I'm considering the switch from my current natural gas water heater to a heat pump model, specifically for a larger household scenario. Right now, I have a 72-gallon gas heater with a 76k BTU output and it's been great—never running out of hot water even with six people taking long showers. I have lower-flow shower heads installed to help manage consumption a bit, and it's set up in a finished, conditioned basement.
Now, I'm looking at 80-gallon heat pump water heaters which seem to have similar first-hour ratings but a much lower recovery rate (around 27 GPH). I'd also need to install a new 240V circuit, which adds to the cost, but I like the idea of the added dehumidification for the basement.
I have a few concerns before making the leap: 1) How do the running costs compare? 2) Is there a noticeable drop in water temperature or consistency? 3) Will there be less hot water availability with a heat pump? I'd love to hear from families who have made this switch!
3 Answers
I made a similar switch and it’s been fantastic! I’ve noticed a significant drop in energy costs. Older gas water heaters may lose efficiency over time, so transitioning to a heat pump can really save you money. I recommend getting a hybrid model, which combines both heat pump and resistance elements for faster recovery when needed. Plus, make sure it has a heat pump-only mode so you can use it with a generator in case of power outages. Just do the math comparing your gas costs against electricity to see if it works out for you, as it can vary by region.
That's solid advice! I switched from a 40-gallon gas heater to a 50-gallon Rheem heat pump, and we save about 10-15% on our hot water costs since the gas rates rise faster than electricity rates in my area. Installation for the heat pump was cheaper than a new high-efficiency gas tank, so it was a no-brainer. Though I was hoping for more dehumidification benefits, it doesn't run enough to make a huge impact.
I actually switched from a heat pump water heater to a tankless one and I’ve been really happy with that choice. The recovery time on heat pump heaters can be pretty slow, which was a dealbreaker for me, even with the extra installation costs. If you're short on space, tankless might be worth considering, just be prepared for some additional maintenance, especially with harder water.