Heat Pump vs Water Heater

So, it's time to replace your water heater and you want to know which one is best for you? There are many options between electric heaters, gas water heaters and heat pumps (hybrid). The type you choose depends on your needs.

In this article, we will focus on hybrid heat pumps versus electric water heaters. This will include their features, advantages and disadvantages.

Read on to discover the best heater for you.

Heat Pump Water Heater

Heat pump water heaters are great green technology that uses ambient air to help heat water. This ultimately reduces the energy required to heat the water and can significantly reduce costs.

Advantage

1. Utilize ambient air

A huge advantage is that heat pump water heaters use ambient heat from the air around the unit to help heat the water. If you live in a warm climate, this can significantly reduce the energy and money you spend heating your water.

2. Fast ROI

Everyone loves a good return on investment in their energy efficient appliances. The return on investment for a hybrid water heater can be as early as four years after initial installation. That's pretty quick for the device, and just means you'll save money for most of the device's lifespan.

3. Long life

The lifespan of a heat pump water heater is 10-15 years. This is an average of 5 years longer than a standard electric or gas water heater.

4. Rebates and tax benefits

Depending on your location and the unit you choose, there are quite a few discounts to apply. Taking advantage of these tax credits and rebates can cover a significant portion of your initial cost. For a full breakdown of these savings, check out our full article on the topic here.

Shortcoming

1. Need more space

Hybrid water heaters are taller than electric or gas water heaters due to the heat pump on top of the water heater. Additionally, the unit uses ambient air, so it is recommended to leave about 100 square feet of open space around the water heater. This prevents the water heater from recirculating its own cold exhaust air.

2. More effective in warm climates

Heat pump water heaters are naturally more efficient in warm climates. The warmer the air, the more efficiently the heat pump can heat water without using electricity. While they can still be effective in cooler climates, they work best in warmer climates.

3. Higher initial cost

The initial cost of a hybrid water heater is much higher than a standard electric water heater. In most cases, it can be over $1,000, and a standard water heater usually runs for less than $500. While tax rebates, tax incentives, and energy savings will ultimately save you a lot of money in the long run, it can be difficult to cover the initial cost of equipment.

Advantages of electric water heaters

1. Low initial cost

In general, electric water heater models are generally less expensive than other types of heaters. You may find it difficult to find more affordable home hot water options.

In addition, the installation cost is not very high. If you like DIY, you can even install the heater yourself. If not, you can always hire a plumber.

2. Reasonable energy efficiency

Yes, the electricity bill is indeed on the high side, mainly when it is used to power the water heater. However, electric heaters are more efficient than gas heaters, especially compared to traditional types.

Of course, the efficiency of a water heater depends on several factors. Like model, size of heater, insulation, power, ventilation, and even climate.

3. Easy to obtain

And, this is probably the number one reason why electric water heaters are so popular. Heaters are available, as is the way they are powered. It's as simple as plugging in the heater and turning it on, since most homes are connected to the grid.

Disadvantages of electric water heaters

Let's face it; there are better home heating solutions than electric water heaters. that's why.

1. Slow heating time and recovery

Now, you may have to wait a long time for the hot water to heat up. If you have, then you are already familiar with one of the disadvantages of electric water heaters. They take a long time to heat up and you will have to wait a long time once the hot water runs out. For a small family, this might not be a big deal, but for a large family, it's a big deal.

2. Insufficient hot water during power outage

Likewise, if there is a storm or power outage for some reason, there will be no hot water. This can be very inconvenient.

3. It is expensive in the long run

Basically, these heaters are inexpensive to install but require regular maintenance. Also, they tend to require replacement more frequently than hybrid or gas heaters, eg. Then, it will increase the electricity bill.

Heat Pump Water Heaters vs Electric

So, what is the difference between a heat pump water heater and an electric water heater?

1. Heating technology:

Both heat water differently. Electric water heaters use electricity to heat the water, while heat pump water heaters use the hot air and heating elements already present around the unit as a backup. This reduces the amount of electricity used for heating.

2. The way they heat up:

Electric water heaters use electricity. Typically, heat pump water heaters are hybrid heaters that utilize both technologies.

3. Energy Efficiency:

It's not that electric heaters aren't energy efficient, but hybrid heaters are several times more efficient. The air is warmer; less power is used to heat the water. That's why it's best to install them close to the furnace.

4. How they work:

Electric heaters are used to heat water. Although heat pumps do the same but are more efficient, they also have an air conditioning effect.

5. Safety factor:

Electric water heaters are relatively safe, but people often get electric shocks. Heat pumps are constructed with safety in mind and are as safe as electric heaters.

So, what's the best water heater option for you?

Well, it depends on several factors. For example, your household size and the area where you live may be factors to consider.

If you have a large family or live in a cold climate, an electric water pump is probably best. However, if you have a small home or you are in a warm climate, you may want to consider a heat pump.

In conclusion, when choosing a water heater, you may want to focus on the energy savings of that water heater. And, that's not a bad thing. However, while the specific model you're considering can be very efficient, other factors can cause it to be more expensive.