What is a Hybrid-Electric Water Heater?
Hybrid-electric water heaters offer the benefits of energy efficiency with the reliability of an electric water heater. Using heat from the outside air, or air around it, it draws that heat into the evaporator coil, containing a refrigerant that absorbs the heat. Like the tank being wrapped in an electric blanket, the coils keep the water warm using the surrounding air temperature. A heat exchanger heats the water within the tank to the preferred temperature before water is transferred to sinks, showers, and large appliances. A hybrid-electric water heater does not run constantly, increasing efficiency.
For Whom is a Hybrid-Electric Heat Pump Right For?
Canada is one of the coldest climates for people to live in. Even so, hybrid-electric water heaters are appropriate for communities with climates above -13 degrees Fahrenheit.
A hybrid-electric water heater is easily installed where an electric water heater has already been. A house plumbed for a gas water heater, may not be easily converted to this type of water heater due to costs for being retrofitted for electric fittings, including the installation of a high voltage breaker. Because there is a tank to heat the water in, more space is required than for a tankless water heater.
When compared with a regular electric tank water heater, a hybrid-electric tank water heater outperformed by providing:
- longer single shower lengths (33 min vs 27 min)
- more back-to-back showers (4.2 showers vs 3.4 showers)
- more gallons to be used at once (82 gallons vs 75 gallons)
- ENERGY STAR Certified
- Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) of 3.45 vs 0.92
- Reduced heating costs of up to 10%
What is the Difference Between a Hybrid Electric Water Heater Versus a Tankless Water Heater?
Hybrid-electric water heater and tankless water heaters are both able to support the needs of an average four-person household. There are some differences that may help you make an informed decision about which is best for you.
Tankless water heater:
- heats between 2 and 5 gallons of water per minute on demand
- requires a minimal amount of space
- Cannot sufficiently support multiple demands simultaneously, like using the washing machine, dishwasher, and shower at the same time.
Hybrid-Electric model:
- uses the heat from the surrounding air to warm the water and regulate the water temperature while using electricity to supplement the heat
- more energy efficient
- Moves the heat that is surrounding it into a converter to begin warming water in the tank
- Requires air around it and uses a tank and more space
- Increases efficiency by using electricity to supplement the heating process
- Can provide water for multiple functions simultaneously.
Hydro-Flo Plumbing & Heating
Ready to install a hybrid-electric water heater? Hydro-Flo Plumbing & Heating is here to help your family get ready for a more sustainable lifestyle. Check our hybrid water heaters provide you with the performance of a conventional water heater while enhancing your home’s overall energy efficiency.
Call us at 780-203-2230 or contact us today!