Refer a Neighbor: Switch to a Heat Pump Water Heater

Refer a neighbor and get rewarded. If you’ve already switched to a heat pump water heater, we’ve got a new program that helps you share your love for your new appliance. Know someone who’s thinking about switching? With the City of Palo Alto’s Refer a Neighbor Program, you can earn $50 for every successful referral—and your neighbor gets $100 back after their install. 

It’s a win for you, a win for your neighbor, and a big win for the planet!

How the Referral Program Works

  1. Install your heat pump water heater
  2. Sign up to refer a neighbor
  3. Tell your friends, neighbors, or coworkers about the City’s programs
  4. Your neighbor signs up and installs a HPWH
  5. You get $50
  6. They get $100

Together, you’re taking climate action, building a green community one home at a time.

How to Refer A Neighbor

First, you need to register to refer neighbors by filling out the simple form below and agree to the terms & conditions.  

When your Palo Alto neighbor begins the process to install a heat pump water heater by calling (650) 713-3411 or completing the intake form on the Switch webpage, they must include your name and address.

Then, spread the word!

Who is Eligible?

To Refer

You’re eligible if you’re a City of Palo Alto resident who: 

  • Installed a Heat Pump Water Heater through a City program (Full Service, Emergency Replacement, or Rebate)

OR

  • Installed a permitted heat pump water heater outside of City programs. (Must show approved permit.) *City employees and immediate family members are not eligible.

To Be Referred

Any Utilities residential customer installing a qualifying HPWH through a City program. 

Residential households using a neighbor’s referral to gain the $100 discount to install a heat pump water heater are only eligible for one discount per address. (One referral per address.)
Click here to view form.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What programs count toward the referral?

Any Palo Alto Heat Pump Water Heater program qualifies—Full Service, Emergency Replacement, or Rebate. Even if you installed before these programs began, you’re still eligible if your appliance was permitted!

Can I refer more than one person?

Absolutely! You’ll earn $50 for each completed referral—up to $600 per calendar year.

How do I know if my referral was successful?

We’ll confirm via email that your referral meets the criteria after installation and send your check by mail. You’ll be notified by email from switch@PaloAlto.gov, if your referral was approved.

How does the person I refer claim their $100?

Once they complete their installation and it passes City permitting, the City will automatically issue them a check—no extra steps needed.

Can someone list me as their referrer after they’ve already signed up?

No. To qualify, the referral must be listed during their request to install a heat pump water heater through the City’s program or via the City rebate process. Make sure your friend adds your name and address when they fill out their interest form.

I installed a HPWH years ago—can I still refer people?

Yes! If you’re a Utilities customer and your unit was permitted, you’re eligible to refer others—even if you installed before any City programs or incentives were offered.

Can the person I referred also refer others?

Yes! Once they’ve installed their Heat Pump Water Heater and it’s permitted, they can sign up to refer others too.

  

Share with Neighbors

Why Heat Pump Water Heaters?

  • They’re ultra-efficient and run on electricity—not gas
  • They help you lower your utility bills and your carbon footprint
  • They save you thousands in rebates
  • They’re healthier for you and the planet avoiding natural gas use and nitrogen oxide (NOx) pollution
  • They save you time when you use the City’s program
  • They automatically detect water leaks
  • And now, they come with a refer a neighbor program helping others make the switch

Switch Today

Heat Pump Water Heater FAQs

Learn more about the City's programs, how heat pump water heaters work, and more.

HPWH FAQs

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