Hybrid Water Heaters

Hybrid water heaters are applauded for their energy-saving benefits. On average, twenty percent of a home’s energy usage is from heating water. This number can be dramatically reduced with the installation of a hybrid water heater. Not only does this help the environment, it saves money on monthly utility bills too. There are other styles of water heaters that are also very energy-efficient, so talk to your local plumbing contractor about those options too. But as for hybrid water heaters, they are highly beneficial for more than just energy-efficiency.

How They Work

Tankless and tank-style water heaters heat water from the bottom of the tank. Tank-styles heat water from the bottom of the tank, making air to rise up and exit from the top, allowing some heat to escape. Tankless water heaters also heat from the bottom but the water travels through copper piping rather than stored in a tank. In a hybrid system, it uses both pipes and a tank to heat and store water. Rather than just copper piping, like tankless styles, a hybrid water heater uses several pipes, up to 40 or more, that heat up. When water flows through them, it heats up fast. Unused heated water is transferred to a reservoir inside a hybrid water heater, and stored for future demand.

There are only a few models of hybrid water heaters on the market, such as the Eternal Hybrid Water Heater or the GE Hybrid Water Heater. The GE version has technology that absorbs heat from the surrounding air to warm water, while other versions involve other technologies like super capacitors, batteries, fuel cells, and more. Hybrids are more expensive than traditional models, costing anywhere between $2,000 and $3,000 or more, depending on the retailer.

Again, talk to your local master plumber for details about choosing the right type of water heater for your home and the installation and maintenance process.

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

Ever since tankless water heaters have been introduced to the home appliance market, there has been an exponential growth of political hype, talk, flaws, and half-truths about their advantages and disadvantages. Complaints surrounding these water heaters are plentiful, and extremely easy to locate online. However, if you already own or intend to purchase a tankless water heater, be sure to read all the fine print; because it can cost upwards of $4000 to purchase and install a tankless water heater unit! With hard-earned money being spent ever-so-quickly, you should only hope to never run into problems or unit break-downs.

Eco-enthusiasts who wish to “go green” sometimes believe the high-price is a worthwhile trade for the sake of saving money and energy in the long-run. Unfortunately with these units, that is not the likely case. Tankless units do not save enough money or energy worth mentioning. The margins are so fuzzy and miniscule that the high price paid is NEVER worth it. Sad, I know; but true non-the-less. If you truly wish to “Go Green” on a large scale, consider investing that money into insulating your home or installing better windows. Planting more trees around your home is another fantastic and effectual Eco-friendly project to invest in. These ideas will certainly render more savings than tankless water heaters.

Numbers Don’t Lie – Consumer Reports 2008 Information and Statistics for Tankless Water Heaters

• Break-even point after purchasing a tankless water heater comes 22 years later.

• Add on the monthly de-scaling costs of $300 and money is actually lost.

• Hefty maintenance costs – $3000 over a ten year period.

• Heating coils must be professionally serviced and cleaned routinely to evade lime and sediment buildup. If lime is present on heat coils, warranty is VOID.

• De-liming services run $300, and the warranties mandate this service TWICE a year in order for the warranty to remain active. Does that sound economical?

• To own a tankless unit, one must also purchase a water conditioning system or water softener. This reduces lime and scale in the water that can damage a tankless water heater and render the warranty void. This is an additional $2000 cost, at least.

• Many models have been discontinued, leaving older units without replacement parts. A 10-15 year old tankless water heater part can be almost impossible to locate because the company is out of business or the model is no longer manufactured. If a part is found, it can be equally difficult finding a repairman that knows how to facilitate the service.

• Large tax credits are now a fantasy. They DO NOT EXIST anymore. A homeowner may receive up to $500 off their taxes; that is of course, one year later and after the initial $4000 purchase. Ask yourself, “Is that really worth it?”

Tankless Water Heater Customer Reviews:

Customer Review #1
Customer Review #2
Customer Review #3

Information Provided By Mark Weilhammer, Master Plumber and Owner of Weilhammer Plumbing Company in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Indianapolis Water Heater Repair Services

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

For licensed and insured Indianapolis water heater repair services, call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. at 317-714-0759 today. Owner, Mark Weilhammer, and our team of state-licensed master plumbers, have more than 60 years of experience in the plumbing industry. We provide a wide-range of water heater services and repairs for residential and commercial properties. We also offer free estimates, DIY advice, emergency water heater repair, unit and product sales, exceptional customer support, and much more! Call 317-714-0759 and speak with a knowledgeable and licensed master plumber in Indianapolis, IN today.

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

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What is a Hybrid Water Heater?