Peninsula Living Blog: October 2014

Hybrid Water Heaters. Can They Save You Money?

Great information from home inspector Michael Thornton, in Brentwood, TN. Hybrid water heaters are new to me; perhaps they are to you, too.

When it's time to replace your current water heater, consider the energy savings as well as the initial cost, and fine the right answer for your needs.

Read one man's story and see how his choice is turning out for him.

     On July 4 of this year I stepped into my garage and felt that familiar squish on the rug at the foot of the steps that told me my water heater had sprung a leak. Drats! I could think of better things to do on the 4 July than to change out a water heater. Thank goodness, the big box stores were open, so it was off to see the Wizard to purchase a new one.
     The question was, “Which style of water heater do I purchase?” Sure, I could go back with a conventional style like I had, I could invest in a tankless or I could go the less conventional route and purchase a hybrid system. Although the tankless and the hybrid system were more expensive than the conventional water heater, I was looking beyond the price tag. I was looking at how much would it cost to operate. My decision was to go with the hybrid as it utilized energy saving technology and if I needed to, I could convert it to a conventional system with the flick of a switch.
     I also made the decision to put on a circulation pump. I could not see a reason to dump a couple gallons of water down the drain just to get hot water. I also lowered the water temperature 108°F. That was a comfortable temperature in which to bathe and I did not have to mix or dilute the hot water with cold. Once again, the frugal side of me won over.
     Over the past few months I was able to save on average, about $40 a month, as compared to the utility rates I had been paying in the past. I attribute this cost savings to the new water heater. At this rate, I will be able to save approximately $500 the first year which will more than pay for the additional cost of the unit.
     While I cannot guarantee that everybody will save this kind of money, as everybody’s water usage habits differ, I believe that you will save money going hybrid v/s conventional or tankless. I also understand that, like any water heater, there are limitations and constraints on where these can be installed.

The Complete Home Inspections Team - Brentwood, TN 37027