I'd suggest you get an 80G HPWH for those high occupancy days. I think hybrid (4500w backup) or pure HP (2500w backup) makes little difference. If the utility closet is less than 1,000 cuft, you need to add louvers in the door or other ways to exchange heat/air with the rest of basement.
Yes, was thinking I’d have. To replace current double doors with double louvered doors. Tbe basement is finished, but not furnished, so used for storage/laundry.
Do manufacturers provide dB levels I wonder, like dishwasher manufacturers?
Most spec sheets will include dB specs, but still worth trying to hear one in person since dB is often an imperfect measure of the character of sounds.
Stiebel lists their Accelera at 60dB (52 dB at 1 meter). Rheem is supposedly quieter, but they don't seem to include dB on their spec sheet anymore and I've heard they are inconsistent (in addition to some of the reliability issues that @energysmartwv.bsky.social mentions).
Since the basement is finished, I'd also pay attention to noise levels and get a relatively quiet unit (or go listen to one installed to see if it bothers you).
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Do manufacturers provide dB levels I wonder, like dishwasher manufacturers?