Water Heaters and So Much More!
The team the Triangle keeps on speed dial for expert care: plumbing, electrical & home remodeling since 2013.
The team the Triangle keeps on speed dial for expert care: plumbing, electrical & home remodeling since 2013.
If you enjoy the convenience of always having hot water but want a more energy-efficient way to heat it, a hybrid water heater (sometimes called a Heat Pump water heater) could be the perfect fit for your home. Get stress-free help from our experienced no-pressure technicians who will:
A new water heater doesn’t just give you peace of mind—it can also improve the efficiency (and lower the cost) of how you heat water every day. We’d love to ensure you and your family are taken care of!
Not sure if a hybrid water heater is right for you? Here’s a quick guide to what every homeowner should know before choosing a hybrid or heat-pump water heater.
A hybrid water heater has a storage tank similar to a traditional water heater, however, it uses ambient air and processes it through a heat pump to heat the water when conditions to do so are optimal. This method is significantly more energy efficient but requires electricity (cannot use natural gas), and installation in a location with ample air circulation like a garage or utility room is recommended.
With regular care, most hybrid water heaters last 10-15 years. Maintenance is similar to a tanked system. You’ll want to clean or replace the air filter as needed, perform an annual flush, and have a technician check the unit and anode rod every 1-2 years.
Since hybrid water heaters have a storage tank, your family’s usage will determine what size you need. Typically, a standard 50-gallon tank works well for a household of up to 4 people. Our techs can help you choose the best fit so you’re never left in the cold.
Every home has different hot water needs, and today’s homeowners have more options than ever before. Traditional tank, tankless, hybrid heat pump, and Essency EXR water heaters each offer unique advantages depending on your household size, hot water demand, energy efficiency goals, and installation requirements. Use the comparison below to help determine which solution may be the best fit for your home.
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| Feature | Traditional Gas/Electric Tank | Gas Tankless | Hybrid Heat Pump | Essency EXR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Basic water heating, short term solution, limited budget | Homes wanting endless hot water and energy savings with a long term solution, homes with natural gas or LP | Homeowners focused on maximum efficiency | High demand of hot water, long term solution, electric only option |
| Heating Power | Standard dual elements, NG, or LP | On-demand heating | Heat pump with electric backup elements | High output heat exchanger |
| Hot Water Output | Limited first hour hot water output | Virtually unlimited when sized correctly | Slower recovery when in heat pump mode, higher output than traditional electric tank in performance mode | High output with up to 100-gallon first-hour rating |
| Ideal Household | 2–4 people (typical usage) | Unlimited with proper sizing | Up to 2–4 people (typical usage) | 4+ people or heavy simultaneous use |
| Installation | Standard replacement install must meet current codes | Professional installation and possible gas/electrical upgrades | Requires adequate space, airflow, and professional installation | Professional installation |
| Typical Installation Cost | $1,600–$3,600 | $3,800–$7,800 | $3,500–$5,500 | $4,200–$5,400 |
| Summary | Limited hot water, lowest upfront cost, shortest lifespan, highest operating cost, average maintenance | Endless hot water, high efficiency, highest upfront cost, long-term solution, more complex maintenance | High efficiency, average lifespan, limited hot water, fastest ROI, average maintenance | Longest life expectancy, longest warranty, high output, least maintenance |
| * Typical installation costs shown are general estimates and may vary based on equipment selection, code requirements, utility upgrades, permit requirements, and installation conditions. | ||||
Still not sure which direction to go?
That’s where we come in. We’ll take a look at your home, your usage, and your setup to recommend the right model with confidence.
Typically, yes you can! Just keep in mind that hybrid water heaters run on electricity only and will require more surrounding space to ensure good air flow.
A garage is a great location for a hybrid water heater but other locations can also be considered.
Our qualified technicians can help you determine if a hybrid water heater is a good fit for your home. Book a call today.
PLUS, ask about how we can save you $200 on a water heater estimate. Some models are eligible for utility company rebates and incentives. NCWaterHeaters is also a certified Duke Energy HEIP contractor.
With regular maintenance, hybrid water heaters keep going strong for about 10 to 15 years.
Standard tanked water heaters usually cost less upfront but will take more energy (and money) to heat your water. Hybrid systems cost more initially but are some of the most energy efficient systems on the market. We’ll talk through what works best for you.
Absolutely! We want you to feel confident before you decide — no pressure, just honest answers.
Yes, NC Water Heaters is fully licensed and insured so you can trust you’re in good hands. Our technicians carry advanced certifications with all major water heater manufacturers.