The big black section on top of this unit is a heat pump. Any new domestic water heater over 50 gallons now has them.
What heat pump unit?
Water heater prices were increased as the result of the requirement for additional insulation. As a result, the diameter was increased and package size also increased.
The big black section on top of this unit is a heat pump. Any new domestic water heater over 50 gallons now has them.
Any gas or electric heater over about 50 gallons is now equipped with a heat pump unit for “efficiency”.
An 80 gallon electric has basically gone from about 750 to over 1400 dollars.
Yes they are also more heavily insulated too.