Hybrid Electric Water Heater

[nickfixit]

I've seen ads for something they are calling a "hybrid electric water heater", has anyone ever seen one? It's claimed to save something like 50% on energy costs.

[RegUS_PatOff]

GE Electric Heat Pump Water Heater

 "... that can reduce water heater operating cost up to 62% and save $320 per year.*

*Based on DOE test procedure and comparison of a 50-gallon standard electric tank water heater using 4879 kWh per year vs. the GeoSpring hybrid heat pump water heater using 1856 kWh per year."

http://www.geappliances.com/heat-pump-hot-water-heater/

seems too complicated ...

if the hot water heater stops working ... who ya gonna call ?

We use a NG GAS water heater, which is already saving us about 66% (vs. electric) in our area

Actually, we have a Lennox Complete Heat direct vent water heater/furnace ..

[AccApp]

I installed one in my sister's house in rural Mass. (no natural Gas) and it works great for her. It makes sense where the only options are electric or propane.

[Stik]

I installed the Rheem version of the hybrid water heater and would recommend against this particular model. It has a pump that circulates the water in the tank when it is heating, so the hot water output starts cooling immediately upon use. This means you are constantly having to adjust the valve at the shower/faucet/etc to try to maintain the desired temperature!