FAQ

how it works

What is a heat pump water heater?

A heat pump water heater uses electricity to power the heat pump to move heat from the ambient air into the water. Depending on conditions, they operate at 200% to 500% efficiency, which means that between two and five units of heat go into the water for every unit of electricity that is used. Traditional water heaters are only around 60% to 93% efficient depending on type. That’s a big difference, and results in substantial reductions in energy use and CO2 emissions while saving you money.

Note: Heat pumps use the term Coefficient of Performance, or COP, instead of efficiency

What makes Cala different from other heat pump water heaters?

Cala heats water intelligently by learning your home’s unique hot water habits and preferences. Cala saves energy, lowers your bills, ensures hot water is available during times of peak demand, reduces your carbon footprint, and more. All this is done automatically without you having to program any modes or temperatures like with other heat pump water heaters. The Cala works by combining its flow sensor readings with other data streams (like electricity pricing, CO2 emissions, and more), then using its predictive control software and advanced hardware to control when, how fast, and to what temperature your water is heated. No other water heater has Cala’s advanced capabilities.

Does Cala save money by lowering the hot water temperature?

No. Cala’s #1 job is to ensure hot water is available so it does not provide savings or other benefits by letting the tank cool.

Does Cala require an internet connection to work?

We highly recommend connecting your Cala system in order to get the full benefits and savings. Your unit will still operate and provide hot water without a connection, but you’ll miss out on many of the benefits. Cala can connect via Wifi.

Installation

I have an electric water heater now. What will installing Cala involve for me?

The plumbing and power connections from your existing electric water heater will be reused, which simplifies the installation. A condensate line will be installed to carry away water that Cala removes from the air during operation. This is a standard plumbing operation; the ease or difficulty of this depends on access to drainage.

If your Cala unit is going to be installed in a space less than 700 cubic feet (multiply the length x width x height of your room to find the cubic feet), then the air inlets and outlets will need to be ducted to a separate space or a louvered door will be installed. In this situation, your Cala installation partner, or your preferred installer, will assess your home prior to installation.

I have a natural gas, oil or propane water heater now. What will installing Cala involve for me?

You will likely need to install a new 240v circuit to the location of your water heater. This is straightforward in most – but not all – homes. Where there are challenges, professional installers are usually able to overcome them. Your Cala Installation Partner, or your preferred installer, will assess your home prior to installation. Next, a condensate line will be installed to carry away water that Cala removes from the air during operation. Installing a condensate line is a standard plumbing operation; the ease or difficulty depends on access to drainage. If your Cala unit is going to be installed in a space less than 700 cubic feet (multiply the length x width x height of your room to find the cubic feet), then the air inlets and outlets will need to be ducted to a separate space or a louvered door will be installed. In this situation, your Cala Installation Partner, or your preferred installer, will assess your home prior to installation.

How much space do I need?

Cala should be placed in a room with at least:

-700 cubic feet of air (multiply the length x width x height of your room to find the cubic feet)
-30 inches x 30 inches of available floor space
-75 inches of ceiling height

Your Cala can be placed in a corner or against a wall as long as the air outlet is not blocked.

I’ve read that heat pump water heaters make noise and blow cold air, is that true?

When your Cala is heating it makes about the same noise as a dehumidifier, refrigerator or dishwasher, but you’re unlikely to hear this unless you’re nearby. It will also blow cool, dry air while it’s running (like built-in AC!) Some people may choose not to install heat pump water heaters if the location is close to bedrooms or other high occupancy rooms in the house.

Is there a ducting kit available?

We have ducting kits for both the air inlet and air outlet although most homes don’t need one. Your Cala installation partner can help you determine if you need one, or you can refer to our Owner’s Guide when it becomes available.

What’s involved with installation?

Your current water heater will be drained and removed and disposed of, then your Cala water heater will be put in its place. Plumbing and electrical connections will be made to your Cala unit and a condensate drainage line will be installed. If you’re replacing a natural gas, oil or propane water heater then installation will usually include the addition of a new 240V circuit and the natural gas, propane or oil lines will be capped. If your Cala unit is being installed in a closet or small space, it may be ducted to a larger space or the door may be changed. Most water heater installations take less than one day.

How do I know if there is a Cala installation Partner in my area?

We’ve had tremendously positive feedback from installers all over the U.S. This means we have a lot of zip codes covered but not all of them yet. In the event we don’t have a partner in your area when your unit is available, you can elect to hire an installer of your choice, install it yourself, or wait until a Cala Installation Partner is available.

Are Cala Installation Partners licensed?

Yes. All Cala Installation Partners have been vetted by our team and are required to be licensed and insured.

If I want to use my own installer, will they need training?

They do not need to attend a formal training, but we do give them plenty of resources if they have any questions. They will be able to download our installation guide and we also offer installer support via phone and email. Cala’s installation is the same as other heat pump water heaters.

How will my Cala water heater come to my house?

If you choose to have your Cala water heater installed by a Cala Installation Partner, we’ll ship it to them and they’ll deliver it to your home. If you choose to install through your own installer or install it yourself, we’ll deliver it to you. Depending on your location, shipping and handling costs may apply.

Do I need a building permit to install a Cala water heater?

Permitting requirements vary by jurisdiction, but it’s standard practice for installers to be familiar with the requirements for their service territories. We recommend discussing permitting requirements with your installer (Cala’s or your own), or contacting your local government if you plan to install it yourself.

Does Cala require a subscription?

There are NO subscriptions or fees required after installation. Our app is free to download for both iOS and Android.

Does Cala require an internet connection to work?

How do Cala’s advanced settings work?

Once you activate one or more advanced settings, Cala’s predictive controls use the relevant information to plan ahead and optimize water heating. For example, if you activate Carbon Minimization, your system will regularly download the forecasted carbon emissions for electricity in your zip code, then schedule water heating for when emissions will be at their lowest - all without sacrificing hot water availability based on your typical usage.

Costs & Savings

Why does Cala have a flow sensor?

By measuring your home’s hot water habits, Cala is able to more accurately predict your future hot water use to deliver the right amount of hot water while saving you money.

Why is a variable speed compressor useful in a heat pump water heater?

Unlike most traditional heat pump water heaters whose compressors run at one speed only, our variable speed compressor can operate at a range of speeds. This means your Cala can heat more slowly - which is up to 30% more efficient and saves you money - or heat more quickly, delivering you faster recovery. Cala is the first water heater to combine a variable speed compressor’s benefits with advanced controls.

What is a mixing valve and why does Cala have one?

The mixing valve senses the water temperature at the tank outlet and adds in cold water if the hot water is above the temperature setpoint on the valve. This enables Cala to heat the water in the tank above the delivery temperature and increase the effective capacity of the tank when it’s beneficial, like before periods of high hot water use, prior to a potential power outage, or during periods of low electricity prices. Mixing valves have been used for decades and some jurisdictions require them to be installed on all water heaters.

How do Cala’s advanced controls work?

Other water heaters heat only based on the temperature in the tank at that moment. Cala considers information like your expected hot water demand over the next few hours, your electricity pricing, and more – meaning it’s better able to ensure hot water is available while saving you money, and coordinating its heating with your personal preferences.

What rebates and tax incentives are available to me?

Stay tuned - we’ll have more detailed information on your location soon. In the meantime, we recommend checking the following:
1. Your local utility website
2. Rewiring America
3. https://www.dsireusa.org/

What is the source for the energy prices in the examples?

We used recent average energy prices from the Energy Information Administration.

Will my savings be like the examples?

Your savings will vary depending on a number of factors – some of the most important are how much hot water your household uses, your local energy prices, your location, and the cost of installation for your home.

Why does installing a Cala cost more than replacing my current water heater with one of the same kind?

The examples compare Cala’s installation cost to the cost of replacing the current water heater with the same type because this is the most common option for homeowners. A “like for like” replacement is almost always the least expensive installation because it requires the least work.

When replacing an electric resistance water heater, Cala (or any other heat pump water heater) requires a line to drain condensate from the heat pump. This is a standard operation but it takes time and adds a bit of cost. When replacing a natural gas, oil or propane water heater, installation usually includes the addition of a new 240v circuit and the need to cap the natural gas, propane or oil lines. If your Cala unit is being installed in a closet or small space, it may need to be ducted to a larger space or the door may need to be changed.

become an installer

As a Cala Installer do I buy Cala directly from you?

Yes, we ship directly to our installation partners. We accept major credit cards and ACH.

How does Cala installation compare to other water heaters?

We consulted plumbers and contractors from all over the US during development to ensure our installation is as straightforward as possible. Like other heat pump water heaters, Cala’s installation is similar to installing an electric water heater, with the addition of a condensate line. If the unit is being installed in a closet or small space, it may have to be ducted to a larger space or the door may be changed. Once installed, you’ll simply follow the intuitive prompts on your Cala to get it running.

What is the warranty?

We offer a comprehensive 10-Year Warranty designed for peace of mind for you and your customers. Product support is available directly from Cala representatives.

When will Cala be available to me?

Cala will be available in the first half of 2025, starting in the Northeast between Philadelphia and Maine. We’ll be expanding throughout the US later in 2025 and beyond. If you’re interested in being a Cala Installation Partner, please reach out and we’ll work to get to your region as soon as we can.

Payment and Reservation

Why do I need to make a reservation?

A reservation secures your place in the delivery order for your region.

When will Cala be available in my region?

We expect Cala deliveries to begin in the first half of 2025, starting in the northeast between Philadelphia and Maine. We’ll be expanding throughout the US later in 2025 and beyond. We will keep you updated about the status of your reservation as we expand.

Is my reservation payment refundable?

Yes. Your reservation payment is 100% refundable.

If I need a refund on my reservation, how do I get one?

You may cancel your reservation by sending an email to reservations@calasystems.com, and including your name and the e-mail address you used to submit the reservation. You will receive your refund within approximately 5-10 business days of our receipt of your e-mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cala is coming in 2025.