LED bulbs use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs — DOE
    Turning off lights when leaving saves $30-50/year per household — ENERGY STAR
    Standby power ('vampire load') can account for 5-10% of home energy use — DOE
    ENERGY STAR certified TVs use 25% less energy than standard models
    Programmable thermostats can save about 10% on heating/cooling — DOE
    Sealing air leaks can save 10-20% on heating and cooling costs — ENERGY STAR
    Heat pumps can reduce heating energy use by 50% vs. electric resistance — DOE
    Ceiling fans allow you to raise AC settings 4°F with no comfort loss — DOE
    Heating water accounts for about 18% of home energy use — DOE
    Low-flow showerheads save 2,700 gallons/year for a family of four — EPA
    Washing clothes in cold water can save $60+/year on water heating — ENERGY STAR
    Fixing a leaky faucet can save 3,000+ gallons/year — EPA
    ENERGY STAR refrigerators use 9% less energy than standard models
    Clean refrigerator coils annually for optimal efficiency — DOE
    Air-drying dishes instead of heat-dry saves 15-50% on dishwasher energy — DOE
    Proper attic insulation can cut heating/cooling costs by 15% — ENERGY STAR
    Windows can account for 25-30% of home heating/cooling energy use — DOE
    Window film can reduce solar heat gain by up to 70% — DOE
    Average US home solar system offsets 3-4 tons of CO₂ annually — EPA
    Solar panel costs have dropped 70%+ over the past decade — SEIA
    EVs cost about 60% less to fuel than gas vehicles — DOE
    Proper tire inflation improves gas mileage by 0.6% on average — DOE
    The average US household spends $2,000+/year on energy — EIA
    ENERGY STAR products have saved Americans $500 billion on energy bills
    LED bulbs use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs — DOE
    Turning off lights when leaving saves $30-50/year per household — ENERGY STAR
    Standby power ('vampire load') can account for 5-10% of home energy use — DOE
    ENERGY STAR certified TVs use 25% less energy than standard models
    Programmable thermostats can save about 10% on heating/cooling — DOE
    Sealing air leaks can save 10-20% on heating and cooling costs — ENERGY STAR
    Heat pumps can reduce heating energy use by 50% vs. electric resistance — DOE
    Ceiling fans allow you to raise AC settings 4°F with no comfort loss — DOE
    Heating water accounts for about 18% of home energy use — DOE
    Low-flow showerheads save 2,700 gallons/year for a family of four — EPA
    Washing clothes in cold water can save $60+/year on water heating — ENERGY STAR
    Fixing a leaky faucet can save 3,000+ gallons/year — EPA
    ENERGY STAR refrigerators use 9% less energy than standard models
    Clean refrigerator coils annually for optimal efficiency — DOE
    Air-drying dishes instead of heat-dry saves 15-50% on dishwasher energy — DOE
    Proper attic insulation can cut heating/cooling costs by 15% — ENERGY STAR
    Windows can account for 25-30% of home heating/cooling energy use — DOE
    Window film can reduce solar heat gain by up to 70% — DOE
    Average US home solar system offsets 3-4 tons of CO₂ annually — EPA
    Solar panel costs have dropped 70%+ over the past decade — SEIA
    EVs cost about 60% less to fuel than gas vehicles — DOE
    Proper tire inflation improves gas mileage by 0.6% on average — DOE
    The average US household spends $2,000+/year on energy — EIA
    ENERGY STAR products have saved Americans $500 billion on energy bills
    LED bulbs use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs — DOE
    Turning off lights when leaving saves $30-50/year per household — ENERGY STAR
    Standby power ('vampire load') can account for 5-10% of home energy use — DOE
    ENERGY STAR certified TVs use 25% less energy than standard models
    Programmable thermostats can save about 10% on heating/cooling — DOE
    Sealing air leaks can save 10-20% on heating and cooling costs — ENERGY STAR
    Heat pumps can reduce heating energy use by 50% vs. electric resistance — DOE
    Ceiling fans allow you to raise AC settings 4°F with no comfort loss — DOE
    Heating water accounts for about 18% of home energy use — DOE
    Low-flow showerheads save 2,700 gallons/year for a family of four — EPA
    Washing clothes in cold water can save $60+/year on water heating — ENERGY STAR
    Fixing a leaky faucet can save 3,000+ gallons/year — EPA
    ENERGY STAR refrigerators use 9% less energy than standard models
    Clean refrigerator coils annually for optimal efficiency — DOE
    Air-drying dishes instead of heat-dry saves 15-50% on dishwasher energy — DOE
    Proper attic insulation can cut heating/cooling costs by 15% — ENERGY STAR
    Windows can account for 25-30% of home heating/cooling energy use — DOE
    Window film can reduce solar heat gain by up to 70% — DOE
    Average US home solar system offsets 3-4 tons of CO₂ annually — EPA
    Solar panel costs have dropped 70%+ over the past decade — SEIA
    EVs cost about 60% less to fuel than gas vehicles — DOE
    Proper tire inflation improves gas mileage by 0.6% on average — DOE
    The average US household spends $2,000+/year on energy — EIA
    ENERGY STAR products have saved Americans $500 billion on energy bills
    Active
    Japan
    Heat Pump

    Kyutoki (Water Heater) Subsidy (Japan)

    Government grants encouraging the replacement of old boilers with high-efficiency residential heat pumps (EcoCute).

    Available Amount

    Up to 150,000 JPY

    Start Date

    2023

    End Date

    December 2025

    Eligibility

    Japanese homeowners replacing an legacy water heater in their primary residence.

    Eligible Upgrades & Scope

    EcoCute heat pump water heatersHybrid hot water systemsFuel cell water heaters (Ene-Farm)

    Policy Context & Overview

    Short Answer: This program provides cash-back subsidies to help homeowners upgrade to CO2 heat pump water heaters (commonly known as EcoCute).

    The Kyutoki (Water Heater) Subsidy Program is a national initiative managed by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). Residential water heating accounts for approximately 30% of a Japanese household's carbon footprint, primarily due to the widespread use of legacy gas and oil boilers. The program provides direct cash subsidies to incentivize homeowners to upgrade to high-efficiency CO2 heat pump water heaters (EcoCute), helping families reduce energy use and carbon emissions.

    Subsidy Tiers & Eligible Equipment

    The subsidy amount depends on the type of water heater installed:

    • EcoCute (CO2 Heat Pump): Base subsidy of 80,000 JPY. High-performance models that meet advanced seasonal efficiency standards are eligible for up to 130,000 JPY.
    • Hybrid Hot Water Systems: Base subsidy of 100,000 to 130,000 JPY.
    • Ene-Farm (Residential Fuel Cell): Subsidies up to 150,000 JPY to support advanced home cogeneration.

    Eligibility Criteria

    • Existing Property: The installation must replace an existing, operational water heater (such as a gas, oil, or electric resistive boiler) in a residential property in Japan.
    • Approved Installer: The installation must be performed by a contractor registered with the Kyutoki portal.
    • Product Standards: The new water heater must be certified on the METI approved list.

    Step-by-Step Application Guide

    1. Select Registered Contractor: Contact registered plumbing and electrical contractors in your area.
    2. Select Approved Equipment: Choose a qualifying EcoCute or hybrid water heater model.
    3. Sign Contract & Install: The contractor completes the swap, removing and decommissioning the old boiler.
    4. Submit Portal Application: The contractor submits the application on your behalf via the Kyutoki online portal, uploading invoices and serial numbers.
    5. Receive Rebate: The program reviews the application and transfers the subsidy to you, or pays the installer directly to offset your bill.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Q: What is an EcoCute water heater?
      • A: EcoCute is a trade name for residential heat pump water heaters that use natural CO2 refrigerant. They extract heat from the air to heat water, making them highly efficient and popular in Japan.
    • Q: Can I claim the subsidy for a new build?
      • A: Yes. While the program prioritizes replacements, newly constructed houses are eligible if they use approved ZEH-compliant water heater models.

    Ready to Apply?

    Visit the official program website to check your eligibility, find application forms, and get the most up-to-date information.

    Visit Official Program Site

    Other Programs You May Qualify For

    Active

    Net Zero Energy House (ZEH) Support Program (Japan)

    National subsidies for building or purchasing newly constructed net-zero energy residential homes in Japan.

    Up to 1,000,000 JPY per house