When most people think about water heaters, they’re probably thinking about conventional models – ones with a large storage tank that holds water for later use. More progressive thinkers might imagine a tankless water heater, which heats water on demand rather than storing it all.
But there is a third option for water heating that’s gained popularity in recent years, mostly because it does the job exceptionally well and efficiently: a hybrid water heater.
Not familiar with hybrid water heaters? Don’t worry – here’s a quick Q&A.
Q. What is a hybrid water heater?
A. A hybrid water heater, also known as a heat pump water heater, is a heater that combines features of conventional water and electric water heaters.
Q. How does a hybrid water heater work?
A. A hybrid water heater moves hot air to the water tank when needed instead of heating the water on demand. When the demand for water is high, a hybrid water heater switches to standard electric water heating to produce hot water more quickly. Check out this video to get the full explanation for how a hybrid water heater works.
Q. What are the settings of a hybrid water heater?
A. Hybrid water heaters typically have two settings: an economy setting, which limits water heating to on-demand use, and an electric setting, which is best for periods when you need a lot of hot water during a short window of time. Some hybrid water heaters also have a vacation timer that allows you to place your unit in a “sleep mode” while you are away from home.
Q. What does a hybrid water heater cost?
A. The initial cost of a hybrid water heater is substantially more than a conventional water heater – typically $2,500 per unit before installation costs. Keep in mind, however, that the energy-saving features of a hybrid water heater make its payback window as short as 2.3 years, with as much as $ 3,750 in savings over the course of the equipment’s lifespan for a family of four.
Could a hybrid water heater be right for you? Let’s talk about it. Contact the experts at Needham Oil Complete Heating & Cooling today to learn more about hybrid water heater installation in Middlesex and Norfolk Counties, MA!