Buzz
Hybrid water heaters could help the average household save hundreds, potentially even thousands, in energy costs annually.
iStockphoto/Georgios AlexandrisA hybrid water heater is an engineering marvel that many homeowners are still unfamiliar with. Most people tend to think of water heaters only when the hot water runs out. In fact, most homes are equipped with traditional tank or tankless heaters.
Water heaters are often overlooked, so much so that they were only recently included in the Energy Star program, the government initiative that certifies appliance energy efficiency. Despite being one of the biggest energy consumers in a home, water heaters weren’t regulated for energy usage until 2008 [source: Green].
It's hard to ignore the fact that a water heater can make up as much as 17 percent of a home's total energy consumption [source: Green]. If you're aiming to improve your home's energy efficiency, your water heater is a great place to start. And when it comes to energy savings, hybrid water heaters are the top choice.
Storage Tank Water Heater
The conventional method of supplying hot water to a home is through storage tank water heaters. These are commonly chosen because they are some of the most budget-friendly options.
Storage tank water heaters can hold up to 50 gallons of hot water at once, making them an excellent option for households that need a large amount of hot water at a given time. However, there are some downsides [source: Consumer Reports].
These heaters take up a significant amount of floor space and aren’t the most energy-efficient choice. When you store 50 gallons of hot water, a lot of heat escapes, leading to wasted energy. Although they are affordable upfront, storage tank water heaters end up costing more over time due to inefficiency.
Tankless Water Heaters
These units are perfect for homes that are short on floor space or prioritize energy efficiency. Rather than storing hot water in a bulky tank, tankless water heaters heat water on demand using electricity or natural gas. Water flows through copper pipes as it heats from the bottom.
Though tankless heaters are much more energy-efficient than traditional storage tank models, they have been criticized for their inability to supply enough hot water to multiple locations in the house simultaneously. However, their energy-saving benefits are undeniable, making them a good investment for both the environment and your budget.
Hybrid Heat Pump Technology
Hybrid water heaters take energy efficiency to a whole new level. While they’re not yet as widely used as other types, this is expected to change in the near future.
A hybrid water heater combines the best features of both tank and tankless systems. It uses a storage tank and operates on electricity, but instead of heating water directly, it pulls heat from the surrounding air to warm the water through heat pumps.
The technology behind hybrid electric water heaters may differ by model, but the benefits are generally consistent. It’s a perfect blend that offers a large supply of hot water along with leading energy efficiency.
However, there are some limitations. Hybrid heat pump water heaters extract warmth from the air, which means they need to be installed in a climate-controlled, spacious area. They won’t function properly in cold environments [source: U.S. Department of Energy]. Regular maintenance and care are also necessary to maintain peak efficiency.
A Greener Home
In our ongoing efforts to reduce our carbon footprints and curb rising energy costs, a number of innovative household appliances have been developed. The heat pump water heater is one such remarkable invention.
This cutting-edge hot water solution delivers remarkable performance in homes worldwide. Considering that a significant portion of a household's energy bill is spent on heating water, this achievement is no small matter.
While the future of home energy efficiency remains uncertain, if heat pump water heaters are any sign, we can confidently say that we’re headed toward a more sustainable future.
When you hear the term “hybrid,” you might imagine a car powered partly by electricity and partly by gasoline. Although hybrid water heater technology is still developing and can incorporate various technologies, the term “hybrid” refers to a blend of both tank and tankless water heating methods.
Benefits of Hybrid Water Heaters
The most obvious advantage of hybrid water heaters is their energy efficiency. Traditional water heaters can be incredibly wasteful, especially since their energy consumption wasn’t regulated until 2008 [source: Green]. This is a serious concern since water heaters are often the largest energy consumers in a home — accounting for nearly 20% of your total energy use!
Because these models are more energy-efficient, consumers can save money. But what are the specific advantages of each model?
- A.O. Smith offers a hybrid model, the Vertex Power-Vent Gas Water Heater, which runs at 90 percent efficiency [source: A.O. Smith]. Meanwhile, GE's model is projected to be 50 percent more efficient than its current units [source: GE].
- GE estimates savings of about $250 annually for an average family.
- If easy installation is a priority, both GE's and A.O. Smith's models will fit standard tank designs commonly found in most homes. For those looking to save space, the Eternal Water Heater is half the size of traditional models.
Whether your water heater is due for replacement or you simply want to make your home more energy-efficient (and save money), consider upgrading to a hybrid water heater. Don’t rush to buy one just yet, though—there are still few options available, but in a few years, you’ll have plenty to choose from.
For additional details, check out the links below.
General Electric’s hybrid electric water heater boasts 50 percent greater efficiency than their other models. If every home in America used this technology, up to 30 coal-fired power plants could be shut down [source: Green]. That’s a significant reduction in pollution!
