Heat Pump Water Heater Ratings, A Repairman Rates 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. We have divided our heat pump water heater ratings into three categories to give an accurate comparison and to help you to find the proper unit for your application. 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. BRAND----------------INTEGRATED--------SPLIT--------ADD ON AirTap------------------NA---------------NA-----------5* 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. (airgenerate.com) DUX---------------------2*---------------NA-----------NA The AIROHEAT units are made and sold in Australia. 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) E-TECH ----------------NA---------------NA-----------4* 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----------------------5*---------------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) QUANTUM-----------------1*---------------NA-----------NA These ubnits 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 HP50 units feature a 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. The warranty is not as good as some brands. (rheem.com) 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) STIEBEL ELTRON----------4*---------------NA-----------NA The ACCELERA 300 features an 80 gallon storage capacity and is backed by a good warranty. (stiebel-eltron-usa.com) 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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