Why You Might Love the GE Geospring Hybrid Hot Water Heater

GE has turned out a lot of rather awesome products in their day. I mean, they may sound like just your run of the mill international technology, media and financial services conglomerate - but the reality is that they create some pretty innovative designs. And the GE Geospring Hybrid Hot Water Heater is absolutely among them, certainly rising above their dozens of other domestic hot water generators!

There is a growing familiarity with the term “hybrid.” The days of overwhelming doubt and skepticism have been replaced with an increased comfort with the concept of dual-powered utilities and products and a willingness to try them.

Also, while energy efficient water heater technologies are constantly evolving, the GE Geospring Hybrid technology has it down pat. In high energy savings mode, the unit functions with a ‘dual fuel’ scenario that sends the ambient air through an evaporator to extract the heat from the air and transfer it to the water (the process uses what’s often referred to in energy efficiency circles as a “heat pump”). For whatever reason, if the stored water temperature dips below an adjustable level set by the customer, it’s equipped with an electric back-up heater, hence the “hybrid” approach. The unit is ENERGY STAR approved.

Energy Efficiency = Increased Financial Flexibility

Energy-efficiency is growing in importance to consumers... Just last week, in our article on how green building professionals kicked ass during the recession, we reported on the growing demand for energy efficient products in existing building and new construction projects alike. This is for good reason... Several studies have show that for every $1,000 of savings achieved through energy efficiency, a home’s value increases by $20,000. According to the Appraisal Journal, in an article titled, “Evidence of Rational Market Valuations for Home Energy Efficiency”, the rationale is that the money saved through energy efficiency could be spent on a larger mortgage with no increase in cost of ownership per month. Assuming an after-tax interest rate of 5%, a $1,000 savings put toward debt service at 5% could support $20,000 of additional debt. And, the GE Geospring Hybrid goes a long way toward reaching that initial $1,000 hurdle.

The Geospring Hybrid touts 62% energy savings when compared to a standard electric hot water heater of the same size (which, according to GE’s calculations, generates a rather impressive annual savings of $365). It uses approximately 1,856 kW per year, based on DOE test procedures at a 68 degree ambient temperature. At $1299 and at least a 30% energy efficiency tax credit, you’re looking at a payback period of less than 3 years.

Finally, this system is so simple your grandmother could operate this thing even without her glasses. The electronic control system is as user-friendly as it gets, and gives consumers complete carte blanche over their water temperature. Interested in more control? Play around with the night setbacks. Want to let it be? Just set it and let it go!

Considerations in Choosing a Hybrid

Depending on where you are located and the climate (or the seasonal temperature) you may experience better or worse heating power. In New England, where winters can bring sub-zero temperatures, a hybrid in high efficiency mode may be less effective than a gas powered (conventional) hot water heater at heating water when it is in high demand. Also, the GE Geospring is a 50 gallon unit, which may not be enough for consecutive baths/showers for a family of four if the temperature outside is below freezing. If you need a larger unit, and insist on the efficiency and cost savings of a hybrid, you may want to consider the Whirlpool 80 Gallon Hybrid Hot Water Heater, which uses essentially the same heat pump technology. It's more expensive, but you'll get almost twice as much water storage.

Regardless, with all of these perks, the Geospring is a pretty sound buy and just might be the perfect solution in your next LEED or green home project.