I recently bought a house and need to replace my 40-gallon gas water heater soon since it's 12 years old and not performing well. I live in a 1500 sq ft rowhome with two full baths, and I noticed that during a busy showering session, we ran out of hot water. Although usually, when it's just the two of us, we manage just fine, I'm considering a more reliable solution as we plan to adopt kids in the future. I'm weighing options between a heat pump water heater and sticking with gas. I know heat pumps are more energy-efficient, but I'm curious about their running costs compared to gas. I'm also thinking about upgrading to a 50 or 65-gallon capacity for better hot water availability. I can't change my electric panel to 200A, so my 100A service has to work with what I get. Any insights on whether hybrid or gas would be better for my situation?
2 Answers
I'd say a heat pump water heater (HPWH) is definitely the most efficient choice. It aligns with eco-friendly practices and is better for the long run. Even if you're stuck with 100 amps, it can handle the load efficiently if designed well. An 80-gallon unit would give you enough capacity and comes with advantages like a built-in thermostatic mixing valve. Plus, I strongly advise against going tankless - it's just not as environmentally friendly and may require costly upgrades to your gas infrastructure. Stick with a hybrid for sustainability and efficiency!
I'd recommend going with a hybrid heat pump water heater if you have enough space for it. They'll save you money on electricity in the long run, especially if you also have gas heating. Just keep in mind they work best in larger, well-ventilated areas. If you're going for 80 gallons, it'll help with recovery time when you run out of hot water since it'll switch to resistance heating, which could draw quite a bit of power, about 19 amps. But in the winter, heating efficiency might drop since it draws heat from the air, potentially making gas more cost-effective. Don't forget, hybrids can cool and dehumidify your space in summer, which is a nice added bonus!
I hear you on the gas upgrade hassle! I don't blame you for wanting to avoid extra stress. Just keep in mind that for a heat pump water heater, double-check the power requirements; they usually need 240 volts for the backup elements, which could complicate things. As for your gas stove, if you're happy with it right now, there's no rush to switch to induction.