Hybrid Water Heaters
Hybrid water heaters are also known as electric heat pump water heaters. A hybrid water heater works by pulling heat out of the surrounding air and pumping it into the storage tank. These heaters have back-up heating coils for periods of high demand.
Hybrids have a longer-lasting alternative to conventional water heaters. The heat pump tank is built with innovative technology, giving them a life span of 13-15 years, compared to the 8-12 years for a conventional water heater. Hybrid water heaters also have the lowest operating cost. Efficiency of hybrid water heaters can be as much as 2.5 times higher than that of an electric resistance alternative.
On a hybrid water heater, the electric pump is mounted on the storage tank that heats the water from the heat in the surrounding air. It also has back-up heating coils for periods of high demand for hot water.
One downfall of hybrid water heaters is the initial cost. Hybrid water heaters can cost twice as much like other electric water heaters, but since they are more efficient, they will be paying for themselves in no time.
Electric Water Heaters
Electric water heaters offer many benefits to homeowners. Benefits include convenience, ease of use, compact and space-saving design, easier installation, and availability of a power source. Also, as long as your house has an electric connection, you will never run out of water.
Almost every home is connected to an electrical grid and they all have a readily available source for electricity, meaning that any home can effectively use an electric water heater.
A disadvantage of having an electric water heater is that there is longer recovery time. This means that if a household has a high peak hot water usage, the amount of hot water generated by the electric heater may not suffice to cover the household’s needs.
Need help figuring out which water heater is right for your home? Contact Marbledale Plumbing today.