The Benefits of a Heat-Pump Water Heater

In my quest to improve energy efficiency and lessen my home’s carbon footprint, I recently swapped out an antiquated natural gas water heater for a heat-pump water heater (HPWH). The old heater, which was a natural draft model, had been a significant contributor to carbon monoxide concerns and health risks within my home. Although the hot water it provided was affordable, my health and safety were far more valuable. I made the informed decision to purchase a Rheem Performance Platinum unit, and it has proven to be an excellent choice!

When I decided to invest in a heat-pump water heater, I consulted my knowledgeable friends for recommendations, as I wasn’t very familiar with the available options. John Semmelhack from Think Little, a passionate advocate for all-electric homes, directed me towards the Rheem model I ultimately selected. The landscape of these products is ever-evolving; I initially purchased a Gen 4 model, while the Gen 5 was available later. It’s important to note that Rheem refers to their HPWH as a “hybrid water heater” because it utilizes both a heat pump and an electric resistance heating element to ensure ample hot water supply.

One important aspect to consider when selecting a water heater is its size. To maximize the efficiency of my heat-pump water heater, I opted for the 80-gallon model. It was essential to ensure that the heat pump would be the primary source of heating rather than relying on the electric resistance element, which I would prefer only to use in the unlikely event of a heat pump failure. A smaller tank would necessitate increased reliance on electric resistance heating, which is not ideal for energy efficiency. The larger capacity of the 80-gallon model also guarantees that there is sufficient hot water available for our household. It boasts a first-hour rating of 89 gallons, which has proven invaluable, particularly when we had family visiting last September for a celebration. Throughout our guests' stay, the heat pump operated exclusively in heat pump mode—successfully delivering all the hot water needed!

The Rheem HPWH features a convenient WiFi connection, accompanied by an easy-to-use app for monitoring and controlling the unit from my smartphone. The app provides key information such as the operating temperature (set at 120°F), the mode (heat pump-only), and access to additional details like usage reports, schedules, and WiFi settings. However, there is a minor drawback regarding the app; it consistently displays a green bar indicating that I’ve set it to heat pump-only mode. Activating the Energy Saving mode, which incorporates electric resistance heating, would defeat the purpose of maximizing energy efficiency.

Since we activated our heat-pump water heater on September 14, we have observed a significant reduction in electricity usage, with a total of 486 kilowatt-hours (kWh) consumed in the first year. Patterns in consumption reveal lower energy use in summer months compared to winter—this variation largely attributed to the entering water temperature. Additionally, our hot water usage tends to increase during the colder months. With plans to remodel my basement, I will install flow meters and temperature sensors to better quantify hot water consumption patterns and efficiency metrics.

The Rheem app also enables convenient comparisons of energy usage against prior periods, keeping me informed and allowing for tracking of efficiency improvements over time. After more than two years of using the HPWH, I have gathered valuable data on energy expenditure and costs. In total, we consumed approximately 1,044 kWh over this period, resulting in electricity expenses slightly above $100—a remarkable financial outcome when evaluated against my previous gas water heater.

Despite the lack of direct economic benefits relative to my old fossil-gas heater, switching to the HPWH eliminates gas-related fees and risks. The decision to transition to an electric water heater is mutually beneficial for my family's safety and environmental sustainability. Furthermore, the HPWH’s high Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) of 3.7 highlights its efficiency, significantly outperforming a traditional electric water heater’s UEF of around 0.9.

The noise level of the Rheem HPWH proves to be acceptable, measured at around 53 dBA at close proximity—which is quieter than common household sounds. Moreover, the design allows for ducting that enhances its efficiency, introducing warmer air to the pump to optimize performance. A well-planned ducting system also enables the addition of a superior filter, which is on my to-do list while remodeling my basement.

In conclusion, adopting a heat-pump water heater has brought both peace of mind and noticeable financial savings. The transition away from fossil fuels to an electric system aligns with my environmental goals while ensuring my family’s safety. Best of all, my Rheem HPWH provides constant access to hot water while maintaining energy efficiency, promoting both comfort and sustainability in our household.

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