Some of the best hybrid water heaters are available in stores such as Amazon, and you can get one whenever you want. It seems like a simple purchase process, but it can be incredibly complicated. This is because there are different models of these devices from various manufacturers. Some, we might add, would make terrible purchases. As such, it falls to you to ensure you don’t make a blunder when choosing the heater to buy.
Ideally, the right hybrid water heater for you should fulfill the needs of your household. By that we mean it should have enough capacity for all the people in the house. Another thing to look at is the first-hour rating. This will tell you all you need to know about the machine’s performance. Lastly, the device should make installation feasible and easy, which is why you should consider the dimensions and weight of the tool. Notably, these are some of the standard features shared across most of the best hybrid water heaters in the market. That said, most manufacturers opt to add extra features to the devices as well. Finally, you can find examples of top hybrid water heaters listed below.
Other features: HFO foam insulated, 2 anode rods
At the top of our list is the Bosch Thermotechnology Tall Electric Storage Water Heater, offering top durability and efficiency. The water heater is designed to fit perfectly in your maintenance closet or any other crawl space. It is designed for long-lasting use with two magnesium anode rods that offer double protection. The Bosch water heater is HFO foam insulated too, which will reduce fuel costs and enhance energy efficiency.
The Bosch Thermotechnology Tall Electric Storage Water Heater is best suited for those who are looking for convenience. It is designed with a factory-installed electric hot and water connection which prolongs the life. The surface mount thermostats are also fully automated, and the heat traps are added to reduce heat loss. For easy maintenance, there is a plastic drain valve, and there is also a temperature and pressure relief valve.
Other features: 98% thermal efficiency, 4500W, 240V, no anode rods needed, high-grade stainless steel
The Westinghouse 80-Gal is an impressive hybrid water heater, which is known for its ability to conserve energy while it works to give you hot water. The hybrid water heater is highly durable and encased in stainless steel construction, so you can expect to use it for a long time. It would also save you money because it can provide a lot of hot water without consuming a lot of energy.
One helpful feature of the Westinghouse 80-Gal water heater is the adjustable thermostat which makes it easy to select the temperature when turning on the heater. Asides from its easy use, it is also convenient to install and comes with outlet connections on the sides and top of the tank. It features a lightweight design, adding to the straightforward use and installation. The water heater is also safe to use, as it comes with a high limit control which protects it against overheating. Plus, the heating element of the Westinghouse model is corrosion-resistant, although customers have complained that they had to purchase these elements often.
Why did it make our list? It can deliver up to 84 gallons in the first hour, has a stainless steel design for durability, and has an in-built thermostat for easy use. It also features multiple outlets for easy installation, protects against overheating with high limit control. Finally, Westinghouse 80-Gal is fitted with corrosion-resistant and durable elements.
What is not ideal about it? This machine goes through heating elements quickly and can get burned out with the wrong power connection.
Other features: 20-gallon GPH at a 90-degree rise, full-flow, brass drain valve, thermally fused upper element
The Rheem MR50245 Marathon is a reliable 50 gallon water heater that is resistant to corrosion and rust problems. This water heater is made from stainless steel parts that make the unit impervious to tarnishing and rust issues. The capacity should be sufficient for a larger family with 3-4 kids and it can store hot water for a long time with no issues. This unit has a 240v power supply which makes the water heating efficient, in comparison to the size. This water heater weighs just over 100 lbs, it’s a non-leaking unit that has been blown molded into shape. The water tank has a polybutene layer and deep layers of filament wound fiberglass to improve the structural strength and durability.
Other features: 120V, multiple venting options, fueled by natural gas or propane
For relatively large households, we feel the Rinnai CHS199100IP would work best. As you can see, the size and weight point to a relatively large device. As such, you may need more space in your garage or basement to install the machine. The capacity of 119 gal. also seems suited to the needs of more than seven people.
The first-hour rating of 315 gal. is quite impressive. Part of the reason why this heater has such a high first-hour rating is its 199,000 BTU energy output. Also, the machine works with 120V sockets, which just might take some of the stress off the installation process.
Another pro of this heater is that it works well in both low and high altitudes. This might be because almost all components in the machine are top-notch and individually certified. These parts are all replaceable, making the machine easy to maintain and repair should the need arise.
Notably, the warranty coverage varies according to the different parts of the machine as well. The heat exchanger and tank, for instance, are covered for six years. As for the other components of the heater, their warranty coverage is five-years long.
Lastly, you have an integrated temperature controller incorporated into the machine.
What we liked: You can control the temperature of the water coming out of the device. The capacity and the first-hour rating are relatively high; hence this machine is ideal for large families. The parts used in making this heater are of high quality and individually certified. These parts are also replaceable.
What could be better: The machine is bulky and will take up a lot of space. This heater also costs a pretty penny.
Other features: 208/230V, three operation modes
Next, we have the 40-gal Ruud HP40RU option. The device has the lowest capacity of all the heaters listed here today. However, the weight is relatively high compared to the A.O. Smith FPTU-80. Also, the heater’s dimensions are provided above so you can plan for installation.
The first-hour rating is also the lowest on the list. That said, if you’re a family of one or two in the house, the heating capacity of the tool may be enough for your needs.
The water heater’s performance may also be dependent on the heat mode you chose to work with. One of these modes is the energy saver option, which will use the heat pump for all your heating needs. Next, the high demand mode is when you need a lot of hot water and fast. This mode will make use of both the heat pump and the built-in heating element.
Lastly, we have the electric heating option. While this option may be relatively fast at heating water, it does use up a lot of energy. Notably, you’ll also get a touchpad to control the water heater.
What we liked: This water heater comes with a touchpad that should make the machine easy to use. With the energy saver and high demand modes, you get to save on energy costs.
What could be better: The first-hour rating isn’t the best in the market. The tank capacity is also relatively small for such a large device.
Other features: 4500 W, 208V, Energy Star Qualified, digital display, reduces water heating costs up to 73%, Vacation mode
As you can see stated above, the heater’s capacity is 80 gallons making the A.O. Smith FPTU-80 a medium-sized option. As such, the water-heating machine should easily serve the needs of a medium-sized family of between three to four people.
Compared to an electric water heater, this A.O. Smith FPTU-80 also allows you to save up to 73% of the electric cost. This should add to the incentives to buy this machine. This may also explain why the water heating machine is energy star qualified.
One of the use modes of the device is the vacation mode. If you’re leaving your home for a while, you should activate this mode so that operation is reduced. This will again help you save on some energy costs and provide freeze protection for a while.
There are three other use modes available in the machine. They include efficiency, hybrid, and electric. You should thus choose the mode to work with depending on the hot water needs at the moment. Some of these modes heat water faster than others, while others conserve more energy. Notably, you have a digital display that should be handy when switching between modes.
You should know that the water heater is relatively large and heavy compared to some of the other options listed. Also, thanks to its hybrid nature and the fact that it can use ambient air as a source of heat, you should install this machine in a relatively open space. It could be your garage or basement as long as it has enough space.
Another performance metric to note for the water heater is the first-hour rating of the machine. As a result, this heater is a better performer than most other water heating devices listed. Lastly, all parts of the heater are covered by a decade-long warranty.
What we liked: The 10-year warranty is one of the highlights of the machine. Also, the capacity and first-hour rating seem to be enough for a medium-sized family. The cost of running this machine is significantly lower as compared to electric water heaters. Additionally, you can activate vacation mode when you aren’t in the house, leading to more energy savings. The energy star qualification is another reason for you to have confidence in the machine.
What could be better: This tool will take up a lot of space wherever you decide to install it. Also, since it sucks the heat out of surrounding air, it might be an inconvenience in cold climates where you need all the heat you can get.
Having hot water in your faucets is incredibly important, and one of the ways you can get that is by buying a hybrid water heater. The tool is efficient and saves you a ton in terms of energy costs. However, as we mentioned before, choosing the right hybrid water heater can be daunting. That said, it is incredibly less so if you have a buying guide to help you along.
A hybrid water heater is one that can use either electricity or heat drawn from air to raise the temperature of your water. The machine draws air from the surroundings into its evaporator coil. After that, the evaporator coil absorbs the heat from the air using refrigerant. Lastly, a heat exchanger transfers the heat from the coil to the water in the tank.
Also, a hybrid water heater will have an electric heating element as well. This might kick in when the demand for hot water is high to help the machine keep up with your needs. Sometimes these machines use the electric heating element and the heat exchanger simultaneously to achieve the fastest heating results.
The hybrid water heater will have a high heating efficiency compared to electric water heaters. In some cases, you can get up to 70% heating efficiency, leading to lower energy use. As a result, you can save hundreds in terms of energy bills.
As evident from the list above, each hybrid water heater will be unique in terms of features. Of course, the benefits of each will be wholly dependent on the inbuilt features. These include capacity, dimensions, tank material, first-hour rating, and more. Notably, these heater features should dictate what hybrid water heater you purchase. If you’re unsure of the importance of each of these features, you can look at the section below to see which ones to prioritize.
Each household is different in terms of the number of people living there. Some are as few as one person, while others have ten people or more. Of course, the latter will need more hot water from the machine for their daily needs. This is one reason why you look at the heater’s tank capacity.
To put this into context, the Rinnai CHS199100IP may work for a household of eight with its 119 gal tank capacity. On the other hand, the Ruud HP40RU can’t possibly hope to meet the hot water needs of all those people. This is especially true if they tend to shower in the same period, e.g., in the morning.
On the other hand, the Rinnai CHS199100IP would prove too expensive and surplus to requirements in a one-person home.
Remember that you’ll need to have ample space in your garage or basement to install the machine. In preparation for this, always check the dimension of the hybrid water heater. This will tell you whether you have enough space for the product. It can also help with planning. Finally, you should avoid installing the heater in a cramped space as it needs ambient air to heat your water.
Of course, the tank is one of the more crucial components of the hybrid water heater. This is where your hot water will be stored before it is released to your faucets. Needless to say, if the construction of the tank is flimsy, you could be in some trouble.
Notably, if the material of the tank is not top-notch, the hot water may strain it to the point where it leaks. Water damage in your home may then follow suit, and you’ll have to deal with the added cost of constant repairs. That said, if the tank material is robust, you can go a long time without having to worry about this.
Next, we have the first-hour rating, which is probably the most significant performance indicator in any potential hybrid water heater purchase.
Notably, the first-hour rating will tell you how much water to expect from the device during the first hour of use.
The first-hour rating for the A.O. Smith FPTU-80, for instance, is 86 gal.
During the first hour of use, the machine starts off with a tank full of hot water. Consequently, performance may dip a bit in the second and other consecutive hours of use.
Of course, the highest performer on the list is the Rinnai CHS199100IP, with a first-hour rating of 315 gal.
You are likely buying a hybrid water heater for the efficiency of the device and the savings it allows you to make in terms of energy consumption. In the Westinghouse-80 Gal, for instance, you can get to save a lot on your electric bill. This is because the machine uses up to 73% less energy to heat your water. As such, you’ll find that you can even recoup the initial cost of installation and purchase in the long run.
Another metric that you can use to judge the quality of your hybrid water heater is the noise level. The most efficient water heaters are quiet in operation. Notably, it might be a tad inconvenient for the machine to be loud. This is because the noise may prove to be a nuisance, especially when trying to do other things in the house, e.g., studying, reading a book, watching tv, sleeping e.t.c.
Next, we have the display. As seen above, most hybrid water heaters come with several modes that control water heating processes. Switching between these modes is easier if you have a display as it will show you exactly what mode you are using at a particular time.
Also, this display will be crucial even when controlling other aspects of the machine, such as the maximum water temperature. Notably, the displays in the A.O. Smith FPTU-80 is quite impressive.
In addition to the tank, other components of the hybrid water heater also have to be durable. One example of this is in the Rinnai CHS199100IP. As mentioned above, the components of this heater are individually certified. Also, they are exceptionally durable and can be replaced at a moment’s notice. The fact that they come with a five-year warranty is another testament to their quality and durability.
You also don’t want a hybrid water heater to give you headaches because it continually needs to be fixed. Remember that fixing any component of the water heater may be an expensive affair. Also, if it constantly breaks down, it won’t do the job it is needed for, which is to heat water.
One of the things that sets the A.O. Smith FPTU-80 apart from other hybrid water heaters is the vacation mode. If you’re taking an extended break from your house to experience other parts of the world, you should leave after activating this mode.
Notably, the vacation mode will reduce performance even lower because no one will be using hot water. Of course, with this, you save even more on energy costs. Additionally, the vacation mode provides the machine with freeze protection in the winter.
Installing a hybrid water heater in your garage or basement might be a little more than what most DIYers bargain for. However, if you know what steps to follow, you likely won’t need to spend hundreds of dollars on hiring a plumber to do it for you. We have explained these steps below so you can have an easier time completing the installation.
First, shut off the water supply. You are going to be detaching some of your existing plumbing, and as such, you don’t want to spill too much water. Next, you should cut off the power being supplied to your current heater.
You can then drain your current water heater of all water. You do this by opening a faucet or your shower and letting the water flow out. Ensure the tank is empty before you move to the next step.
After that, sever all electrical and plumbing connections to your old water heater. This may involve cutting some wires and pipes. Notably, some of the pipes may be threaded, and hence you can detach them quite easily by turning them anti-clockwise.
Once you are done detaching your old hybrid water heater, you can remove it and set it aside. This is followed by replacing it with the new one.
Make sure all the electric connections match, including the hot, neutral, and ground wires. Of course, the electrical wires need to be well connected if the device is to do its job. This is followed by attaching the plumbing as well.
There should be a pipe to provide the heater with water as well as another pipe connection to the shower and other faucets. Ensure that the connection is liquid-tight. For this, you might need Teflon tape, a liquid thread sealant, or wicking string. These options can also be used in combination with each other to ensure the pipes are watertight.
Additionally, remember that the machine derives heat from the air, which it then uses to raise the temperature of your water. By doing so, the air is going to condense and turn into moisture. This moisture then needs to be drained from the machine. As a result, the tube for the condensate has to be put in the ground.
Alternatively, the condensate drain tube can be connected to other drains in the house.
Also, remember to put the air filter in place. Do a last round of checkups to ensure all the connections have been made right before turning the water supply and power back on.
Lastly, you go down to the basement or wherever it is that you installed the heater and select the device’s working mode. Notably, your mode options will likely use electricity, the heat pump, or a combination of the two to heat your water. After that, you’re done and can now enjoy hot water in your house.
The first is water quality. For some of you, your supply contains hard water with lots of minerals. As a result, you find scale builds up in the water heater leading to a shorter life. If, however, you decide to add a whole house water softener to the plumbing in your house, you can add to the lifespan of your heater.
Where your water heater is installed is another thing that might affect how long the device lasts. Notably, in some of these installation areas, the water heater might have to work harder in a bid to maintain high water temperatures. This is especially true in wintery conditions. As a result of overworking the water heater won’t last very long. As such, it is imperative that you find the right place to install the device.
How well you maintain the water heater could be an indicator of how long the machine will last.
Nonetheless, if you choose a heater that doesn’t have this kind of protective feature, it would do you good to drain it of all water when going on vacation. You should also take the same course of action if the electricity has been shut off and there is a danger of freezing.
Also, in some cases, you might need to clean the air filter regularly. Remember that the water heater sucks in air and uses it as a heat source for the water. Consequently, if the device’s ability to suck in air is impeded, the machine won’t be as efficient in heating water as it should be.
Notably, debris and dust can block the airways in the filter and thus needs to be removed. To clean the filter, you first need to remove it from the machine. However, before you can do so, you have to turn the power supply off. Once the filter is separate from the rest of the heater, you either use a vacuum or wash it with soap and water. For the latter, you’ll need to air dry the filter before returning it to the heater.
Another regular maintenance check you should do is look into the accuracy of the machine’s temperature controller. If this component is inaccurate, the water could either be too cold or too hot to use. In either of these cases, the controller needs to be replaced as soon as possible.
Additionally, inspect the heater and all its components for leakages whenever you can. Also, check whether there are any loose electrical connections and correct the issue if there are. Lastly, if you can eliminate some of the sediment in water passageways, you should do so for the machine to be more efficient.
As for our top hybrid water heater selections, they are the Bosch Thermotechnology Tall Electric Storage Water Heater and the Westinghouse 80-Gal.
Our top hybrid water heater is the Bosch Thermotechnology Tall Electric Storage Water Heater, a reliable heater that comes with an array of features for convenience and easy maintenance. The design is tall, but it is easy to use with excellent capacity and HFO foam insulation to reduce fuel costs.
Also, we have the Westinghouse 80-gallon water heater. If your house has more than four people, this device is for you. After all, not many other options in the market have the capacity or the performance to service your needs. That said, the heater is a bit bulky and will take up a lot of space where you do the installation.
If you know of a high-quality hybrid water heater that we may have missed out on, you can notify us in the comments section below.
