Utilities, energy efficiency organizations and market partners developed the Northern Climate Specification seven years ago to advance higher performing heat pump water heaters. An updated version of the specification has been released, and is renamed the Advanced Water Heater Specification.
While this specification is rooted in ensuring performance in cooler northern climates, its applicability and benefits extend well beyond the Northwest. The updated specification also enhances the end goal of NEEA's HPWH program - to influence the passage of a 2025 federal standard requiring HPWHs for all electric storage tanks greater than 45 gallons in size.