Common Hybrid Electric Heat Pump Water Heater Modes and How to Decide Which You Should Use?

Water Heater Modes 101

Modern water heaters are far more than just tanks of hot water—they’re advanced appliances equipped with customizable settings to meet various energy and household needs. For example, here are the modes you’ll find on Bradford White’s AeroTherm^® Series Heat Pump Water Heater:

• Heat Pump Only Mode: The most efficient mode, using advanced heat pump technology to heat water.
• Hybrid Standard Mode: Balances energy savings and speed of hot water production.
• Hybrid Plus Mode: Maximizes production of hot water for high demand situations.
• Electric Only Mode: High performance mode that operates like a highly efficient electric water heater (less energy savings than using Heat Pump Only or Hybrid modes).
• Vacation Mode: Minimizes energy use and maximizes savings during periods when users are away.

Each mode has distinct features and offers unique benefits depending on your household’s needs.

Understanding Energy-Efficient Modes

If lowering your energy bills and minimizing environmental impact are priorities, energy-efficient modes like Heat Pump Only or Hybrid Standard Mode are worth exploring. These modes use advanced heat pump technology to gain much higher efficiency.

Benefits of Energy-Efficient Modes

• Lower Electricity Bills: Using less power means noticeable savings over time.
• Environmental Impact: Reducing energy consumption lowers your household’s carbon footprint.

Performance-Based Modes

For those who prioritize performance over energy efficiency, water heaters also feature modes designed to prioritize hot water accessibility and convenience.

Hybrid Plus Mode

This mode combines advanced Heat Pump technology with the performance power of electric heat to maximize production of hot water. You might want to use this mode if you’re having guests over and need a large amount of hot water for a short period of time.

• When to Use It: When you need to maximize hot water production.
• Pro Tip: Many homeowners find this mode offers a great balance between high efficiency and outstanding performance, especially if they use a lot of hot water.

Vacation Mode

Planning a trip? Turn to Vacation Mode. This setting lowers the water temperature to a maintenance level, ensuring minimal energy is used while preventing the risk of system freezes.

• When to Use It: Ideal for periods of low to no usage, like vacations or short-term travel.
• Energy Impact: Consumes a fraction of power compared to standard modes while keeping your heater in good condition.

Learn more about the 5 modes available on Bradford White’s AeroTherm^® Series Heat Pump Water Heater.

Choosing the Right Mode for Your Needs

Selecting the appropriate water heater mode depends on various factors, including household size, daily hot water demand, and your energy-saving goals. Here’s how to decide:

1. Household Size & Usage

• For Smaller Households: Heat Pump Only Mode is usually sufficient as the hot water demand is moderate.
• For Larger Households: Try Hybrid Standard Mode. If you find yourself running short of hot water, use Hybrid Plus Mode during peak times.

2. Energy Efficiency Goals

• If reducing your electricity bill is a top priority, stick to Heat Pump Only Mode or Vacation Mode during lulls in usage.

3. Lifestyle

• If your lifestyle involves frequent travel, Vacation Mode is perfect for energy conservation while you’re away.
• For days requiring high water usage (e.g., hosting guests), Hybrid Plus Mode ensures uninterrupted comfort.

By considering these factors, you can leverage your water heater settings to maximize both efficiency and performance.

Installation and Maintenance Tips

To get the most out of your water heater modes, proper setup and regular maintenance are essential. Here are some tips:

• Initial Configuration

Professional installation of your AeroTherm^® Series Heat Pump Water Heater is critically important to ensure that you have the right size water heater for your needs. This will allow you to operate in a more efficient mode to lower your overall energy costs and maximize savings. Discuss your household’s hot water needs with your plumbing professional before installation begins.

• Routine Maintenance

Schedule regular routine maintenance checks with your plumbing professional to keep your water heater operating and peak efficiency and performance, and extend its lifespan. Your plumbing professional can also ensure that your water heater has any needed firmware updates so you’re getting all the latest available features. Need a plumbing professional? Click here to find a plumbing professional in your area.

What’s Next for Water Heater Modes?

The future is bright for water heater technology. For example, you can order the AeroTherm^® heat pump water heater with Bradford White Connect^™, which turns your AeroTherm^® heat pump water heater into a smart, connected appliance that can easily be controlled through a mobile app.

With Bradford White Connect^™, you can change modes using your smart phone even if you’re not home. So if you go on vacation and forget to put your water heater in Vacation Mode, it’s no problem! You can switch the mode right from the app and save money while you enjoy your vacation!