How does a Hybrid Water Heater Work?
Hybrid water heaters combine tank and tankless water heater technology in order to provide a continuous supply of hot water in a more efficient manner. Hybrid water heaters that use heat pump technology act like a refrigerator in reverse, drawing in surrounding ambient air and vaporizing it using refrigerant. Cooler air is then released back into the surrounding area while a system of coils is used to pump vaporized refrigerant though a compressor. The vaporized refrigerant is then condensed into liquid form, releasing heat into the hybrid water heater’s stored water. Since heat pump hybrid electric water heaters are twice as efficient as standard electric water heaters, they are they only kind of hybrid water heaters that are Energy Star certified.
The Efficiency of Heat Pump Hybrid Water Heaters
In general, heat pump hybrid electric water heaters can provide the average home with twice as much hot water per kilowatt-hour of electricity than a standard electric hot water heater. If, for example, you spend $800 annually on hot water costs, installing a heat pump hybrid hot water heater link to Hybrid Hot Water Heater should decrease your costs to roughly $400. Additionally, since hybrid hot water heaters combine tank and tankless technology, a hybrid hot water heater will provide a continuous flow of hot water in different locations throughout a home even if multiple appliances are in use. Most hybrid water heaters also allow you to set your heating preferences which can further add to savings by reducing the amount of work the system has to do to heat water.
Heat Pump Hybrid Electric Water Heaters and Tax Credits
Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), certain heat pump hybrid water heaters are eligible for a federal tax credit link to Up to $1,500 in Federal Tax Credit through the end of 2010. If you purchase an ENERGY STAR® certified hybrid electric water heater before or on December 31, 2010, you can claim a 30 percent tax credit (capped at $1,500) on your federal taxes. Additionally, many states and municipalities have rebates and incentives programs that may apply as well.
Evaluating Heat Pump Hybrid Water Heaters
There are a number of hybrid water heaters on the market, each with different advantages and disadvantages that must be considered. Regardless of whether you are a homeowner considering green options or a contractor installing hot water heater systems, Public Service Plumbers link to Dallas, Texas can help you. For more information, call (214) 753-4633 or email a customer service representative for an estimate.
