I live alone in a 1000-square foot house, but have a roommate moving in soon. I'm looking to replace my existing electric water heater tank, and wonder which type will get me the lowest operating costs: Tankless, an electric hybrid heat pump, or a high efficiency gas tank.
I don't use a ton of hot water (I wash almost all of my clothes in cold water and take short showers), but my hot water use will at least double when my roommate moves in.
One of the benefits of going with an electric hybrid heat pump water heater is that my utility company offers me a lower electric rate (which I have now) for having an electric water heater. Another reason I'm considering the heat pump hybrid electric unit is because it provides cooling and dehumidification benefits for my basement.
I have a 220 electric hookup if I go electric hybrid heat pump and I have a natural gas line if I go tankless gas or with a high effiency gas tank. What are your thoughts?
I just bought a gas water heater, mainly because that's what I was replacing, but also because the cost of using natural gas is lower than electric. I would go to an appliance store or shop online so you get a good sense of what's out there.
Also, if you haven't already bought the heat pump, I would reconsider. They ones' I've seen are terrible at putting out heat–it comes out like a cool fan.