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Overview

The City of Hayward's Heat Pump Water Heater Direct Installation Program provides eligible homeowners with free, start-to-finish installation of a high-efficiency heat pump water heater. Administered by Larratt Bros Plumbing on behalf of the City, the program covers all installation costs for qualifying properties. Both property owners and their tenants may benefit, provided they meet the program’s eligibility requirements.

Eligibility

Interested households must meet all the eligibility requirements to be able to apply for this program.

Income eligible: Be enrolled in either PG&E’s CARE or FERA plan or the City of Hayward Low Income Discount program. Not enrolled, but think you would qualify? Visit each of the websites to view their eligibility.

1. PG&E CARE: https://www.pge.com/en/account/billing-and-assistance/financial-assistance/california-alternate-rates-for-energy-program.html?vnt=care
2. PG&E FERA: https://www.pge.com/en/account/billing-and-assistance/financial-assistance/family-electric-rate-assistance-program-fera.html
3. City of Hayward Low Income Discount: https://www.hayward-ca.gov/documents/low-income-discount-application

Live west of Hesperian Boulevard: View the maps below for the eligible census tracts.

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Check to see if your property is in the program service area.

Have a gas-powered water heater: Preference for older water heaters (typically 7+ years old)

How does the program work?

Get in Touch: Call or text (510) 342-3692 to connect with the City’s contractor, Larratt Bros Plumbing, a trusted local plumbing company experienced in heat pump water heater installations.

Complete the questionnaire: You’ll be asked to fill out a short questionnaire to provide information about your home and confirm eligibility.

Virtual Home Assessment: A Larratt Bros Plumbing team member will guide you through a brief video-based virtual assessment to understand your household’s water heater needs.

Schedule Your Installation: Once approved, a licensed contractor from Larratt Bros. will visit your home to install the new heat pump water heater—in as little as 48 hours after signing the agreement.

Language Access Available Translation and interpretation services are available—just let us know your language needs when you call or text.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a heat pump water heater?

A heat pump water heater (HPWH) is an energy-efficient electrical device that heats water by transferring heat from the surrounding air into the water, rather than generating heat directly like traditional electric or gas water heaters. It is similar to how a refrigerator works, but in reverse. This results in a safer, more efficient water heater.

1. What happens if the power goes out?

If the power goes out, you'll still have access to the hot water already stored in the tank. However, producing more hot water requires electricity—just like most gas water heaters, which also need power to ignite and operate.

1. Will my utility bills go up?

Although heat pump water heaters are about three times more efficient than traditional gas models, the device’s impact on your utility bill will depend on your rate schedule. Expect little to no change to your utility bills.

1. Why should I switch out my gas water heater to a heat pump? 

Switching to a heat pump water heater helps:

• Reduce exposure to air pollution and fire risk—gas water heaters emit harmful, pollutants that can impact health.
• Gas water heaters use a flame to heat the water and can create potential hazards if not properly maintained.
• Comply with upcoming Bay Area regulations—beginning in 2027, new gas water heaters will no longer be available due to updated NOx emission rules from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.
• Save money and energy—heat pump water heaters offer high efficiency and long-term cost savings.

1. Is a heat pump water heater right for me?

A heat pump water heater may be a great fit if your household has adequate space—such as a garage, basement, or utility room with good airflow—since the unit needs room to draw in air. It is well-suited for households with steady, day-to-day hot water needs, though very large families with heavy simultaneous demand may need a larger tank or backup system.

Unlike traditional gas heaters, heat pump water heaters take longer to reheat a full tank of water, so households should be comfortable with a short wait period between heavy uses. They also produce a low humming noise while operating, which is usually not disruptive but is something to consider when choosing an installation location. 

In addition, your electrical panel would ideally have the capacity to support a 240-volt connection or be able to accommodate an upgrade if needed, though there are models that support a 120-volt connection.

If these conditions match your home, switching to a heat pump water heater can be seamless and highly energy efficient.

1. How do I know when it’s time to switch out my water heater? 

The typical lifespan of a water heater is 7 to 12 years. Tip: You can check the manufacture date on the label or serial number—often the first 2–4 digits indicate the year and month. Besides age, other signs include:

• Rumbling or banging noises caused by sediment build-up in the tank
• Leaks or puddles around the water heater
• Declining hot water supply
• Rusty or discolored water from the hot tap