7 Best Hybrid Hot Water Heater Reviews
One of the most unpleasant things that you receive every month is your electric bill. The bill seems to be skyrocketing. We use the air conditioner, water heater, and other appliances all the time and the water heater is the main contributor to this high electric bill. Unlike before now, you have lots of options when it comes to a water heater. If you want to save money on your electric bill then you must buy a hybrid water heater.
The hybrid water heater has a heat pump system and a storage tank water heater. The electric water heater uses electrical resistance to heat the water; that is, by running voltage through the heating elements of the heater to make them hot. But the hybrid water heater gets heat from the ambient air that surrounds the water heater using the heat pump. The heat pump’s refrigerant absorbs the outside heat sends it to a heat exchanger. It then releases the heat inside the tank, thus increasing the water temperature and making the water hot. This heating method consumes less energy and so your electric bill will come down considerably. Here we will look at the best hybrid hot water heater you will find in the market today.
If you want to learn more about water heaters, here is an article I wrote about water heaters. I encourage you to read it!
Best Hybrid Water Heater
- Rheem RTEX 18 Electric Tankless Heater
- ECO TOUCH Tankless Water Heater
- Ecosmart ECO 18 Electric Tanklesswater heater
- GASLAND Tankless Water Heater
- Rheem RTE 13 Hybrid ElectricWater Heater
- Rinnai RHS19980HEiNHybrid Tankless Water Heater
- Stiebel Eltron Accelera 300Water Heater
1. Rheem RTEX 18 Electric Tankless Heater (Best Value for the Money)
This water heater has a sleek design and will fit in with the rest of the décor in your house. It takes very small space. You can get constant hot water from this heater. It has a brass top and copper heating elements. That’s why the heater is durable. It is one of the most energy-efficient hybrid water heaters you will find in the market today.
Features
- It has digital thermostatic control.
- It uses advanced self-modulation technology to heat the water.
- It gives up to 4.4 GPM flow rate.
- It has 99% energy efficiency rating.
Unlike the other heaters, this heater doesn’t produce any noise. So, you won’t feel disturbed when the heater is on. The flow of pressure can be adjusted to ensure that the water flows faster. With the digital thermostatic control, you can set the preferred temperature so that you don’t need to adjust the temperature every time you switch on the water heater. You can recognize the operational status of the heater at any time by looking at the LED display. It uses advanced self-modulation technology to adjust the power so that the water heats faster.
It has copper immersion two heating elements that ensure up to 4.4 GPM of flow rate. This is sufficient enough to provide an efficient volume of hot water across multiple in-home outlets simultaneously. It has self-modulating power control that makes it use less electricity to heat water but at the same time get the optimal water temperature for use.
Capability
Many people think that as this model is compact it has low capacity. But it’s not true. This heater can pump a good volume of hot water without storing it in the tank. So, the small size of the water heater doesn’t matter.
It is easy to install and you will save money on the installation as well. This heater can heat water to temperatures from 800F to 1400F which is suitable for all kinds of applications. You can find this range of temperature only in the expensive hybrid water heaters. This heater has a 99% energy efficiency rating so you will save a lot of money on your electric bill. This is one of the best mid-ranged hybrid water heaters you will find in the market today. You will get a 5-year warranty for this product, so you can rely on it.
2. ECOTOUCH Tankless Water Heater (Best budget)
The name itself suggests that this hybrid water heater is environment-friendly. This is a very reliable heater as it has over-temperature protection, dry heating protection, and even leakage protection. So, there is less chance that the water heater can get damaged due to overheating or leakage. So, you will require minimum maintenance to keep the heater in the best condition. In this heater the electricity and the inner water lines are separate, thus reducing the risk of leakage. You won’t have to worry about the buildup of limescale or calcium which may damage the heater. It also prevents rusting and bacterial growth. These features make it one of the safest and most hygienic water heaters in the market today.
Features
- The electricity and the inner water lines are isolated.
- Has indicator lamp to show status of the operation.
- Has modulated temperature control.
- Has 98% thermal efficiency.
- The flow rate is 1 to 1.5 gallons per minute.
It is sleek and compact, so you can install it easily. It uses advanced technology to heat the water. This hybrid water heater meets high-quality standards. It can save a lot of energy, thus reducing your electric bill every month. It is user-friendly, so you can use it comfortably for different applications.
It has good modulated temperature control. The remote control is easy to operate. You can easily read the temperature from the display. There is an indicator lamp that lights up when the heater is on. The temperature can be adjusted to up to 1040 F. Its touch control panel makes it easy to use. It has various features which makes it better than the other small heaters in the market.
Capability
It has a thermal efficiency of 98%, which is quite impressive. This device can heat up to 1.2 GPM water which is sufficient for most applications. It smart modulation with a 5.5 heating system that gives hot water instantly and constantly. The temperature can rise to 1160F and there is no need to preheat it. You will get a stable temperature all the time. The flow rate is 1 to 1.5 gallons per minute. This water heater will automatically adjust the power input depending on the flow rate and temperature setting in real-time to get a stable temperature all the time.
You will be impressed by the design of this heater. You can install it horizontally, vertically, or obliquely depending on the space you have. It is perfect to be installed under the sink. This heater can save 65% energy, so you will save a lot of money on your electric bills.
3. Ecosmart ECO 18 Electric Tankless water heater (Best for smaller homes)
This water heater is ideal for places where the water temperature is 620F and more. It has a very efficient design and can heat water more than 2.5 gallons per minute. With this high capacity, you can run two showers at once. The heater consumes less energy but can give a constant supply of hot water for your needs. You will have full control of the hot water supply, so there won’t be any wastage.
Features
- The temperature can be varied between 800F and 1400
- It has a compact design.
- It uses modern self-modulation technology.
- Can produce up to 2.5 gallons of water every minute.
It has three built-in copper pipes that cross-connects each other. You can set the temperature from 800F to 1400F. It has a remote thermostat that is waterproof. Its compact design is suitable for every home. This heater can easily be installed under the sink. Its modern self-modulating functionality and copper components make it reliable. It only takes 30 seconds to get the hot water after you switch on the heater.
Capability
You can control the temperature precisely as the increments are by 1 degree and that’s the biggest selling point of this heater. You can adjust the temperature the way you like. This heater is energy efficient and you can reduce your electric bill considerably by installing this heater in your house.
Even though this model is compact, you will never run out of water. You will get a constant flow of hot water instantly from this hybrid water heater. You get a lifetime warranty on the exchanger, element, and electronics. It is affordable, so can be a good choice for your home.
4. GASLAND Tankless Water Heater (Best for outdoor activities)
If you are looking for a portable water heater this you must buy GASLAND Tankless Water Heater. There are times when you need to move around and stay outdoors, like going to the beach or camping. You can also use it for indoor and outdoor showers. You can carry your portable water heater anywhere you go so that you are never short of hot water. It is lightweight and small, so you can carry it easily.
Features
- Has mounting brackets for hanging.
- Uses advanced technology to heat water.
- Constructed using high quality materials.
- Allow anti-freezing drain so that water doesn’t freeze in cold temperature.
- Auto power off when temperature reaches 1670
- Provide maximum power output of 41,000 btu/hour.
It has mounting brackets that make it easy to hang anywhere. It takes only a few minutes to install. So, unlike the other water heaters, you will save money on the installation as you can do it yourself. It is a propane heater and needs low gas consumption for use. So, you will save a lot of money on the gas bill. It can save energy by 11.5%. You won’t experience any annoying noise with this heater. This is due to the advanced technology with which the main burner and the propane water heater exchanger are designed.
Capability
This water heater is constructed using very high-quality materials. It has anti-freezing protection, overheating protection, and flame failure protection. So, it is safe to use. When you travel in cold places, its anti-freezing drain will let you discharge the residual water so that water doesn’t freeze due to the low temperature. If the temperature of the heater reaches 1670F then the gas supply shuts off automatically. It provides a maximum power output of 41,000btu/hour. So, wherever you go, you will get a constant supply of hot water. It can supply 1.58 gallons of water per minute in low pressure, which is simply remarkable.
It can hold up to 6 liters of water. If you are a frequent traveler and go on hiking, camping to cold places or spend an RV life, then this water heater can be a lifesaver. You can also wash your pets outdoors with it. You get a 1-year warranty for this heater.
5. Rheem RTE 13 Hybrid Electric Water Heater
If you are looking for a high-quality hybrid water heater then you must buy this model of Rheem water heater. It is ultra-compact and a great energy saver. It is ideal for a small family. Rtex 13 can supply instant hot water without the need to wait for the water to get hot. It has an LED indicative element that informs you about the status of the heater. This unit has a copper and brass heat exchanger that ensures that you get a constant supply of hot water.
The super modulating power will ensure that you get the volume of water you require all the time. It has an on-unit temperature control system that lets you adjust the temperature. It is a good choice for point of application use but also has a half-inch water connection in case you want to set it up a little further away. Its compact design makes it suitable to be installed anywhere.
Features
- Has LED display showing status of operation.
- Has copper and brass heat exchanger.
- Has super modulating power.
- Has a 4GPM flow rate.
This heater provides hot water on-demand. So, you will hot water whenever you need it. It provides up to a 4GPM flow rate, so you will enjoy bursts of hot water all the time. The heater only requires a flow rate of 0.4 GPM to activate the heater coils, so you will save money on your energy bills. It uses 55 degrees incoming water to get 105 degrees water.
You get a 10-year warranty with this heater. It is Energy Star certified. The energy factor of this water heater is 0.82, which means you can save a considerable amount of money on your energy bills by installing this heater in your home.
You must install it vertically in dry locations. It is better to install it close to the place where you will be using the hot water frequently. It takes very little space, so you can mount it easily. You can use it in the shower, laundry room, or kitchen. It is a powerful water heater and will give you good value for money.
6. Rinnai RHS19980HEiN Hybrid Tankless Water Heater
It is an energy-efficient and user-friendly water heater. Its various features make it stand out from the other brands. It has Wi-Fi connectivity that improves user experience. The heater is easy to use due to the refined controls and remote accessibility. If you live in a cold area or simply want to enjoy hot water in the colder months of the year then this is a perfect choice for you. It is lightweight and compact. So you can install it easily without taking much space. Though a detailed installation manual is given, it is always best to get the professionals to do the job. You won’t have to spend much on the installation as it’s quite a straightforward job.
Features
- It has Wi-Fi connectivity.
- It has 119 gallon storage tank.
- Provides frost protection.
- Ideal for indoor residential use.
This water heater is safe to use. It has frost protection so that water won’t freeze even at very low temperatures. The heater is great for indoor residential use. It has a 119-gallon storage tank. Its capacity is sufficient to provide instant hot water for home use continuously. It can keep up with the water demands without the need to reconfigure. It has more water heating capacity compared to the traditional tank. So, if you have an old water heater installed in your home you can immediately replace it with this one for better performance and energy efficiency. It has multiple venting options that make it better than many other models of the hybrid water heater.
Capability
It requires low maintenance and so you won’t have to spend too much money on maintenance. The parts are all replaceable. So, even if you incur any problem with any of the parts of the heater, you can easily fix it. Buying this hybrid water heater can meet your hot water needs all the time without costing a fortune. It is perfect to be used by family members, especially during the cold weather. Read more on Rinnai tankless water heater review
7. Stiebel Eltron Accelera 300 Water Heater
This hybrid water heater provides a huge capacity of 80 gallons. It has a powerful operation that provides an endless supply of hot water. Accelera can cool and dehumidify the surrounding air, so you won’t feel uncomfortable when using hot water. It is very energy-efficient. So, you will save a lot of money on your energy bills. It has an energy factor of 2.5 which is much greater than many of the hybrid water heaters in the market today. The operations cost can be reduced by almost 80%.
Features
- It uses reverse refrigeration process to heat water.
- It provides 11 to 15 gallons more hot water in the first hour compared to the other models.
- It has a 1,700 watt electric element that gets activated when the demand for hot water is more.
- It uses 220 to 240-volt power and 15 amp electricity to operate.
This device has a very impressive design and that’s why many homeowners prefer it. It has a heat pump that is integrated with the top side of the heater. As the thermostat inside the tank goes below a certain point, the heat from the air around the water heater is transported into the tank. This is called the reverse refrigeration process and is very efficient in heating the water. It uses 1kWh for the compressor and fan to heat the water inside the tank. The heater wraps the tank with a condenser coil to provide heat. It can provide 11 to 15 gallon higher in the first hour compared to the other water heaters.
The heater has a 1,700-watt electric element that gets activated when the heat pump cannot keep up with the demand. It requires 220 to 240-volt electrical power and 15 amp electricity to operate. So, the operational cost won’t be much.
Capability
It is a highly efficient water heating system that you can use for your home. As the efficiency of this water heater is more than 200%, it will cost a lot less to operate than the conventional water heaters. It has an enamel-lined storage tank that provides good installation and thus results in less heat loss. It has a backup electric heating system integrated into the unit that provides extra heating power in case the heater is unable to draw enough heat from the surrounding area. This is a very useful feature for meeting the short-term peak water demands.
It is very easy to install this water heater. As it draws heat from the surrounding area, you must make sure that the place where you install the heater has a temperature of at least 420F. So, in a warm climate, you can install it in the attic or garage. When the climate is cold, you can install it in the basement. You must have enough air surrounding the heater for the heater to operate at an optimal rate.
This water heater is very easy to operate. It has an electronic display that will indicate its active and sleeping mode. You can control and adjust the temperature easily. You get a 10-year warranty for this high-quality water heater.
Buyer’s Guide: Is A Hybrid Hot Water Heater Worth It?
If you live in a warm climate then the hybrid hot water heater must be your ultimate choice. The heater can easily pull the outside air to heat the water and you will save a lot of money on your electric bill. In the past, the water heaters used to be bulky and difficult to install. The conventional heaters also failed to provide hot water instantly; you had to wait for some time for the water to get hot. Here are the factors you should consider when buying hybrid water heater.
Size
Most of the hybrid water heaters just mentioned are compact and lightweight. This will allow you to place the heater anywhere in your bathroom or other places where you need hot water. It won’t take much space.
Easy installation
They should be easily installed without any hassle. Most of the water heaters work best when installed at the point of application. Complex installations will lead to more cost and hassle.
Heating time
Most of these heaters take no time to heat the water; that is, you can get an instant gush of hot water anytime. So, you should choose the heater that doesn’t delay in heating the water.
Capacity and energy efficiency
When buying a hybrid water heater you must consider its capacity and energy efficiency. One of the main reasons why homeowners are switching to hybrid models is to save money on their energy bills. So, choose a model that has a high energy factor.
Conclusion
You should choose a heater of the capacity that is right for your family. If you buy a heater that has huge capacity but there are only two members in the family, then buying such a heater will be a wastage. So, find out the hot water demand in your home and then decide which hybrid water heater to purchase. These water heaters will last for a long time.
The hybrid water heaters discussed here are reliable, provide flawless performance, and easy to maintain. You get a long period warranty with these heaters which makes them extremely reliable. Price is another important factor to consider. These models are moderately priced, so you will get good value for your money.
