58 Gal. Heat Pump Hybrid Electric Water Heater

I've had this water heater running about one month and have very mixed feelings about it. Would I recommend it? Right now, I am leaning toward no. Although it was more expensive than others like it, I chose this unit to mostly replace (supplement) my propane indirect boiler because, 1) it is more cost effective (especially with my solar panels) per Btu than propane in my area, 2) it could run in heat pump only mode making it more efficient, and 3) it can switch to a lower set temp during peak electric time of use. By keeping it inline with my indirect boiler, it can provide 100% of my standby/recirculation loss and most of my consumption needs while still maintaining a high performing yet efficient DHW system. This product is extremely well built but the design needs improvement. Even though the manufacturer insists on professional installation, there was nothing about it that I found difficult as a moderately capable homeowner. The instructions are a bit confusing and overly complicated with an extreme amount of information that is poorly presented. However, read through them carefully and highlight the important details before you begin the installation. Be sure to install a 120f thermostatic control valve on the output. This cannot be stressed enough as the temperature often rises 8-10 degrees over the set point before it shuts off. Combined with the insistence from the manufacturer to keep set points over 126f to prevent legionella bacteria, this makes the leaving water scalding hot. It also falls 6-8 degrees below the setpoint making the swing in temps much greater than propane or standard electric heaters. PROS: Very efficient when using heat pump only mode. Extremely quiet operation. Good capacity for a two person household using only heat pump. Built like a tank with quality materials and workmanship. Has multiple AC inputs and thermostat switching for time of use support (requires user supplied switch or relay device). CONS: Price is much higher than the competition especially considering the what is not included. No required thermostatic control valve on output. There are user programmable controls on the front panel but no remote control available making it useless for some hard to access installations. A WiFi remote control is becoming standard on everything and some competitors already have it. Access to some programming controls also require partial disassembly of the unit to reach them. Water input and output ports are on the side while most all other water heaters are on top making it more difficult to retrofit. Having them on the back of the tank requires some real plumbing creativity when installing in a closet or other tight situation. Furthermore, they are in a vertical line (see picture) requiring even more elbows which adds pipe noise and reduces water pressure. Instructions indicate that some leakage (more like a lot) from the Temp/Pressure valve is normal under operation which I have never seen happen in over 50 years with dozens of other models.

We installed the Accelera 220E in July 2020. Was a bit worried about the estimated recovery times going from a traditional electric resistance hot water heater to this, because we could not fit the 300E into our basement in New England. Following the install guide to the letter for components was a DIY project was a bit to learn, but well worth it. Having the thermostatic mixing valve combined with setting the tank to 140 degrees has given us roughly 89 gallons of usable water @ 104 degrees at the tap when mixed with 59 degree water (according to the panel on the unit). We have had 3 people take showers back to back without an issue AFTER running the dishwasher. I can also take a hot tub level hot shower for 15 minutes without having to keep turning the handle, it just STAYS hot. Such an improvement over what I have experienced before. The de-humidification of our basement is noticeable. If it were more than my wife and I and we used more hot water it would probably eliminate any need for a separate dehumidifier, but now I only have to run it once a week for a couple of hours to help out versus leaving it on all the time. The crew at Steibel Eltron in Hadley, MA were awesome.

Energy efficient. Qualified for PECO rebate. The heat pump technology should save many dollars in energy costs over its lifetime. I was worried that it would be too loud, but it is not. At 58 gallons it has a little more capacity without going to an 80 monster for our 3 person one bath home.

Awesome product! Working just as advertised. I was actually surprised by the rapid recovery rate at the 125F setting that I am currently using. Recommended!

Great water heater. Has worked flawlessly for the past 8 months. I just had my first experience with there customer service regarding an advanced feature. I have been referred to an engineer and I'm sure the issue will be resolved soon. My power bills have seen a seen a 20-30% decrease when compared month to month with my old resistive water heater. The 220e is installed in my garage and I was initially concerned with its performance once it had to operate in <50f environment. It has taken it like a champ and run times do not seen to be exaggerated. I do plan on installing an off grid solar system and I beleive the reduced electrical consumption will pay dividends sizing my system.

This unit constantly freezes up and the manufacturer knows it but still sells them...

this was good