Heat Pump Water Heater Ratings, A Repairman Reviews The Brands...

With our heat pump water heater ratings, you can cut through all of the sales hype and find real value. We have searched the manufacturer's data and combined it with our years of hvac industry experience to provide our unique system of ratings. It truly is like taking a repairman with you while you shop!

We have given each brand a rating of from 1* to 5*. A 5* rating means that, if we were shopping for a unit for our home, that is the brand we would buy (if it was available). When more than one brand has a 5* rating, we would choose the least expensive model.

We have also included the manufacturer's web address as well as our comments regarding the advantages/disadvantages of their products.

The first category is integrated systems. These units combine the heat pump system with the storage tank and are a good option when you do not have an existing stoarge tank that needs replaced.

The second category is for split systems. These units consist of the heat pump system which can be remotely mounted from the storage tank. These are made for warm areas of the world and the heat pump part of the system is typically mounted outside the home.

The third category is for "add-on" units. These units consist of the heat pump part of the system and do not include the tank when they are purchased. These units are a very good option for doing an upgrade to an existing storage tank water heater because you only buy the part that you need.

AERMEC-----------------<1*---------------NA-----------NA The SWP units are available with either 200 liter or 300 liter storage tanks. They have advanced electronic controls but the manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

AirTap-----------------<1*---------------NA-----------4* This brand is from ADAPTIVE ENERGY SYSTEMS and is a very simple retrofit DIY kit. The unit plugs into a standard 110v outlet and is designed for simple installation. It also features a good warranty. The integrated units (ATI50 & ATI66) feature stainless steel tanks for durability and a unique refillable anode rod. They also have automatic controls with multiple operating modes for flexibility but the warranty is not very good when compared to other brands. (airgenerate.com)

AMERICAN----------------4*---------------NA-----------NA These water heaters feature advanced electronic controls with an LCD touchscreen. They are available in two sizes (60 or 80 gallon). The units have a powered anode rod to extend the life of the tank and they are backed by a good warranty. (americanwaterheater.com)

A.O. SMITH--------------4*---------------NA-----------NA The VOLTEX is an integrated unit that is available with either a 60 or 80 gallon tank. The unit has four operating modes for flexibility in matching the hot water needs of the family as they change. The unit also has a user friendly LCD display that allows for control and adjustments. The brand is backed by a very good warranty from a leader in the hot water industry.

BARTL------------------<1*---------------2*-----------NA These units are made in Germany and are sold throughout Europe. They offer two sizes of units (270 or 400 liters). The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy. (bartlwp.de)

BOSCH-------------------3*---------------NA-----------NA The COMPRESS heat pump water heaters have a 50 gallon capacity and electronic controls with four operating modes. They have an easy to read LCD display to control the unit and are backed by a very good warranty. They use standard enameled steel tank technology with a magnesium anode which will require periodic replacement. (bosch-climate.us)

BUDERUS----------------<1*---------------NA-----------NA This brand is a part of BOSCH THERMO GmBH. The WPT 300 unit features a 300 liter tank with a backup electric heater. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy. (buderus.de)

DE DIETRICH------------<1*---------------NA-----------NA The KALIKO range of units are available in three sizes. The brand is a part of GROUP BDR THERMEA and is made in france. Their website is not much help and the warranty on the units is not very good. (dedietrich-heating.com)

DIMPLEX----------------<1*---------------NA-----------NA This brand is part of the GLEN DIMPLEX GROUP. The BWP 30H units can be fitted with air ducts to use the ouside air for heating. They feature a protective anode and a 1.5 kw backup electric element. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy. (dimplex.de)

DUX--------------------<1*---------------NA-----------NA The AIROHEAT units are made and sold in Australia. The brand is a part of GWA GROUP LTD. They are only available in a 250 liter size. The warranty is not as good as some of the other brands. (dux.com.au)

ECOTEC-----------------<1*---------------NA-----------NA This brand is available in a variety of sizes from 200 to 600 liters. The manufacturer's website is very little help and does not have a stated warranty policy. (ecotec-systems.com)

ENERFLOW----------------NA---------------4*-----------NA This brand is made in South Africa by M-TECH INDUSTRIAL. The condenser can be installed either indoors or outdoors but the system uses R-22 refrigerant which is not environmentally friendly. (enerflow.co.za)

ENERJETT---------------<1*---------------NA-----------NA These units are from JETT WATER HEATER CO. and are available in the Philippines. The manufacturer's website is no help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

e-SUN-------------------NA---------------4*-----------NA These units are made and sold primarily in Australia by e-SOLAR but they can be specially ordered and shipped worldwide. The unit features a standard electric water heater with a heat pump mounted on the outside of the home. The manufacturer's website is not much help but the unit has a good guarantee.

ESP--------------------<1*---------------NA-----------NA This brand is from EARTH SAVE PRODUCTS LTD. and is available throughout Europe. They offer four sizes of units (150, 200, 250, and 300 liters) and optional flex ducts for outside venting of the unit. The units can also provide central heating for smaller homes. The warranty is not as good as other brands. (esavep.com)

E-TECH ----------------NA---------------NA-----------3* This brand was acquired by A.O. SMITH in April 2009. They feature units that can be mounted on an existing tank or on the floor or a shelf on the wall. The website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy. (aers.com)

GE----------------------3*---------------NA-----------NA This brand will be available in November 2009. The unit is a 50 gallon system that is designed to fit in the same footprint as a traditional 50 gallon water heater. The units have samrt controls so that you can change the mode to fit the changes in your needs. It is backed by an outstanding warranty but you will have to wait to purchase it. (geappliances.com)

GORENJE----------------<1*---------------NA-----------NA The TC models are available in two sizes (200 & 285 liter). They featured an enameled steel tank and magnesium anode which are older technology. They also offer a smaller wall mounted model in 80, 100, or 120 liter sizes. The warranty on the brand is not very good. (gorenje.com)

HELIOTHERM-------------<1*---------------NA-----------NA These units are made in Austria and sold throughout Europe. They offer both air and ground source units but the ground source units do not make much sense for the typical residence. The units have a backup electrical heater and a 270 liter storage tank. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

HUBBELL-----------------2*---------------NA-----------5* The PBX model is an integrated unit that is available in five sizes to meet any need. They feature a hydrostone cement tank lining that ensures a longer life and have a user friendly electronic controller. They also have a built-in heat trap device for energy savings and five modes of operation for flexibility and energy savings. The warranty on parts for the unit is not as good as some other brands. The RFHP model is an add-on unit that can quickly and easily be added to any electric water heater from 40 to 120 gallon. It is backed by a very good warranty as well.

KNV--------------------<1*---------------NA-----------NA These units are available in parts of Europe. The AQUA 300 model is a typical air source model while the AQUA 300DX uses a geothermal loop which seems like a waste of money. Their website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

OCHSNER----------------<1*---------------2*-----------NA This brand is available in Europe. The EUROPA MINI is a split unit while the EUROPA 313 is a unit with an integrated 300 liter tank. The EUROPA 313 also has an integrated heat exchanger for connection to a boiler or solar system. The manufacturer's website provides minimal help and does not have a stated warranty policy. (ochsner.com)

QUANTUM----------------<1*---------------NA-----------NA These units are made and sold in Australia. They are available in three sizes to meet the requirements of different homes. The warranty is not as good as other brands. (quantumenergy.com.au)

RHEEM-------------------3*---------------NA-----------NA The HP series units feature a 40 or 50 gallon storage capacity and smart controls. They are designed for easy installation with no major changes required to the water connections from a standard 50 gallon electric storage water heater. They have durable stainless steel backup electric heating elements and a user friendly LED control panel. The units have three modes of operation including a high demand mode which uses both the heat pump and the electric elements to ensure plenty of hot water. They don't offer a unit bigger than the 50 gallon and use basic tank tachnology (glass-lined) but the warranty is good. (rheem.com)

RICHMOND----------------5*---------------NA-----------NA This brand is from RHEEM MANUFACTURING and is sold through many retailers and home improvement centers. The HP series units feature a 40 or 50 gallon storage capacity and smart controls. They are designed for easy installation with no major changes required to the water connections from a standard 50 gallon electric storage water heater. They have durable stainless steel backup electric heating elements and a user friendly LED control panel. The units have three modes of operation including a high demand mode which uses both the heat pump and the electric elements to ensure plenty of hot water. They don't offer a unit bigger than the 50 gallon and use basic tank technology (glass-lined) but the warranty is good.(richmondwaterheaters.com)

RUUD--------------------3*---------------NA-----------NA The HP series units feature a 40 or 50 gallon storage capacity and smart controls. They are designed for easy installation with no major changes required to the water connections from a standard 50 gallon electric storage water heater. They have durable stainless steel backup electric heating elements and a user friendly LED control panel. The units have three modes of operation including a high demand mode which uses both the heat pump and the electric elements to ensure plenty of hot water. They don't offer a unit bigger than the 50 gallon and they use basic tank technology (glass-lined) but the warranty is good. (ruud.com)

SIRAC-------------------NA---------------2*-----------NA This brand is made in China and is available in two sizes (75 or 110 liter). They feature an auto on/off timer clock but the units use 50hz power and therefore are not compatible in the USA. Their website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

SOLARSTREAM-------------NA---------------5*-----------NA These units are made and sold in Australia and New Zealand. They feature a stainless steel tank for durability and are backed by a very good guarantee. (siddonssolarstream.com)

STATE-------------------4*---------------NA-----------NA The PREMIER units are available in either 60 or 80 gallon sizes. They feature a large LCD control interface and four operating modes that are selectable by pushbutton. The units are backed by a very good warranty as well.

STIEBEL ELTRON----------1*---------------NA-----------NA The ACCELERA 300 features an 80 gallon storage capacity and is backed by a good warranty. (stiebel-eltron-usa.com)

VIESSMANN--------------<1*---------------NA-----------NA The VITOCAL 160-A has a 285 liter tank, an electric boost heater, and plugs into a standard 230 volt socket. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

WHIRLPOOL---------------4*---------------NA-----------NA This brand is available through LOWE'S HOME IMPROVEMENT WAREHOUSES in the USA. They offer both 80 gallon and 60 gallon models to suit the size of the home and family. The units have three modes of operation to ensure that there is always an adequate supply of hot water. They feature a maintenance free powered anode to make the tank last longer and they are backed by a very good warranty.

WOTAC------------------<1*---------------4*-----------NA This brand is made in China and offers either 50 or 60 HZ units. The C SERIES units are integrated units that are available in 4 sizes. They feature a stainless steel tank. The manufacturer's website is not much help and does not have a stated warranty policy.

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