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Thinking About Upgrading Your Electric Water Heater to a Hybrid or Tankless?..  Learn About Which One Is More Energy Efficient

Well when it comes to energy-efficient water heaters, there are two popular options available: electric hybrid water heaters and electric tankless water heaters. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and choosing between them depends on your specific needs and circumstances. But the big question is which electric water heater is more energy efficient, a hybrid or tankless?

Efficiency Ratings 

Before we dive into what a hybrid or a tankless is we must first define how efficiency is determined. The government has set forth a Universal Energy Factor rating or UEF. Every water heater manufacturer selling water heaters in the United States must conform to this standard of efficiency and list said rating. 

The easiest way to explain this rating is to use a monetary application which is very basic but accurate. For example, if a water heater has a UEF rating of .75, then for every dollar’s worth of energy you get 75 cents worth of hot water. If it has a UEF rating of .63 then you are getting 63 cents of hot water for every dollar you spend on electricity to the unit, and so on. So, now that we understand how we rate the efficiency of water heaters let’s dive into the 2 heaters that are the topic of our discussion today.

Electric Hybrid Water Heaters 

Electric hybrid water heaters, also known as heat pump water heaters, are a type of water heater that uses a heat pump just like your air conditioner uses to move heat from the surrounding air into the water tank. This process makes them very energy efficient. 

The efficiency of electric hybrid water heaters can depend slightly on the climate and location where they are installed. They work best in warmer climates where the surrounding air temperature is hotter but still work as long as the ambient temperature is above 40°F. Which is very impressive in my book.  

Electric Tankless Water Heaters

Electric tankless water heaters are another option that is gaining popularity due to their energy efficiency and space savings. As stated in the name these units are tankless so instead of heating up and maintaining a tank of hot water they heat the water on demand meaning they do not start heating the water until someone turns on the hot water at a shower of faucet. This can lead to significant energy savings as there is no standby heat loss, which occurs in traditional storage tank water heaters. Electric tankless water heaters are also compact, and they can be installed almost anywhere, making them ideal for small apartments or homes with limited space. They are also more durable and generally have a longer lifespan than traditional storage tank water heaters. 

Which Electric Water Heater Is More Energy-Efficient?

Both electric hybrid water heaters and electric tankless water heaters are energy-efficient options and are more energy efficient than a standard tank style water heater. However, there is a very clear winner in the efficiency department. The electric tankless water heater, depending on the manufacturer, has an energy efficiency of up to .98 UEF. Add that to no standby heat loss and they are a great option. That being said the Hybrid water heater UEF rating is at the time of this writing up to UEF of 4.07. I don’t know about you, but I cannot think of a circumstance that anything in our current market can save you more on energy costs as long as you are using hot water. 

Conclusion

Both electric hybrid water heaters and electric tankless water heaters are energy-efficient options that can help you save money on your energy bills when compared to standard electric water heater tanks. However, choosing the right one depends on your specific needs and circumstances too. Electric hybrid water heaters are more efficient than any other electric or gas options on the market, but they do have drawbacks too. Size being the most common drawback. On the other hand, if you live in a small household or have limited space, an electric tankless water heater may be the right choice. They are more energy-efficient than standard electric water heaters. They can provide hot water on demand, which can save you money in the long run and can supply endless hot water so no more running out of hot water in the shower. 

In conclusion, both electric hybrid water heaters and electric tankless water heaters are energy-efficient options that can help you save money on your energy bills. Choosing between the two depends on your specific needs and circumstances, such as the size of your household and available space. It’s essential to do your research and consult with a professional to determine which option is best for you.

Services in Phoenix & Beyond

When you’ve found yourself in need of an emergency plumber or water heater repairs and installations in the Phoenix, Glendale, Scottsdale, or Chandler area, you can trust Robins Plumbing. We will provide you with prompt and expert care!  Contact our team today! In addition to our slab leak repairs, we also offer a variety of residential and commercial plumbing services, including: 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!