Electric Water Heaters

Tank Style vs Hybrid 

When it comes to heating water for your home, there are a few options when it comes to electric water heaters.  There is solar, tankless, traditional tank style, plastic and hybrid.  Today we’re going to cover the differences between two main types of electric tank style water heaters: tank style and electric hybrid. Both options have their own unique benefits, so it’s important to understand the differences between the two before making a decision on which one is right for your home. 

 

Tank Style Electric Water Heater 

Tank style electric water heaters are the most common type of electric water heaters. It works by heating water in an insulated tank and storing it until it is needed. The water is heated by electric coils called elements that are located inside the tank. Once the water is heated, it is stored until it is needed for use in the home, such as for showering, washing dishes, and doing laundry.  As the water in the tank cools the thermostats sense that the water isn’t at temperature and turns the water heater back on to maintain the proper temperature.   

 

Pro of a Traditional Electric Water Heater 

Lower upfront cost 

Widely available. 

Smaller unit compared to hybrid. 

Affordable repair compared to the hybrid.  

Doesn’t have a requirement of airflow to operate.  

 

Cons of a Traditional Electric Water Heater  

Does not come in sizes greater than 50 gallons, If your home requires more than 50 gallons of hot water, a standard electric water heater will have to be modified with a booster or a mixing valve. 

Costs to operate are substantially greater than a hybrid model.  

There are no rebates for this style water heater.  

 

Hybrid Tank Style Heat Pump Water Heater 

 Electric hybrid water heaters combine the benefits of both electric and heat pump technology. Like a traditional tank style water heater, a hybrid water heater does have elements, but it also has a heat pump at the top of the water heater. Hybrid water heaters can heat water two ways: by using the electric heating elements and/or the heat pump. The heat pump transfers heat from the air around the water heater. This results in a more energy-efficient system as the heat pump is able to extract heat from the air and use it to heat the water, which reduces the amount of electricity required.  The energy savings are phenomenal in comparison with the traditional use of only elements.  

One of the main benefits of an electric hybrid water heater is that it is much more energy efficient than a traditional tank style electric water heater. Because it uses a heat pump to transfer heat from the ambient air, it requires less electricity to heat the water, resulting in lower energy bills for homeowners. 

Another benefit of the electric hybrid water heater is that it has a longer lifespan than a traditional tank style electric water heater. A typical tank-style electric water heater has a lifespan of 8-12 years depending on maintenance, pressure and water quality, while an electric hybrid water heater can last 15 years or more with proper maintenance, pressure, and quality water. 

 

Pros of a Hybrid Water Heater 

Pays for itself in energy savings. 

Longer lifespan 

65- and 80-gallon tanks available 

Federal tax rebate available up to $2,000.00 from 2023-2032 

May have local tax rebates or rebates from utility company.  

Has the ability to run duct work to channel cooler air to spaces like the attic to reduce the temperature of that room.  

 

Cons of a Hybrid Water Heater 

Upfront investment is higher than traditional tank. 

Larger size than traditional tank 

Condensation line is required. 

Requires enough space to allow for air flow. 

Repair parts can take time to ship from the manufacturer.  

 

In conclusion, both tank style electric water heaters and electric hybrid water heaters have their own unique benefits. A tank style electric water heater is the most common and traditional option, while an electric hybrid water heater is a more energy-efficient option with a longer lifespan. It’s important to consider your needs and budget when choosing which type of water heater is right for your home.

Services in Phoenix & Beyond

If you find yourself in need of plumbing services in the Phoenix metropolitan area, you can trust Robins Plumbing to provide you with a higher level of service! In addition to our plumbing services, we also offer a variety of residential and commercial plumbing services. Contact us if you need help with drain cleaning, water heater repair and replacement, sewer camera inspection and locating, backflow prevention, commercial and residential jetting, water treatments, and more. Visit our reviews online to see what others have to say about our local plumbing company!