A New Jersey homeowner looking to replace a propane water heater turned to Reddit for advice and took away an important lesson. Installing a bigger tank than they planned could help keep the household from running short on hot water.
Here's what to know
In a post on Reddit's r/heatpumps community, the homeowner asked whether replacing a working propane tankless heater with a heat pump water heater made financial sense.
According to the post, a GE hybrid model at Home Depot cost around $2,300. A $750 utility rebate would bring the equipment price to roughly $1,550 before installation and other expenses.
A commenter suggested comparing costs with the community's calculators, saying heat pump water heaters generally cost less to operate than propane models. That aligns with the savings many households report after switching, thanks to the tech's greater efficiency.
Not everyone supported replacing a functioning heater. One commenter questioned the need, while another described early failures among units they had installed.
More background
The homeowner's existing solar panels gave another reason to switch to electric water heating.
"We have solar panels and have an excess every month so I think that makes it even more of a no brainer," the homeowner explained.
The time needed to replenish a tank's hot-water supply prompted commenters to urge careful sizing when switching away from an on-demand heater. The homeowner described a four-person household that typically takes no more than two back-to-back showers.
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One commenter recommended considering an 80-gallon model rather than a 65-gallon unit.
"It's model-dependent and published for residential water heaters," the commenter wrote. "Look at the first hour rating, that'll tell you how many gallons it can deliver in a one hour period, probably around 85 gph for a 65 gallon model."
That model-specific rating helps homeowners determine whether a heater can meet several hot-water needs in a short period, rather than judging by tank capacity alone.
The planned installation site was an unfinished basement with a high ceiling, measuring about 1,600 square feet, and it also housed an oil boiler.
Ducting can be necessary when the room surrounding a heater is too small, one commenter noted. Despite the basement's size, they advised checking the manufacturer's air-volume requirements.
What can be done?
After considering the advice about capacity, the homeowner decided to choose a larger tank.
"Sounds like I'll go with the 80 gallon one," they wrote.
The homeowner's previous experience installing a tankless heater was why they planned to tackle the installation with their father-in-law. Noise and a cooler surrounding space were two operating effects one commenter told the homeowner to expect. The commenter also recommended checking the air filter every six months.
For homeowners comparing smart options, Cala offers customizable smart heat pump water heaters. Cala's customizable smart heat pump water heaters can help homeowners lower their energy bills by heating water exactly when needed. Buyers considering Cala can weigh that capability alongside the tank-sizing and installation questions raised in this thread.
Where can I learn more?
This homeowner isn't alone in weighing tank size and cost before replacing a water heater.
• A homeowner hoping to idle an oil boiler during summer gets encouragement from professionals.
• A skeptical new-build buyer hears owners describe a three-year heat pump water heater payback.
• In England, a homeowner comparing quotes hears concerns about a 90-liter tank's size.
• A homeowner facing a $4,200 water heater quote asks whether tankless justifies spending more.
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