On July 4 of this year I stepped into my garage and felt that familiar squish on the rug at the foot of the steps that told me my water heater had sprung a 
leak. Drats! I could think of better things to do on the 4 July than to change out a water heater. Thank goodness, the big box stores were open, so it was off to see the Wizard to purchase a new one.
The question was, “Which style of water heater do I purchase?” Sure, I could go back with a conventional style like I had, I could invest in a tankless or I could go the less conventional route and purchase a hybrid system. Although the tankless and the hybrid system were more expensive than the conventional water heater, I was looking beyond the price tag. I was looking at how much would it cost to operate. My decision was to go with the hybrid as it utilized energy saving technology and if I needed to, I could convert it to a conventional system with the flick of a switch.
I also made the decision to put on a circulation pump. I could not see a reason to dump a couple gallons of water down the drain just to get hot water. I also lowered the water temperature 108°F. That was a comfortable temperature in which to bathe and I did not have to mix or dilute the hot water with cold. Once again, the frugal side of me won over.
Over the past few months I was able to save on average, about $40 a month, as compared to the utility rates I had been paying in the past. I attribute this cost savings to the new water heater. At this rate, I will be able to save approximately $500 the first year which will more than pay for the additional cost of the unit.
While I cannot guarantee that everybody will save this kind of money, as everybody’s water usage habits differ, I believe that you will save money going hybrid v/s conventional or tankless. I also understand that, like any water heater, there are limitations and constraints on where these can be installed.
The Complete Home Inspections Team - Brentwood, TN 37027
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