Hybrid waters here in Austin.

Your Questions & Comments:  I've heard your commercials on K-LBJ 590 AM. I'd like more info on the hybrid water heater you mention in the radio commercial....does it really save energy? savings on my water bill? gas bill? total cost of installation? who should get one? etc.

Sorry it took so long to get back to you, but if you are still interested, I"ll jump right into it.
Assuming you already have a gas powered water heater, you will notice significant savings on your fuel bill. A traditional water heater will have an energy factor of .54-.64. This is pretty pathetic, but gas is cheap when compared to electricity so until recently no one cared that we were wasting so much fuel gas (Propane or Natural gas). There have been high efficiency water heaters available at the commercial level for a long time now. The tankless water heater was the real catalyst that inspired homeowners to seek more efficient options. The Hybrid is on of 3 great options that can save a ton of energy.
The tankless heaters typically have an energy factor of .82.
The Eternal Hybrid is .86. The big difference is that the Hybrid is working all day (unless you turn the power off). If you stay at home, and use water all day, go Eternal. If everyone is off to work and the house sits empty a lot, go tankless. If you have a recirculating system the Eternal gets my vote.
 
About your fuel bill. It depends wildly on how many people , and how you use it. A tankless for instance installed in a guest house cost absolutely nothing while you are not there. you only pay for what you use. On the flip side, you now have endless hot water. Really! Endless, so that teenage daughter could take a 3 day shower, and your gas meter will spin as long as she is in there.
 
This diagram below is from the Rinnai web site.

Energy Costs
With Rinnai tankless water heaters, you’ll enjoy up to 40% energy savings.  That’s because our units are designed to be highly efficient and only heat water when it’s needed.  When the demand for water ceases, the unit shuts down and uses no energy, a revolutionary advantage over inefficient tank-style heaters.
 
 
 
 
Eternal says:
is conservatively estimated to save 35% in fuel costs when compared to a traditional 50 gallon gas fired tank; however, Eternal has capacity to replace multiple tanks. Eternal offers similar fuel efficiency compared to tankless
Check out there question and answer page. It's great
http://www.eternalwaterheater.com/support/faqs.aspx
 
The cost for any high efficiency water heater will generally be between 3,500.00, and 5,500.00 depending on what we are doing with recirculators, and how much alteration of your existing plumbing is necessary.
 
You also asked about savings on your water bill. These water heaters absolutely will not save you a drop of water. to do that you will need to install a recirculation system that pulls the hot water closer to your usage point. that is where the Hybrid shines as well. the tankless can be reicrculated, but in can get costly to do it correctly. 
 
 
 
Your timing is perfect, as a "stimulus" perk may be available to you. for a $1,500.00 tax credit. http://www.rinnai.us/tankless-tax-credit/
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax_credits
 
Lastly, I think everyone should get one :)
 
Hope this helps!

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Brad Casebier
www.radiantplumbing.com

512-263-9988

Austin, Texas