Project Summary
Project Type
Bradford White Heat Pump Water Heater Install
Location
Santa Cruz, California
Duration
1 day install completed by 2 plumbing installers and 1 electrician.
Services Provided
- Replace Water Heater
- Gas to Electric Water Heater Conversion
The Challenge
A homeowner in Santa Cruz needed to replace their aging gas water heater in the garage. With growing interest in electrification and energy efficiency, they chose to upgrade to a modern heat pump water heater system, which required converting from gas to electric power.
The Solution
Our team installed a 50-gallon Bradford White AeroTherm Heat Pump Electric Water Heater, completing a full conversion from gas to electric in a single day. The installation required coordinating plumbing and electrical work to ensure code compliance and optimal performance.
Project Scope & Key Components
- Equipement Installed:
- Bradford White AeroTherm 50-Gallon Heat Pump Electric Water Heater
Installation Process
Our comprehensive installation included:
Preparation & Removal
- Secured all required permits
- Drained, disconnected, and hauled away old gas water heater for recycling
- Capped existing gas line
- Shut off water supply at existing valve
New System Installation
- Installed new heat pump water heater in existing location
- Installed water heater pan with exterior drain line
- Installed seismic blocking behind unit
- Secured water heater with new seismic straps per code requirements
Plumbing Connections
- Installed thermostatic mixing valve for temperature control
- Connected new hot and cold water supply hoses
- Installed temperature and pressure relief valve tied to existing drain line
- Ran condensate drain line to exterior
Electrical Work
- Re-purposed nearby existing dedicated 30-amp dryer circuit
- Extended electrical connection to new unit per code
Testing & Commissioning
- Filled water heater and activated system
- Calibrated temperature settings
- Bled air from all lines
- Tested for proper performance and safety
- Cleaned up and removed all job debris
The Results
The homeowner now enjoys reliable hot water with significantly lower operating costs thanks to heat pump technology. The electric system eliminates gas combustion concerns and qualifies for potential utility rebates and tax incentives. Completed in just one day, this efficient conversion demonstrates our commitment to quality workmanship and customer satisfaction.
Photo Highlights
Our team completed this gas-to-electric water heater conversion in a single day with careful coordination between plumbing and electrical work. After securing permits and removing the old gas water heater, we capped the gas line and prepared the garage location with proper seismic blocking, straps, and a safety pan with exterior drainage. The new 50-gallon Bradford White AeroTherm heat pump unit was installed in the existing location, with all new water supply connections, a thermostatic mixing valve for temperature control, and proper condensate drainage to the exterior. Our electrician repurposed the nearby 30-amp dryer circuit and extended it to power the new unit according to code requirements. The installation was completed with thorough testing, temperature calibration, and air bleeding to ensure optimal performance and reliability for years to come.
System Benefits & performance Impact
The conversion from gas to electric heat pump technology delivers substantial energy savings, with the Bradford White AeroTherm operating up to three times more efficiently than conventional electric water heaters and significantly outperforming old gas units. Homeowners benefit from lower monthly utility bills while eliminating combustion-related safety concerns such as gas leaks, carbon monoxide risks, and pilot light maintenance. This eco-friendly upgrade reduces the home’s carbon footprint by eliminating direct fossil fuel consumption and qualifies for valuable utility rebates and federal tax incentives that help offset installation costs. The heat pump system provides consistent, reliable hot water performance while the professionally installed seismic straps, mixing valve, and proper drainage ensure long-term safety and code compliance. Completing the entire conversion in just one day with minimal disruption demonstrates our commitment to efficient, high-quality service that modernizes your home’s infrastructure for a cleaner energy future.
