The Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) contracted with New Buildings Institute (NBI) in January 2021 to conduct research and outreach to better understand the current landscape of central heat pump water heater (HPWH) adoption in multifamily buildings. Research objectives included 1) Identifying all primary barriers to central HPWH adoption, 2) Increasing understanding of the value propositions (i.e., drivers) for each market actor in the central HPWH supply chain, and 3) Gathering market actor feedback to understand the most effective pathways to increased market adoption of central HPWHs. Research activities included fielding an online survey targeting specifiers and installers and conducting a series of interviews across the supply chain.
Based on the barriers outlined by survey and interview respondents, the project team identified recommendations to advance market adoption of central HPWH systems. These findings and recommendations will help NEEA understand the most effective mechanisms to transform the central HPWH market for multifamily applications.
