Water Heating · Hybrid heat pump
Smarter Hot Water. Greater Energy Efficiency.
Discover advanced hybrid heat pump water heaters that use energy-efficient technology to heat water while offering flexible operating modes for everyday household needs.
How it works
What is a hybrid heat pump water heater?
A hybrid heat pump water heater moves heat from the surrounding air into water stored in a tank. Many models also have electric elements that help during periods of higher demand.
It is different from a central heat pump, which heats and cools your home. This one only heats your water.
- A fan draws in room air across the heat pump on top.
- The heat pump moves that heat into the stored water.
- Cooler, drier air is released back into the room.
- Electric elements help when demand is high.
Why hybrid
Benefits of hybrid water heaters
Energy-efficient water heating
Moves heat from the air into the water rather than relying only on electric resistance.
Flexible operating modes
Many models offer efficiency, hybrid, electric and vacation modes.
Potential operating cost savings
Can use much less electricity than a conventional electric water heater.
Stored hot water capacity
A full tank ready for household demand.
Potential incentives
Some provincial programs support eligible heat pump water heaters.
Operating modes
Understanding operating modes
The trade-off is efficiency against how fast it reheats: the more it relies on the heat pump, the less electricity it uses and the slower it recovers.
Heat pump / efficiency mode
Uses only the heat pump. Lowest electricity use, but the slowest to reheat after heavy use.
Hybrid / automatic mode
Uses the heat pump most of the time and switches on the elements when demand is high.
Electric mode
Uses only the elements, like a standard electric tank. Fastest recovery, highest electricity use.
Vacation mode
Where supported, holds a low temperature while you are away.
Running costs
What could a hybrid water heater save?
Accounts for the room it is in, the operating mode, element backup, and the winter heat it draws from your home.
That suggests about 150 litres of hot water a day. Change it under the assumptions if you know your use.
Adjust the assumptions
Incoming water is colder in winter, which raises the energy needed. The default is a yearly average for your province.
- Estimated current yearly water heating cost
- $501
- Estimated yearly cost with a new hybrid heat pump
- $266
- Potential yearly savings
- $235
- Illustrative 10-year difference
- −$2,350
| Part | Now | New |
|---|---|---|
| Energy used | 3,341 kWh | 1,594 kWh |
| Water heating | $501 | $239 |
| Extra winter space heating | $0 | $27 |
How this is worked out
- Hot water: about 150 litres a day, heated from 10 °C to 55 °C (about 2,865 kWh of heat a year).
- Efficiency is based on each system’s UEF rating. Storage tanks also lose heat while standing, which matters more when a household uses less hot water than the rating test assumes.
- The heat pump does about 80% of the heating at an effective efficiency of about 2.8, adjusted for the room it is in; electric elements do the rest.
- A heat pump water heater cools the room it sits in. In the heating season your home’s heating replaces that heat, and that cost is included.
- Power-vent blowers, tankless electronics, fixed monthly charges and maintenance are not included.
- The 10-year figure is the yearly difference × 10 at today’s prices. It does not include equipment, installation, rebates or financing.
- This is an estimate, not a guarantee. Real use varies with household habits and the season.
Incentives
Explore potential hybrid water heater incentives
The federal heat pump rebate is for space heating and does not cover water heaters. Provincial programs set their own equipment and certification rules, and approval is up to them.
Answer a few questions to see which programs you may qualify for. You do not need to give us any contact details.
Is it right for my home?
What makes a good spot for a hybrid
Room temperature
Works best in a space that stays above about 10 °C. Below about 7 °C most units switch to their elements.
Air volume
Needs enough surrounding air to draw heat from. Manufacturers often specify a minimum room size, commonly around 700 cubic feet, or louvred doors or ducting.
Ventilation
Fresh air needs to reach the unit, so a small closed closet may not work.
Ceiling height
Hybrid units are taller than standard tanks.
Noise
A fan and compressor hum, so placement away from bedrooms helps.
Condensate drainage
It removes moisture from the air, which must drain away.
Electrical
Usually a 240-volt circuit; some models plug into 120 volts.
Hot water demand
Heavy simultaneous use leans more on the elements.
Equipment sizing
Tank size and first-hour rating matched to the household.
Effect on the room
It cools and dehumidifies the space around it. That helps in summer, but in winter your heating system replaces some of that heat.
Compare
Hybrid, tankless or electric?
| Compare | Hybrid heat pump | Tankless | Electric |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy source | Electricity (heat pump plus elements) | Natural gas or propane | Electricity |
| Hot water capacity | Stored tank; slower recovery in heat pump mode | Continuous up to its rated flow | Stored tank |
| Efficiency | Highest of these when conditions suit it (UEF about 3–4) | High for gas (UEF about 0.8–0.97) | Moderate (UEF about 0.9) |
| Installation space | Taller unit; needs surrounding air | Compact, wall-mounted | Standard tank |
| Venting | None | Exhaust vent required | None |
| Operating costs | Usually well below a standard electric tank | Depends on gas price | Often the highest of these |
| Maintenance | Filter, condensate drain, flushing | Descaling and annual service | Flushing and anode checks |
| Potential incentives | Some provincial programs | None currently listed | None currently listed |
How we work
The Nexhome installation process
Home consultation
We look at your current water heater, how your household uses hot water, and the space, air volume, drainage and electrical supply where it would go.
Equipment recommendation
We recommend hybrid heat pump options and sizes and explain what the installation involves.
Professional installation
Qualified installers complete the work, including electrical, plumbing, the condensate drain and set-up of the operating mode, to the applicable codes.
System walkthrough and support
We show you the operating modes and how to clean the filter and look after it, and give you the warranty and support information that applies.
Comfort Today. Flexible Payment Options.
Explore financing options that may help make your home water heating upgrade more manageable.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is a hybrid heat pump water heater?
A storage water heater with a small heat pump on top that moves heat from the surrounding air into the water, plus electric elements for backup.
How does it differ from a standard electric tank?
A standard tank heats water only with elements. A hybrid mostly uses a heat pump, which can use much less electricity for the same hot water.
Can it provide enough hot water for a family?
Usually, with the right tank size. In hybrid mode it switches on the elements to keep up with heavy use. Pure heat pump mode reheats more slowly.
Does it work in a Canadian basement?
Often, if the basement stays reasonably warm and has enough air. In a cold space it relies more on its elements and saves less.
Does it cool the surrounding room?
Yes. It cools and dehumidifies the air around it. In winter, your home’s heating replaces some of that heat, and the calculator above includes that cost.
Does it make noise?
It makes a fan and compressor hum, similar to a dehumidifier. Placement makes a difference.
What happens during high hot water demand?
In hybrid or automatic mode, the electric elements come on to help it recover faster.
Does it require special electrical work?
Most need a 240-volt circuit, like a standard electric tank. Some newer models plug into a standard 120-volt outlet.
What government rebates might be available?
Some provincial programs offer incentives for eligible heat pump water heaters. The federal heat pump rebate is for space heating, not water heaters. The checker above shows what is listed for your province.
How much energy can it save?
Compared with a standard electric tank, often a large share of the electricity used for hot water, depending on the room, the mode and how much you use. Compared with gas, it may cost more to run. The calculator above estimates it for your home.
How long does it last?
Many last about 10 to 15 years, depending on water quality and maintenance.
What maintenance is required?
Cleaning the air filter, keeping the condensate drain clear, flushing the tank and checking the anode rod.
Let’s Find the Right Water Heater for Your Home.
Our team can help you explore options, understand installation requirements, and choose a system suited to your household.