Startup Unveils High-Tech Water Heater
A new water heater from the tech startup Cala promises to save homeowners money and reduce their environmental footprint. While the initial cost is higher than traditional models, the company emphasizes long-term savings, factoring in rebates, tax credits, and reduced energy consumption.
Cala is offering an intelligent heat pump water heater, with an initial purchase price of $2,850 before rebates and taxes.
Cala provides side-by-side comparisons that highlight significant lifetime savings compared to older models. For example, in an Arizona household of four, the annual energy cost of a Cala water heater is projected to be $134, compared to $388 for natural gas. Over the lifetime of the unit, the Cala would cost $4,712 versus $6,844 for the gas model.
In North Carolina, a family of four could pay $197 annually with a Cala water heater, compared to $673 for an electric resistance model. The lifetime cost is estimated at $5,011 with the Cala, in contrast to $10,149 for electric resistance.
Because water heaters can account for roughly 20% of a home’s energy use, choosing a more efficient model has a significant environmental impact. Heat pump water heaters use less energy, reducing pollution and strain on the electricity grid.
In addition to these long-term savings, heat pump water heaters are becoming more affordable thanks to state and local rebates, along with federal tax credits. However, with uncertainty about the future of these incentives, acting quickly is advisable to take advantage of current programs.
