Folks have any opinions on hybrid heat pump hot water heaters versus straight-up heat pump hot water heaters? I need to replace a conventional gas hot water heater. - ThreadSky

jglarusso.bsky.social • 26 days ago

Folks have any opinions on hybrid heat pump hot water heaters versus straight-up heat pump hot water heaters?

I need to replace a conventional gas hot water heater.

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perry313.bsky.social•26 days ago

I'm in Northern Virginia. I have a hybrid but haven't needed it during the cold spell. Family size, and behavior would also affect the choice--just 2 of us and we don't have a bathtub. I get by with the 50 gallon size. A larger size would make sense for a family.

kevinleecaster.bsky.social•25 days ago

If you are switching from a gas-fired domestic hot water heater to a heat pump model you'll want to increase the volume by about two "sizes" I've heard, but it's mostly up to usage rates especially with the ones that you can set the internal temperature higher and lower using mixing valves.

kevinleecaster.bsky.social•25 days ago

Ran across this #EnergyStar supported description of HPHWHs this week that discusses them pretty well for lay persons imo.
https://youtu.be/YT0zTRD7N2s

thumbnailsketch.bsky.social•25 days ago

In Baltimore, turned off the electric part of a hybrid shortly after install and have not needed to turn it back on, though in the coldest weather showers were noticeably warm rather than hot for a couple days. Love it.

thumbnailsketch.bsky.social•25 days ago

(The electric resistance part obviously)

tzed250.bsky.social•25 days ago

We have a State Premier hybrid we’ve had for almost 10 years, it’s been great. It’s in a pantry/mechanical room under the stairs and I like being able to switch modes so the heat pump doesn’t kick on during a movie or if we have house guests, etc. I ducted the intake so it draws from the hallway.

bsmithwood.bsky.social•26 days ago

Do hybrid. In winter you’lil want the option for it to switch over when temp runs low

stitchingtwitcher.bsky.social•25 days ago

📌

cleanenergymeg.bsky.social•25 days ago

I just got one of these installed in Boston. It has a backup electric resistance element, but it hasn't been kicking on for a household of 4, even in this cold. But it might be nice to have for times when there are more people visiting in the home. https://www.neshw.com/residential/solar-heat-pump-water-heater/

garlicnanchovies.bsky.social•25 days ago

just bought one; right now too cold to run the heat pump (i live in the mountains) but should be able to switch early spring; recommended by consumer reports and wirecutter

lukemiles.bsky.social•25 days ago

Depends on your location. If you’re in the US, manufacturers strongly recommend 240 V hybrid for anyone north of Virginia, south of Virginia either 120 V heat pump-only or 240 V hybrid is fine. The 120 V models have a very long recovery time during winter if you’re north of Virginia.

42knot.bsky.social•26 days ago

How many people in the house? Any height limitations in the basement? We've installed close to 1000 Stiebel Eltron HPWH (they do have an element but it is small) and had zero HW complaints.

energysmartwv.bsky.social•25 days ago

This is the answer currently if it fits the household.

I’m now pushing 100% failure rate in the last 5 years with Rheem and Ao Smith. I’m disgusted. Several friends are over 50%.

energysmartwv.bsky.social•25 days ago

Resistance can be fine too, my current personal go to.

jglarusso.bsky.social•25 days ago

It’s a rental property. Sleeps a max of 6. Will likely mostly be 3-4. No height limitations.

42knot.bsky.social•25 days ago

So 2 full baths? And is the WH in a basement? Is the basement insulated, heated?

jglarusso.bsky.social•25 days ago

Yes, 3 beds, 2 full baths, and the basement is finished. The HW is in a utility closet. Standard ceiling height.

42knot.bsky.social•25 days ago

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.

jglarusso.bsky.social•25 days ago

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?

42knot.bsky.social•25 days ago

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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