Hybrid water heater

What is the difference between a tankless and a hybrid water heater?

While hybrid water heaters and their tankless counterparts might look similar while heating water, some slight differences can help you find the right one. The hybrid tankless water heater is commonly called an "on-demand"heater as it doesn't have any heated water storage space. Instead, once you open the faucet, the hot water flows straight to usage. Such heaters have proved not only to be energy efficient but also help save on water.

The hybrid hot water heater, on the other hand, has a storage tank and slightly takes more time when heating. However, the heating mechanism is what makes the difference. These hybrid heat pump water heaters convert heat from the surrounding area and use it in the heating process. The eternal tankless water heater sizes are comparably smaller than the hybrids. They are the size of a suitcase and can fit in a garage. However, the hybrid needs more space and a controlled climate room. Confining them in a limited space could make them ineffective.

Are hybrid water heaters worth it?

Hybrid hot water tank, when installed and used correctly, are considerably more energy efficient compared to standard water heaters that use electricity or their hybrid gas water heater counterparts that use natural gas. Generally, natural gas is cheaper compared to electricity. On the flip side, the hybrid electric heat pump water heater saves more energy by converting heat from surrounding air and using it to heat water.

A hybrid heat pump water heater can save you more than $300 annually. Of course, a larger household or commercial usage can cost more. For larger tanks such as the 50 or 80-gallon hybrid water heater, operational costs will be slightly higher than the 40-gallon hybrid water heater. A 50-gallon hybrid water heater can last two - 25-minute baths or approximately 10 – six minutes showers. The hybrid tankless water heaters do not run all the time, making them more efficient.

How much does a hybrid water heater pump cost?

The cost of a hybrid water heater installation can vary depending on various factors, such as the brand, model, or capacity. The size or capacity of the water heater will affect its price. For instance, a rheem 50-gallon hybrid water heater will be slightly higher than their smaller models.

Reputable brands also often have a higher price tag due to their reliability and performance. More energy-efficient models may cost more upfront but can save you money in the long run. Installation costs can also depend on whether you are installing a new heater or replacing an existing one.