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Massachusetts homeowner says a plumber’s purchase cost them a $750 water heater rebate

Digilifetrends Published 2 min read

"By the time it was bought and installed, the rebate was no longer available."

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A Massachusetts homeowner says they lost out on a $750 discount for a heat pump water heater because the plumber bought the equipment, highlighting why incentive rules should be checked before any purchase is made.

What to know

The story surfaced in a Reddit thread about Mass Save’s water heater incentive. The original poster asked the r/massachusetts community: "Can anyone confirm that there's no way I can self-install a heat pump water heater and get the $750 rebate?"

One commenter said their plumber had picked up the unit from a plumbing supply store and they did not receive the incentive.

"I can speak to this because I screwed up and didn't get the rebate. The heat pump water heater rebate is at the POINT OF SALE, not something you submit an invoice for after the fact and get a check," the commenter wrote. "... My experience was my plumber ordered from a plumbing supply store and didn't get the rebate. By the time he purchased and installed it, it was too late to get the rebate."

Another user responded, "He pocketed it."

Other commenters described different outcomes, including one who said: "I got the rebate on mine and self-installed. You can get a coupon on the Mass Save website that takes $750 off at Lowe's or Home Depot."

A third commenter advised that the best way to resolve the confusion is to contact Mass Save directly or review the current installation requirements, since program rules can change from year to year.

One commenter also said they had found that only in-stock models qualified for the discount.

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Where can I learn more?

Other homeowners have also had to navigate water heater costs, contractor work, and incentive rules.

• One Massachusetts homeowner said a heat pump water heater cut power use and helped during outages.

• Another Massachusetts homeowner unable to access Mass Save faced heat pump quotes of $20,000-30,000.

• A plumber installed an upgraded water heater under warranty, but the serial numbers did not match.

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