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Before we get started, we need a little information from you.
All hybrid water heaters are rated at 70 degrees F for the room
air temperature where the water heater is located. Hybrid water heaters take
heat from the air and transfer it to the water. In the southern part of the
United States, this works well, particularly well when the temperature is above
70 degrees and even better if you can use the cool air the water heater creates.
If does not work as well in the winter in the north. If you are in the northern
part of the United States and you have natural gas, a highly efficient gas water
heater may be a better choice for you than a hybrid electric model.
The larger the tank on a water heater, the more heat will be lost through the insulation,
but a large tank is
better when there are large peak loads. For example a large family that showers in the morning before going to
work and school will usually create a large peak load. When the heat pump in a hybrid water heater cannot keep
up with the peak load, it will supplement with a normal electic heating coil, which dramatically reduces the
efficiency and dramatically increases your energy bill. Please characterize your typical hot water usage:
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