Hybrid water heaters are on the rise. They offer an energy-efficient alternative to conventional water heaters. Most water heaters, of course, use either natural gas or electricity. Natural gas water heaters typically cost less to use, whereas electric water heaters are easier to install and maintain. But there’s a type that often goes unnoticed: hybrid. What is a hybrid water exactly, and how does it work?
Overview of Hybrid Water Heaters
A hybrid water heater is a device that heats the water in a home via heat transfer. It features a tank in which the heated water is stored. The size of this tank can vary, with some hybrid waters holding up to 30 gallons of water and others holding 80 or more gallons of water. Regardless, all hybrid water heaters are characterized by their heating method. Also known as heat pump water heaters (HPWHs), they transfer heat from the surrounding air to the tank in order to heat the water.
How Hybrid Water Heaters Work
Hybrid water heaters work by using an evaporator coil – along with refrigerant – to absorb heat from the surrounding air. At the top of a hybrid water heater is an evaporator coil. As warm air blows over it, the evaporator coil will absorb heat.
Refrigerant within the evaporator coil will become hotter. This hot refrigerant will then flow from the evaporator coil to a coil-like heating element within the tank, thereby heating the stored water.
Should You Switch to a Hybrid Water Heater?
Hybrid water heaters are highly efficient. Since they use heat from the surrounding air, they require less energy than conventional electric and gas water heaters. You may be able to save money on your monthly water bills by switching to a hybrid water heater.
Most hybrid water heaters will automatically switch to electricity during periods of high demand. This is why they are known as hybrid water heaters. If you’re drawing hot water faster than the rate at which it can heat the stored water via heat transfer, it will use electricity.
While energy efficient and reliable, hybrid water heaters aren’t suitable for all climates. They typically work best in warm and moderate climates. In cold climates, hybrid water heaters may struggle if there’s not enough heat in the surrounding air.
It’s also worth noting that hybrid waters require more clearance than conventional water heaters. You can’t install them in a small closet. Rather, hybrid water heaters must be installed in an open space where they can absorb heat from the surrounding air.