New Jersey homeowner considers larger heat pump water heater after warnings about slow hot-water recovery

"Check the first-hour rating — it shows how much hot water it can provide."

A New Jersey homeowner hoping to replace a propane water heater asked Reddit for guidance and came away with one key takeaway: choosing a larger tank than originally planned could help avoid running out of hot water.

What to know

In a post on Reddit's r/heatpumps community, the homeowner asked whether it made financial sense to swap a working propane tankless heater for a heat pump water heater.

The post said a GE hybrid model at Home Depot was priced at about $2,300. After a $750 utility rebate, the equipment cost would fall to roughly $1,550 before installation and other charges.

One commenter advised using the community's calculators to compare costs, noting that heat pump water heaters usually cost less to run than propane models. That view matches the savings many households report after making the switch, largely because the technology is more efficient.

Not every response favored replacing a functioning unit. One commenter questioned whether the upgrade was necessary, while another said some of the units they had installed had failed early.

More context

The homeowner's existing solar panels were another reason to move toward 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 said.

Commenters also raised concerns about how long a tank might take to recover after use, especially when moving away from an on-demand system. The homeowner said the household has four people and typically only takes up to two showers in a row.

One commenter suggested looking at an 80-gallon model instead of 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 kind of rating can help homeowners judge whether a heater will handle several hot-water demands in a short window, rather than relying on tank size alone.

The planned installation area was an unfinished basement with a high ceiling, measuring about 1,600 square feet, and it also contained an oil boiler.

One commenter noted that ducting may be needed if the surrounding space is too small, and urged checking the manufacturer's air-volume requirements even though the basement is large.

What happened next

After weighing the advice about capacity, the homeowner decided to go with a larger tank.

"Sounds like I'll go with the 80 gallon one," they wrote.

The homeowner said they planned to install it with help from their father-in-law because they had previously installed a tankless unit. One commenter warned that the new heater could be noisy and make the surrounding space cooler, and also suggested checking the air filter every six months.

For homeowners considering connected options, Cala sells customizable smart heat pump water heaters designed to heat water when needed and help lower energy bills. Buyers can compare that feature with the tank size and installation questions raised in this discussion.

Where can I learn more?

This homeowner is not the only one 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.