Saving More with Energy Star Rated Hybrid Water Heaters

Energy Star is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. The program has successfully delivered energy and cost savings across the country, saving homeowners more than 17 billion dollars in 2010 alone. Over the past decade, Energy Star has been the force behind the more widespread use of technological innovations from efficient fluorescent lighting to new hybrid water heaters.

Water heaters use significant amounts of energy, second only to the amount of energy consumed heating and cooling our homes. Many water heaters are sold as energy-saving units whether they are gas-operated or electric, and most do their part. Recently however, General Electric, A.O. Smith and Rheem have been offering hybrid electric water heaters which use far less electricity than any other type available.

General Electric hybrid water heaters use 62 percent less energy than standard electric units and exceeds Energy Star standards with an Energy Factor of 2.35, or 235 percent efficiency. One of these hybrid water heaters costs around $1,500, but it will save around $320 a year based upon a three-person household. With that kind of savings, it doesn't take long to even up the cost of purchase.

Hybrid water heaters use advanced heat pump technology and an on-board computer which operate with traditional electric heating elements. The heat pump is the main method of heating the water, however the heater elements will activate if the demand for hot water becomes greater than the heat pump can provide.

Other features included on the General Electric hybrid model are an eHeat mode to maximize energy savings, and the High Demand mode for use when more hot water will be required than usual. The General Electric hybrid can also be shut down and programmed to come back on if not in use during vacations or other absences.

Although hybrid heat pump water heaters are quite different from standard model water heaters in terms of their operation, they are not difficult to install. In fact, they require no more area in the home than a 50 gallon water heater and the hybrid water heater can be connected using the existing plumbing and electric hook-ups as the standard models.

In the cost analysis, it is notable that the federal energy efficiency tax credits have been extended, although the credit is now for no more than 10 percent of the costs up to $500. For information regarding tax credits or more about Energy Star rated products visit the Energy Star website.

Sources:

"High-Efficieny Water Heaters." EnergyStar.gov.
"Resources for Residential Water Heaters." EnergyStar.gov.