an initial cost 2 to 3 times more than other water heaters. Many areas have rebates to help with these costs and many consumers are modifying their facilities to save money, but the high price barrier remains.

Jetson sees an opportunity here: They promise to install a 50-gallon heat pump water heater for a flat price of $4,495 total, and that’s before rebates. This includes any electrical work that may be necessary to upgrade a home to accept a 240V HPWH that requires a 30A circuit breaker. The company feels that owning every part of the process allows them to cut costs that would otherwise be added as equipment moves from manufacturer to dealer to contractor to homeowner.

Their HPWH is pretty standard for the industry today: it has top and side connections (making installation easier), it’s duct-enabled, and it has leak detection. They also include a mixing valve with each installation, meaning the tank will store water at 140 degrees and provide additional hot water.

Other differentiators of the company are its ability to monitor and maintain the unit. They claim to monitor all of your installed equipment to make sure it is working as best and most efficiently as possible. For HPWHs, this could be important to ensure water heaters deliver the promised efficiency and utility bill savings.

Jetson also offers a “Jetson Care” package, where for around $10 a month the HPWH will receive any maintenance it needs. This peace of mind could be important. If the compressor failed in the third year, the HPWH would be replaced at no cost. We’ve seen other extended warranties emerge in the industry, but this is the first one I’m aware of offered by a manufacturer.

All in all, it’s exciting for Jetson to enter the HPWH market. Fixed-price installations that are cost-competitive, delivered quickly, and maintained over time could greatly improve the customer experience with HPWHs and increase adoption.

Watch our interview with Jetson as part of HPWH Week.

This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only. The Advanced Water Heating Initiative (AWHI) does not receive payments, free products, or any other compensation for spotlights, interviews, or articles from manufacturers, and does not endorse or recommend specific products or brands. AWHI’s role is to educate the market on advances in heat pump water heater technology to support informed decision making and market transformation. Read more about AWHI content policy here.