What’s New on the Qualified Products List: More Heat Pump Water Heater Choices Than Ever

The market for heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) is stronger than ever, as evidenced by the August 2025 update to the Qualified Products List (QPL) of models meeting the Advanced Water Heating Specification. With more models and new brands on the list, installers and homeowners have more options for energy-efficient electric water heating.

Every model on the QPL meets strict performance standards and qualifies for incentives from many Northwest utilities — two great ways to bring value to your customers.

More Brands Join the Market

The August update brought 16 new products to the QPL, including models from newcomers like GE, Eco-Logical, and Navien. These additions are part of a broader trend: in 2025 alone, more than 100 products have been added to the list, signaling increasing demand and continued investment in HPWH technology.

Some key brand highlights:

• Navien, long known for gas water heaters, is offering its first electric HPWH. Their model features a stainless steel tank, a premium upgrade designed for longer life compared to more common glass-lined tanks.
• GE has introduced multiple 120V “plug-in” models which can be installed on a standard outlet — a big step toward flexibility and adoption.
• Eco-Logical’s new “OMNI” split system is offered in a 120 or 240V option and with electric resistance backup elements, both are a first for the category.

Other brands like Ariston, Alsetria, ECO-AIR, Gridless, and stream33 are also new to the QPL in 2025.

Technology Advancements

The newest QPL entries also highlight the pace of innovation in HPWH design:

• Variable-speed compressors in GE and LG models adapt their response to demand, delivering hot water faster when needed and saving energy during low-use times.
• Refrigerants with lower global warming potential (GWP) are being used in more consumer products, including new models from GE which use ultra-low GWP R-1234yf.
• Major product refreshes continue across established brands, such as Bradford White, which now offers higher efficiency and added features compared to earlier models.

What This Means for Installers

For installers, these QPL updates mean there are more options to match customer wants and needs, from plug-in 120V models ideal for retrofit situations to advanced split systems for high-performance applications. And combined with widely available utility rebates, these additions signal a healthy market and a continuation of the trend toward efficient water heating.