Heat-Pump Water Heaters to Retrofit Old-Dwellings in LA
Abstract
How can we retrofit older dwellings in Los Angeles, California for improved energy efficiency and climate resilience?
This proposal addresses the need to improve energy efficiency and climate resilience in multi-family housing located within Los Angeles. Over 80% of buildings in Los Angeles were built before the implementation of California’s first energy codes in 1978. This has left many residents of low-income neighborhoods with outdated and inefficient gas-powered water heaters. These systems contribute to high utility bills, indoor air pollution, and substantial greenhouse gas emissions. Our project proposes retrofitting five medium-sized multi-family buildings with centralized heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) in order to combat this issue. HPWHs are a more efficient alternative that uses 70% less energy and operates effectively in LA’s moderate climate.
The proposal outlines a five-year implementation plan. We will identify ideal buildings, build partnerships with community organizations, and secure financial support through federal tax incentives, LADWP rebates, and clean energy grant programs. A detailed cost-benefit analysis estimates total implementation costs between $494,705 and $690,485. Our projected 10-
year savings of approximately $1.6 million come from reduced energy use, public health improvements, and avoided emissions. Based on these projections, the investment will be fully recouped in approximately 3 to 4.2 years.
This retrofit strategy directly supports environmental justice by targeting areas with the highest energy burdens and ensuring equitable access to sustainable infrastructure. In addition to cutting carbon emissions and reducing energy bills, this initiative improves indoor air quality and reduces health disparities. With proper support, this program can scale to other buildings across
Los Angeles and serve as a model for sustainable retrofitting in other urban centers.
