What should my next water heater be? Hybrid vs Mixer

[vxooxv]

I currently have an 80-gallon electric tank about 10yrs old that will soon need replacing due to very hard water. I failed to ever flush and have since learned my lesson. So I'm on the hunt for my next water heater.

-The tank is located in a storage closet in the center of the basement under steps, next to my main level heat pump.
-I have a 5bd 5 bathroom house with a wife and 2 daughters who take ridiculously long showers.

In speaking to my local plumber he recommended 2 options.

Option 1. 50 gallon with (mixer). The upfront cost will be around 500-600, but I have to imagine running the tank continuously at 140 degrees will result in a noticeable increase in monthly energy bills?

Option 2. 80 gallon hybrid. Somewhere around 1200-1300 upfront costs. While he states there is no concern about running in a cool basement, I'm not sure what i'll really gain from doing so. Furthermore, should I be concerned that the tank will be sitting next to my heat pump?

I figured I would get more valuable opinions here. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[SHEPLMBR]

The Hybrid requires a certain amount of space around it, and if enclosed, a louvered door or panel in the wall. Best to do some research and make sure what the plumber would provide will work properly in your space.

 

[fixitron]

A hybrid heat pump water heater is taller than a similar sized electric, so it may not fit under the stairs. An 80 gal. Rheem Pro model is 74" tall, 90" if you need to duct it. A hybrid will produce hot water at a slower rate than an electric, unless it is in electric mode only and depending on wattage of the hybrid's heating element.
I am guessing that the first option is referring to an electric water heater with a thermostatic mixing valve and the tank set at 140 degF? Why a smaller tank than what you have?
If there is a heat pump cassette nearby and it is used for heating, that is OK with a hybrid. You would be pumping heat from outside into the basement and then pumping that heat into the water. If you use the heat pump to cool in summer, it is pumping the heat out of the basement to the exterior and would be fighting the work of the hybrid.
I would start with low flow shower heads (1.5 GPM). This would be one of the times that if you cannot decrease hot water use, then go to a tankless water heater.
The prices you listed are very low, even for just the cost of the water heater.

 

[SHEPLMBR]

A hybrid heat pump water heater is taller than a similar sized electric, so it may not fit under the stairs. An 80 gal. Rheem Pro model is 74" tall, 90" if you need to duct it. A hybrid will produce hot water at a slower rate than an electric, unless it is in electric mode only and depending on wattage of the hybrid's heating element.
I am guessing that the first option is referring to an electric water heater with a thermostatic mixing valve and the tank set at 140 degF? Why a smaller tank than what you have?
If there is a heat pump cassette nearby and it is used for heating, that is OK with a hybrid. You would be pumping heat from outside into the basement and then pumping that heat into the water. If you use the heat pump to cool in summer, it is pumping the heat out of the basement to the exterior and would be fighting the work of the hybrid.
I would start with low flow shower heads (1.5 GPM). This would be one of the times that if you cannot decrease hot water use, then go to a tankless water heater.
The prices you listed are very low, even for just the cost of the water heater.
[/QUOTE
Most manufacturers do not make a residential 80 anymore since the current NAECA standards went into effect. Some are finally catching up though.

 

[SHEPLMBR]

Some manufacturers are only now getting in their 80 gallon residential electric to meet the current NAECA standards. Otherwise, it would have to be a light commercial. Perhaps that was why they were going smaller.

 

[fixitron]

The standards only refer to efficiency of water heaters. Most residential electric and gas water heaters over 50 gallons have not been able to meet the efficiency standards. There is no question that a hybrid 80 gal. would meet the standards.

 

[SHEPLMBR]

The standards only refer to efficiency of water heaters. Most residential electric and gas water heaters over 50 gallons have not been able to meet the efficiency standards. There is no question that a hybrid 80 gal. would meet the standards.

I wasn't talking about a hybrid. I thought you had asked why downsize. And yes, some manufacturers have now got heaters bigger than 50 available for Resi.

 

[vxooxv]

The thought process is; by going to a 50 gallon at 140 degrees it would mix with cold leaving the tank @ 110 degrees and effectively make the 50 gallons 'last longer' and potentially recover faster.