Being an energy-conscious homeowner has many benefits. Not only do you use less energy, but you can also enjoy lower energy bills. You may also reap the benefits of tax incentives for making energy-efficient upgrades around your home. All these little changes can add reduce your carbon footprint quickly. The latest and greatest green innovation is hybrid electric water heaters. 

The team at Chesterfield Service explains how these systems work as well as their pros and cons, so you can decide if making the switch is right for your Chesterfield, MO area home. 

What is a Hybrid Electric Water Heater?

A hybrid water heater is like a heat pump water heater. It takes heat energy from the air around it and transfers it to your water heater tank to warm water for your home. Hybrid water heaters are three times more energy efficient than conventional water heaters. If your current water heater relies on natural gas, switching to a hybrid electric water heater can help lower your greenhouse gas emissions as well as your heating bills. 

How is a Hybrid Water Heater Different From a Tankless Water Heater?

Tankless water heaters are another energy-efficient water heater, but they are not the same as a hybrid water heater. A tankless water heater heats water on demand and is much smaller than a tanked model. Tankless water heaters are often installed next to bathrooms or under sinks to provide hot water as needed. Tankless water heaters can be both gas or electric. 

A hybrid water heater has a tank like a standard water heater, but they have a fan on top. They are usually placed where your current water heater is because they are similar-sized units. 

Is a Hybrid Water Heater Right For My Home?

If your current water heater is over 10 years old and has been experiencing issues, then it’s time to upgrade to a new model. If you haven’t considered a hybrid water heater for your home, Chesterfield Service weighs out the pros and cons so you can decide if one is right for you. 

Pros of a Hybrid Electric Water Heater

• Heat pump water heaters come with tax incentives and rebates that make this a very cost-effective solution for your home.
• Hybrid water heaters provide hot water faster than tankless water heaters, while still saving on energy costs in the long run. 
• Hybrid water heaters are less expensive to install than tankless water heaters. 
• Hybrid water heaters tend to last 15 years while making a return on their investment in roughly 4-7 years. Tankless models can last longer, but take a longer time to return on their investment.
• Can be compatible with smart technology. You can save money and energy by setting your water heating schedule throughout the day to meet demand. 

Cons of a Hybrid Electric Water Heater

• Purchasing a hybrid water heater tends to be more expensive than a standard electric water heater and installation can also be more expensive. 
• Hybrid water heaters operate most efficiently in mild climates and must be kept in a basement or garage where the water heater won’t drop below-freezing temperatures.
• Heat pump water heaters require 1000 cubic feet of space for installation, which often isn’t an option for small homes.
• They can be noisy, with a usual noise range of .52 decibels. 

Talk to Chesterfield Service About Upgrading Your Water Heater Today

Now that you know more about hybrid electric water heaters, it’s time to see if one would fit in your home. Talk to the team at Chesterfield Service today to schedule an appointment for an estimate on a hybrid water heater.