Have you ever been halfway through a shower and had the hot water run out and had to finish in cold water?
Hot water is not available permanently in conventional hot water tanks. Conventional hot water tanks will run out of hot water after they’ve used their hot water capacity (typically between 40 and 80 gallons).
Do you have a large family or a high energy bill and think there has got to be a way to lower it?
Conventional hot water heaters account for an average of 20% of most household’s energy bill.
Hybrid Water Heaters provide a solution to both high energy bills and running out of hot water.
Hybrid water heaters are fairly new to the market, not talked about much in the news, and something a lot of people don’t even know exist. Yet, they are becoming extremely more popular as the people realize what energy savers they really are.
This article will discuss and review the best hybrid hot water heaters and some things to consider when buying one.
Table of Contents
- What is a Hybrid Water Heater?
- How Do Hybrid Water Heaters Work?
- Difference Between Hybrid Water Heaters and Other Water Heaters
- Top 3 Best Hybrid Water Heater Reviews of 2021
- Things to Consider Before Buying a Hybrid Water Heater
- Benefits of Having a Hybrid Water Heater
- Conclusion
What is a Hybrid Water Heater?
Hybrid water heaters, sometimes referred or compared to heat pump water heaters, combine the benefits of both an electric and the conventional style water heater.
Over the past decade, the technology of the hybrid water heater has improved greatly; combining components like a tankless water heater and thermo heaters – making this new system a hybrid.
Hybrid water heaters combine electric, air, and water technologies.
How Do Hybrid Water Heaters Work?
A heat pump or Hybrid water heater uses heat in the air pulled from different sources (depending on the design and how they’re installed) to condition and heat water in the tank instead of creating heat by burning natural gas or using electricity.
For example, a hybrid will pull heat from the hot summer air and use minimal electricity to generate and store hot water. The same goes for water, soil, and solar panels; the hybrid pulls the energy it needs to heat the water from these sources. Hence, hybrid water heaters have proven to be highly energy efficient for homeowners.
Difference Between Hybrid Water Heaters and Other Water Heaters
Now that we understand a little bit about how hybrid hot water heaters work, let’s take a look at other common hot water heaters and how they operate.
A traditional water heater relies on a storage tank of hot water that has been pumped in and heated using heating coils (either by using gas or electric). The hot water tank is drawn from when the heat is demanded somewhere in the home. The storage tank must regularly be re-heated to keep the water in it up to temp.
On-demand water heaters work in a similar way to traditional water heaters. But, instead of storing hot water in a tank and reheating it when necessary, on-demand water heaters only make hot water when it is needed. This skips the need to keep 40 to 80 gallons of hot water heated at all times. Yet, on-demand water heaters are limited by how many “draws” or areas in the house that need hot water at a given time. Too many draws and an on-demand water heater can’t keep up. There is also a delay in receiving hot water with an on-demand water heater due to having to wait for the hot water to heat up.
These methods have been the traditional means for heating water until the new hybrid water heater pump came along. Take a look at these reviews and hopefully, you can choose a design that’s the right fit for you.
Top 3 Best Hybrid Water Heater Reviews of 2021
Rheem has the distinction of being the developers of hybrid electric water heaters and is now regarded as the top manufacturers of water heaters with hybrid technology. Therefore, when looking for an energy-efficient water heater that will save me money in the end, the Rheem Performance Platinum line of water heaters is my first choice.
The Performance Platinum series from Rheem is the top-performing line with the top of the range features. Rheem Performance Platinum 10-Year Hybrid High-Efficiency Smart Tank Electric Water Heater is said to provide up to $4,750 in energy cost over that span of 10 years thanks to their hybrid high-efficiency water heating technology. If that is the case, then the high initial investment makes a lot of sense.
The Rheem Performance Platinum 10-Year Hybrid High-Efficiency Smart Tank Electric Water Heater has a 3.55 UEF rating, which is a good sign that you will be able to enjoy long-term savings in energy costs.
With this, the best hybrid water heater, you get the flexibility of selecting custom settings, including Energy Saver, Heat Pump, High Demand, Electric, Vacation, 2-28 days, or placed on hold indefinitely, according to your needs. The Rheem Performance Platinum 10-Year Hybrid is available in three different tank capacities of 50, 65, and 80 gallons.
The ability to perform in one of the broadest range of ambient temperatures of between 37-145°F is extremely impressive. The Rheem Performance Platinum water heaters are designed for modern homes; thanks to its smart, integrated Econet and Wi-Fi connection technology, you can easily control the settings via the Rheem app.
Features
- High Efficiency
- Overheating Protection
- Temperature Pressure Relief Valve
- Vacation Mode
- Wi-Fi
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Works in a board range of ambient temperatures
- Saves money through energy efficiency
- Smart Home Integration with LCD screen, Wi-Fi and alarm
- Easy to install
- Custom settings
Cons
- Can be expensive initially
Final Views
This is one of the best-reviewed hybrid water heaters. Everyone who owns one is completely happy with their product, and I would recommend it as a next home purchase.
Stiebel Eltron is amongst the top-rated and widely trusted water heaters manufacturers in the world. Since the last three decades, Stiebel Eltron has stood its place as the largest’ heat pump’ water heater sellers in Europe.
Stiebel Eltron’s “Heat Pump” water heating technology redefines water heating efficiency by making water heating faster and reducing hot water costs by up to 80%. Although the “Heat Pump” is engineered to satisfy 90% of the domestic hot water needs. However, in cases of increased hot water demand, this water heater is equipped with an exclusively designed electric booster that ensures quick, on-demand water heating.
Stiebel Eltron 58 Gal. Heat Pump Hybrid Electric Water Heater is amongst the very few heat pump hybrid water heaters that are multi-purpose, which means that this water heater also functions as a room cooler/dehumidifier.
It has an energy-efficient compressor motor that draws in warm and humid air from its surroundings and generates cold, dehumidified air. This feature also helps with the air conditioning load of your house, making your home more energy-efficient than ever.
Features
- Available in 2 variations (58 Gal. and 80 Gal.)
- Lower Energy Cost
- Up to 80% less hot water cost
- 10-year warranty
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent energy saving
- Durable built quality
- Multi-purpose
- Low noise production
Cons
- Bulky design
Final Views
If you want an affordable hybrid hot water heater, I would seriously consider the Stiebel Eltron 58 Gal. Heat Pump Hybrid Electric Water Heater.
3. TriangleTube 36 gal. Indirect Hybrid Electric Water Heater
I highly recommend the TriangleTube Hybrid Water Heater for its incredibly efficient performance. Similar to other Triangle Tube products, this hybrid water heater is also equipped with the latest technology.
The exclusive “tank-in-tank” design of this hybrid water heater and the two inches of polyurethane insulation ensures that you never run out of hot water. These features also make the TriangleTube 36 gal. Indirect Hybrid Electric Water Heater highly energy efficient because when your boiler fires up its does not only provide heat to the water, but it also warms up the room.
The TriangleTube’s tank-in-tank design also prevents bacteria growth, as the domestic hot water is stored at a higher temperature than the traditional water heaters.
When it comes to maintenance, the TriangleTube Hybrid Water Heater is exclusively designed to promote water movement that prevents lime build-up. So, TriangleTube 36 gal. Indirect Hybrid Electric Water Heater is not only energy-efficient, but it is also easy to maintain.
Features
- Exclusive “Tank-in-Tank” Technology
- 2-inch of Polyurethane Foam Insulation
- 36-Gallon Water Storage
- Self-Cleaning and Self Descaling Technology
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Exceptional durability
- Energy efficient
- Tank-in-Tank Safety
- Fast water heating
- Easy to maintain
Cons
- Small water storage tank
Final Views
With this wonderful technology available, if one has a gas house, this perfect sized hybrid hot water heater is definitely the one I would buy.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Hybrid Water Heater
Before making this kind of investment on one of the best hybrid water heaters, there are some things homeowners need to take into consideration.
First Hour Rating (FHR): Turn on all the appliances in the house at the same time and see how well the unit runs; this will help the homeowner determine how well the unit would run during busy times of the day.
Gallons Per Minute (GPM): Empty the tank Now measure how many gallons the tank will hold in a minute. Less water=higher temperature.
Due to Federal Regulations in 2015, all water heaters sizes were increased in width and height. Therefore, any new unit will be bigger than the model you already have.
Remember the benefits of having a hybrid water heater is the fresh cooler air it will be emitting, so it needs a larger space.
Benefits of Having a Hybrid Water Heater
Several benefits exist in owning a hybrid water heater and all the hybrid water heater reviews agree that these appliances are energy efficient both to the homeowner’s wallet and to the environment; they have different operating modes, and they are the safest model on the market.
Durability: When one finally decides on the best hybrid water pump or heater for their new or established home, chances are they have gone to the electricity gov. page and seen the formula that will show them how much money they will save by putting this upgrade in their home. Most families will reclaim the cost of a hybrid water heater within 4 years.
Energy Star has estimated certain hybrids will save larger homeowners over $300 a year when compared with a standard water heater. That same comparison showed a payback period in 1.6 years with savings over its lifespan of $5,500. The hybrid water heater’s lifespan is typically between 13 to 15 years but can last even longer.
Cost-Effective: It’s easier than ever to pay back the initial investment of one of the best hybrid water heat pumps/hybrid water heaters with the new Federal Tax Credit incentives. Since 2016, homeowners who purchase new water heaters, especially green ones, receive money back on their tax returns qualifying for both federal and state tax rebates. With this incentive in place, the hybrid water heater will be paid back faster than ever.
Another way the hybrid water heaters are cost-effective are their connections are identical to those of most traditional water heaters, so if the homeowner is planning on placing the hybrid in the same place, the installation will be simple and inexpensive.
Multi-Tasking: Never running out of hot water again is the number #1 reason for buying a hybrid hot water heater. The family will all unanimously agree that never having to take a cold shower again is worth every penny.
Many hybrid water heaters can produce 2-3x the hot water of traditional models and the operating modes ensure that cold showers will never occur again.
This also means no one will lose hot water if two large water draws (like dishwater, washing machine, or hot shower) are running at the same time. This means you and your loved ones can take a hot shower while the dishwasher is running, the laundry is being done, and someone else turns the faucet on; the water pressure and heat will be there.
Control Room Temperature: Where you live, can be a “pro” or an easily fixed “con” to your hybrid water heater. Since these are designed to take the warmer air and use it to heat the water in the heater, a homeowner who lives in warmer clients will benefit in cost savings more than one who lives in a cooler one.
However, for homeowners who are living in those cooler areas, placing these hybrid water heaters where they are normally installed, next to furnaces and washer and dryers, studies have shown these water heaters are taking the heat dispersed from those “heat-producing” appliances.
Specialists also recommend for those in colder climates other upgrades like ones that will take heat from the ground or will store heat. Also, some homeowners have integrated these heaters with their solar panels and seen significant savings.
Wherever the homeowner chooses to place the hybrid water heater, whether it be a laundry room, basement, garage, etc. an additional benefit of hybrid water heaters is the space they are located in will be completely dehumidified. The system will put out clean, cool, dehumidified air.
Greener World: Most homeowners don’t realize their hot water heater accounts for almost 20% of their home’s energy usage. Hybrid water heaters cut down this cost, saving the homeowner money and lessening their reliance on fossil fuels.
Most hybrid water pumps have almost no greenhouse gas emissions. Making them one of the most environmental friendly appliances on the planet.
For example, if electric hybrid water heaters were placed in every American home, it would be environmentally equal to closing 30 coal-fired power plants or eliminating half of all cars on the road. That is how much pollution would be eliminated just by everyone switching over to hybrid water heaters.
Also, by using a hybrid water heater, a homeowner is cutting their carbon footprint by 2 metric tons annually. This is around 10% of a typical household’s footprint in the United States.
Operating Modes: Different hybrid water heaters have different operating modes, but they all have one. More importantly, some are digitally displayed LED panels which enable the homeowner to operate and adjust the hybrid water heater more easily. Sample operating modes that most models have, but might be named differently, are:
- Hybrid/Automatic: This is the machine’s default and primary setting. It is the setting recommended for normal daily use.
- Heat Pump Mode/ Efficiency: This setting only uses the unit’s heat pump. This is an extremely energy efficient setting if there will be very few or very small draws of hot water.
- High Demand/Boost: If the homeowner is planning on guests or knows there will be a particularly high demand for hot water, this operating mode uses back up functions more quickly so the home can receive water at an accelerated rate, ensuring everyone has plenty of hot water.
- Standard/Electric: Utilizes just the electrical units to heat water, which is the quickest but least efficient way to produce hot water (think of a standard hot water tank).
- Vacation Mode: Also known as sleep mode, the homeowner can switch the hybrid water heater into this mode when the family is gone from the house for an extended period of time.
Safety: Choosing a high quality hybrid water heater will better ensure the home’s safety. Quality made and reliable heaters lower the potential for toxic gas combustion and exhaust. Also, because of their assortment of operating modes and custom settings, the homeowner will not only never run out of hot water but can rest assured knowing boiling hot water will never unexpectedly come spewing out of one’s faucet.
All of the hybrid water heaters we reviewed are equipped with a single high-efficiency burner. This burner has power-vents and/or combustion burners that are sealed. This helps prevent spills and overloads.
Conclusion
With all the many costs, home, environment, and general life benefits to be gained from owning a hybrid water heater, it comes down to choosing the best hybrid water heater for one’s home.
Conventional or traditional water heaters are just not enough to service the average homeowner’s home. Most conventional tanks only hold 40 gallons, and when that water is gone, it is gone until the tank has time to fill up and heat again. This equates to cold showers, dirty dishes, and waiting to shave.
This doesn’t ever have to happen again. Now, with owning one of the best hybrid water heaters, you can save yourself from family arguments, while saving monthly energy costs and the environment.
While you may not be prepared right at the moment, now is the time to start thinking about it, especially with such great tax benefits.
Do You Want Them This Year or Next?
Now is the time to start thinking about what is best for your family. We have listed the 3 best hybrid water heaters available and researched them for you. We have researched much hybrid water heater to find out the best for you and these 3 won. So, now you can read all three reviews here why and find the best one for you.
Whether you have an all-electric house or a partially gas and partially electric home, we have given you the best hybrid water heater choice for your home. The research has been done for you, all you have to do is make sure the installation is done properly.
Best Hybrid Water Heaters Comparison Chart
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If you need help picking the best water heater for your home, please feel free to contact us and we will get back to you soon!
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Hi, This is Luis. Author at “TheHeatersGuide”. I am a graduate in Mechanical Engineering. Currently researching on heating technology. However, I have learned many home heating techniques and still learning the home heating technolgy. And I love to share my research and reviews.
