FAQ

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

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 with Cala Predictive Intelligence™ - learning your home’s unique hot water habits and adjusting automatically. Cala saves energy, lowers your bills, and ensures you always have hot water without programming modes or temperatures like other heaters require. Cala is the only water heater that can autonomously adjust tank temperature based on predicted demand to make sure hot water is available when you need it.

When connected to Wi-Fi and paired with the Cala app, Cala Predictive Intelligence™ gets even smarter. It combines flow sensor readings with live data streams - like electricity pricing, solar forecasts, and CO₂ emissions - to decide when, how fast, and to what temperature your water should be heated. The result: maximum savings, comfort, and a smaller carbon footprint.

No other water heater has Cala Predictive Intelligence™.

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?

No. Your Cala system is designed to operate fully without internet. This is a core design feature, so you’ll always have hot water. Connectivity enhances Cala by enabling optimization through external data, and we highly recommend connecting via Wi-Fi to unlock the full benefits: smarter optimization, deeper insights, and maximum savings.

For example, if you activate Solar Sync, Cala connects to download a solar production forecast specific to your home, then uses that information in its Model Predictive Control algorithm. Being connected to Wi-Fi also allows Cala to receive secure over-the-air (OTA) updates, so your system keeps improving automatically over time.

How do Cala Intelligence Preferences work?

Cala Intelligent Preferences are optional features available in the Cala app providing advanced customization for your home. Once you configure these settings, Cala Predictive Intelligence™ will incorporate them into its water heating plan for your home.

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 Pro Contractor, 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 Pro Contractor, 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 Pro Contractor, or your preferred installer, will assess your home prior to installation.

How much space do I need?

Cala will need 34 inches x 34 inches of available floor space and 77 inches of ceiling height. Cala should be placed in a room with at least 700 cubic feet of air (Length x width x height of room). If the room is less than 700 cubic feet your Cala unit may need to be ducted or installed with louvered doors - The Cala team can help you with the best solution here.

What are the electrical requirements for installation?

Cala requires a 30 amp, 240V circuit. This is typical of most electric water heaters and if you are replacing an electric or heat pump water heater the existing circuit will most likely work. If you are replacing a natural gas, propane, or oil water heater a new electrical circuit will need to be installed.

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 Pro Contractor 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 Pro Contractor in my area?

Enter your ZIP code on our Get Cala page to see if your area is covered.

If we don’t yet have a partner in your region when your unit becomes available, you’ll have the option to hire your own installer, install it yourself, or wait until a Cala Pro Contractor is available.

Are Cala Pro Contractor licensed?

Yes. All Cala Pro Contractor 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 Pro Contractor, 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?

No. Your Cala system is designed to operate fully without internet. This is a core design feature, so you’ll always have hot water. Connectivity enhances Cala by enabling optimization through external data, and we highly recommend connecting via Wi-Fi to unlock the full benefits: smarter optimization, deeper insights, and maximum savings.
For example, if you activate Solar Sync, Cala connects to download a solar production forecast specific to your home, then uses that information in its Model Predictive Control algorithm. Being connected to Wi-Fi also allows Cala to receive secure over-the-air (OTA) updates, so your system keeps improving automatically over time.

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?

Cala is eligible for most rebate programs, though availability depends on your electric utility. In addition, you may qualify for a 30% federal tax credit (up to $2,000) under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), whether you purchase through a distributor, installer, or directly from Cala Systems.

When filing a federal tax return, include Cala System’s Qualified Manufacturer Identification Number (QMID) G6R5 on form 5695

Please note: this federal tax credit is set to expire on December 31, 2025.

To explore your local options, use our rebate finder.

Will my savings be like the examples?

Your savings will vary based on several factors, including your household’s hot water use, local energy prices, location, and installation costs. Fill out our Cala Heating Cost & Savings Calculator form for a personalized estimate.

become a cala pro contractor

As a Professional Contractor, 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.

Read our full warranty here.

When will Cala be available to me?

Cala is currently available in New England. We’ll be expanding throughout the Northeast later in 2025 and throughout the US in 2026. If you’re interested in being a Cala Pro Contractor, please reach out and we’ll work to get to your region as soon as we can.

Payment and Reservation

How do I pay for my Cala?

If you purchase Cala directly, you can check out through our online store using any major credit card. If you work with a Cala Pro Contractor, you’ll buy both your Cala unit and installation directly from them.

When will Cala be available in my region?

Cala deliveries started in the Northeast. We’ll expand across the U.S. in late 2025 and beyond. To secure your spot at the front of the line in your region, you can place a fully refundable $100 deposit. You can also subscribe for updates to stay informed about the status of your reservation as we expand.

Is my reservation payment refundable?

Yes. Your reservation payment is 100% refundable.

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Frequently Asked Questions