There’s a way to enjoy the benefits of a water heater and heat pump in one package: getting a hybrid water heater. This device is perfect for people living in warmer locations where gas isn’t an abundant option. Knowing more about this system can help a homeowner decide if the system is suitable for their dwelling.
HOW A HYBRID WATER HEATER WORKS
A hybrid water heater doesn’t use gas and electricity simultaneously. Instead, a hybrid heater first draws outside air to an evaporator coil. This coil contains a refrigerant substance that absorbs heat and then directs it into the tank.
Some variants employ space cooling and heating combined with water heating.
The heat reaches the water through the built-in copper pipes and increases its temperature. The heat also rises from the bottom, but the pipes prevent excessive heat loss.
Once the water is hot enough, it gets sent to the home appliances connected to the tank.
An easier way to understand the process is to think of the hybrid water heater as a refrigerator. They pull heat away from the motor and expel it elsewhere while the heater forces the hot air into the pipes.
Hybrid water heaters don’t run constantly and are pretty efficient. However, when the demand for hot water is higher, the tank will fill with water, allowing households with more members to enjoy a warm shower.
WHO NEEDS A HYBRID WATER HEATER?
Because a hybrid water heater draws heat from the surrounding air, the climate must be warm enough to provide the warm water people need. That’s why colder locations aren’t the best candidates. Hybrid water heaters are, thus, more suited for warm or at least mild places.
Generally, the temperature in the area should be between 40 degrees and 90 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year.
Tiny houses with less space may not be suitable for the tank. Hybrid water heaters are much larger than tankless units. The minimum area for a hybrid heater is 1,000 cubic feet of air space.
To install a hybrid water heater, a homeowner must place it so it can be connected to an electricity source. Therefore, a home that operates solely on gas isn’t a good idea as the extra work to supply electricity may not be worth the cost.
PROS
A hybrid heater tends to be more energy-efficient, especially if installed near a furnace room that radiates heat. That way, the excess warmth is still used.
These units can also reduce a household’s carbon footprint. In addition, they are often better for the environment than electric or gas heaters.
CONS
Besides requiring space and heat, they don’t work well in homes without an electrical connection. Their prices are also higher than traditional heaters.
INSTALL A HYBRID WATER HEATER
Despite this, some people are happy to invest in a hybrid water heater. Only purchase a hybrid heater from a reputable company with the experience to install them. You can trust the professionals to handle all the hard work.
Water Heater Pros provides water heater installation and replacement services for Las Vegas and surrounding area residents and businesses. Our expert technicians install both traditional and tankless water heaters for homes and other buildings with gas or electric service. We offer the highest quality installers for efficient, versatile water heaters such as Rheem. Ruud, high-efficiency tankless Navien units, and more. Ask about our installation specials.