Standard Electric Water Heater
A standard electric water heater is a traditional type of water heater that operates completely on electric elements. It requires the smallest up front investment, but uses more energy than lifetime water heaters and hybrid water heaters, making its ongoing costs higher.

This may be the right option for you if ...
1. There are only a few people living in your home.
2. Your overall hot water consumption is low.
3. You don’t plan to live in your home more than a few years.

How it operates: Uses electric elements only
Insulation: Fair to Moderate
Efficiency: Typically ranges from 0.88 - 0.91 Energy Factor (EF)
Average Operating Cost*: $45.60/month
*Based on U.S. DOE data and an electric rate of $0.12 per kwh.

Lifetime Electric Water Heater
A lifetime water heater is similar to a standard water heater, but is more efficient and costs less money to operate. And because of the added insulation, water in the tank stays warmer longer. A lifetime water heater also includes the added benefit of a manufacturer’s lifetime warranty.

This may be the right option for you if...
1. You want a more durable, higher quality electric water heater.
2. You desire the peace of mind of having a manufacturer’s no-leak lifetime warranty.
3. You want increased efficiency, but you don’t plan to live in your home long enough to justify the purchase of a hybrid water heater.

How it operates: Uses electric elements only
Insulation: Dense Foam
Efficiency: Typically ranges from 0.90 - 0.95 Energy factor (EF)
Average Operating Cost*: $43.80/month
*Based on U.S. DOE data and an electric rate of $0.12 per kwh.

Get more info on the Marathon water heater

Hybrid Electric Water Heater
A hybrid water heater is among the most efficient water heaters in the market today. In fact, they are over twice as efficient as standard electric and lifetime water heaters. This unit requires the largest up front investment, but is also the most efficient and least expensive to operate. With most units, the investment should pay for itself in energy savings within 2-5 years, depending upon your energy usage.

This may be the right option for you if ...
1. You plan to live in your home for at least three years.
2. You may qualify for and want to take advantage of utility and tax incentives.
3. You want to reduce your “Carbon Footprint.”
4. Your hot water consumption is moderate to high.

How it operates:
(1) operates as a heat pump; and
(2) functions as a hybrid (electric elements + heat pump technology)

Insulation: Moderate
Efficiency: Typically ranges from 2.0 - 2.4 Energy Factor (EF)
Average Operating Cost*: $21.60/month
*Based on U.S. DOE data and an electric rate of $0.12 per kwh.

Get more info on the State hybrid water heater or the GE hybrid water heater.

Southern Indiana Power offers various rebates for qualified installations of all three types of these water heaters. Please call 800-323-2316 or email the office for details.