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Electric heat pump water heater
Whirlpool touts its Energy Star-rated hybrid heat pump water heater as being more than twice as efficient as a standard electric model. As such, it could save about half the cost of operation, too, according to the manufacturer.
The estimated annual cost to operate the 80- or 60-gallon units is about $200, compared to an estimated $540 for a similar standard electric model, according to Whirlpool.
This model has three modes of operation: high efficiency (heat pump only), hybrid (switches between heat pump and electric) and conventional electric (same as electric hot water heater). In heat pump mode, the unit removes heat from the air and transfers it to the water in the tank.
The size is similar to conventional electric models: The 80-gallon unit is 82 inches tall by 24 inches wide; the 60-gallon unit is the same width and 68 inches tall. The system can be installed in a basement, garage or utility room. The cost is higher than conventional models, $1,845 at Lowe’s. Karen Sullivan
