Highly Efficient Heat Pump Water Heater
Hubbell Omni PBX
A fully integrated, economical, energy efficient heat pump water heater.
Available in 50, 65, 80, 119 gallon capacities
Description
Energy Star rated water heating solution
The Hubbell Omni PBX Heat Pump Water Heater combines the latest in heat pump technology with the proven longevity of a HydraStone lined tank. Three inches of high quality, CFC-free foam insulation, adds to the Omni PBX efficiency providing the lowest standby heat-loss rating in the industry. A streamlined user interface on the controller ensures ease of use and is highly versatile. Suitable for even the coldest climates, the Omni PBX offers a low-maintenance, affordable way to take advantage of green technologies.
Features
Energy Star 5.0 Certified
Transfers heat from surrounding air to heat the water in the tank
Insulated with 3” thick CFC free polyurethane foam insulation to minimize stand-by heat loss
HydraStoneTM tank lining ensures long tank life
• User friendly electronic controller simplifies operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting
• Designed for simple installation and service by a professional plumber
• With no anode rod, maintenance is minimum
• Rebates available – check with AHRI/Energy Star websites
• Quiet application (54 dBA)
• Ducting capabilities available
• Four run modes
• Freeze protection
Applications
Residential, restaurants, schools, office buildings, and much more.
FAQs
How does the heat trap work?
The Hubbell water heater is constructed with a heat trap installed within the water heater’s hot water outlet connection. This device helps prevent heat from escaping through the storage tank’s hot water outlet during standby periods, resulting in improved operating efficiency. The heat trap is constructed from a specially designed bronze nipple with an internal floating ball that during standby periods of no flow settles and closes off the storage tank thereby preventing thermal conduction of hot water radiating through the hot water outlet.
What temperature should I set my water heater?
For typical domestic potable hot water service the temperature of your water heater at 125°F is sufficient. This prevents wasted energy (which means cost savings for you) and also decreases the possibility of scalding water burns. If you run out of hot water on this setting, increase the temperature by five degrees incrementally until your hot water needs are met. The goal is to have the temperature set just high enough to meet your needs but within safe operating parameters. Please note that a water heater in and of itself should not be relied upon as the ultimate temperature controlling source for the hot water delivered to your fixtures. Please consult local and state codes for installation of the proper and code approved (ASSE 1016, 1070, 1017) mixing devices to achieve the safe delivery of hot water to the fixtures. For a more complete information please download the whitepaper PDF titled "Understanding Potential Water Heater Scald Hazards" developed by ASSE at the following link ASSE Whitepaper
Do I need to install an insulation blanket?
No. Most new electric water heaters are highly efficient with respect to the amount of heat loss radiating from the storage tank. This is due to the use of “blown in” polyurethane foam insulation as the insulating method for modern tanks, compared to the fiberglass blanket style insulation used by water heater manufacturer’s largely in the past. As such there is little to no benefit, and very possibly a detrimental effect to efficiency, installing an insulation blanket on a new electric water heater constructed with foam insulation.
What is the average life of an electric water heater?
The most important factor related to the life expectancy of a water heater is the quality and type of storage tank. On an average the life expectancy of a glass lined electric water heater is about 10-12 years (according to the National Association of Home Builders 2007 Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components http://www.nahb.org/fileUpload_details.aspx?contentID=99359 ), compared to a cement lined electric water heater’s average life expectancy of 23-26 years (Independent study of over 25,000 installations for an Electric Utility). Of course, there are various other factors that affect longevity including pressure fluctuations, usage, water conditions, environmental conditions, etc.
Is it OK to use softened water with my cement lined tank?
Yes it is OK. A water softener system will not affect the longevity or operation of a Hubbell cement lined water heater tank. A water softener is typically installed when a potable water system has hard water resulting in the need to soften the water. Unfortunately, the salt used in a water softener corrodes the anode rod and exposed steel surfaces of the water heater tank, rapidly causing a glass lined water heater to corrode and leak within a few years. This is an issue for a glass lined water heater due to its reliance on a sacrificial anode, however because a cement lined tank does not use a sacrificial anode softened water is of no concern to the Hubbell cement lined tank.
What is a sacrificial anode and does a cement lined tank need one?
All water heaters constructed using a steel tank requires a lining to protect the internal steel surfaces from corrosion. Certain linings (i.e. glass and epoxy), due to their nature, have unavoidable holes and imperfections resulting in exposure of the steel tank. As a result of this deficiency, the manufacturer will install an anode rod(s) in an attempt to delay corrosion of the steel tank. An anode rod is typically made of aluminum, magnesium or zinc, is a maintenance item that requires periodic inspection and replacement, and is often times the cause of a “rotten egg” odor to your hot water. Often referred to as a sacrificial anode rod because, over time, it slowly dissolves, sacrificing itself as it is attacked by aggressive substances in the water which would otherwise attack the steel tank through the pinholes and imperfections of the glass or epoxy lining. A cement lined steel tank on the other hand does not require an anode because of the thickness and guaranteed 100% coverage of the cement lining over all internal surfaces of the steel tank. This eliminates the need for an anode rod in a cement lined water heater, resulting in a significantly longer life compared to a glass or epoxy lined water heater. For a further discussion please click on the following link Cement Lining
What is the max water temperature setting?
The Hubbell cement lined tank is suitable for storing water up to 194°F. However, it should be noted that your water heater will likely require optional control accessories to achieve this temperature, but there is no concern regarding the ability of the lining to withstand this temperature. Additionally, there are numerous safety concerns that must be considered when storing water at elevated temperature, please consult factory.
Which is better for me, a tankless or storage type water heater?
It depends. A tankless water heater is sometimes referred to as a Point-of-Use (POU) or instantaneous water heater. Due to the relative small physical size of a tankless water heater compared to a storage tank water heater, a tankless option can be advantageous from a space saving perspective and can sometimes be installed closer to where you want hot water (hence the term POU). However, tankless heaters are not suited for many applications, so it is critical that before choosing to go tankless you have carefully considered all of the factors that sometimes make the tankless option more complicated and risky compared to a storage type water heater. In particular, you should understand the operational characteristics, maintenance requirements, reparability, and sometimes significant installation requirements of a tankless water heater before making a decision. Tankless units do not store heated water like a storage type water heater; they only heat water as there is demand and therefore must be sized to meet the maximum flow for the application. In some cases a tankless water heater may improve operating efficiency, but possibly at the expense of user comfort. Hubbell tankless water heaters are available inElectric Tankless or Gas Tankless.
What is the water pressure drop through the tank?
There is no major restriction of water flow through the Hubbell water heater. Cold water inlet and hot water outlet sizes are available in ¾” and 1-1/2” sizes to accommodate your application. By far, the ¾” size is more than adequate for most applications using a model E water heater. If your flow rate through the water heater is greater than approximately 10 GPM you may want to consider the 1-1/2” connection option (must be specified at time of ordering). As an approximate, pressure drop through any E model water heater with ¾” connections will be <4 psi with a flow rate of <10 GPM, and with 1-1/2” connections the pressure drop will be <3 psi with a flow rate of <20 GPM.
Do I need a drain pan under my heater?
Yes, Hubbell advises that a drip pan with a proper drainage connection be installed under your water heater. In some locations drip pans are required by code and in other situations they are highly recommended, but not required. In either case, if a water heater leak or a dripping relief valve could result in property damage then a drip pan must be installed under the water heater, even when not required by code.
Is there a cold water dip tube in the Hubbell tank?
Not exactly. The Hubbell cement lined tank includes a cold water diffuser integrated into the cold water connection which allows incoming cold water to be introduced into the tank in a controlled and non turbulent manner, thus avoiding premature mixing of cold water with the hot water in the tank. On Hubbell cement lined tanks the cold water inlet/diffuser is located on the side in the lower portion of the tank. Therefore, a Hubbell cement lined tank does not require a long dip tube extending all the way from the top to the bottom of the tank as is common in glass lined tanks.
How does my water heater ship?
All Hubbell storage type water heaters ship via common carrier and are classified by the Commodity Classification Standards Board under National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) class 100. Each water heater is palletized and wood crated. All Hubbell tankless water heaters, when transported using common carrier, ship class 77.5. To provide the lowest transportation cost, in most cases the shipment is made on Hubbell’s account and the freight cost is added to the invoice, commonly referred to as “Pre pay and add”. For very large shipments, the most economical method (LTL or Dedicated Truck) for transporting the water heaters to the final destination will be analyzed by Hubbell's transportation department.
Why is Hydrastone Cement a better choice over glass lining?
Cement lining provides guaranteed 100% coverage with a minimum thickness of 0.5” over all internal tank surfaces. In comparison, glass lining is approximately 0.005” thick and includes imperfections, pinholes and variation in coverage thickness resulting in portions of unprotected steel tank exposed to corrosion. In an attempt to compensate, glass lined tanks include a sacrificial anode in an effort to slow down the corrosion of the tank. Cement lined tanks on the other hand do not require an anode due to the integrity of the lining. As such, a cement lined tank will far outlast a glass lined tank. For a more complete explanation of the benefits of the Hubbell cement lining please click on the following link Cement Lining
What rebates are available for a heat pump water heater?
Check our rebates and tax credits page at Here for a list of available rebates and tax credits before installing a new heat pump water heater. There may be financial incentives offered by local, state or federal government and/or your local utility. By visiting Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency Here and clicking on your state, you may find available rebates and incentives.
Why is a cement lined tank a better choice than stainless steel tank?
In almost all cases, a cement lined steel tank is a more robust tank compared to stainless steel. The weakness of a stainless steel tank is in the materials susceptibility to SCC (Stress Corrosion Cracking) caused by chlorides, bromides, iodides and fluorides in the water. The combination of residual stresses from welding, roll forming and stamping, and the cyclic stress from operating in a hot water system are sources of tensile stress, that when above a certain threshold stress, will make a stainless steel water heater tank susceptible to stress corrosion cracking. Cement lined steel tanks are not susceptible to this condition, and therefore are more resistant to corrosion and withstand the pressure and temperature cyclical operation of a water heater.
What is the R value of a Hubbell water heater?
Hubbell uses a blown-in polyurethane foam insulation for all cement lined water heaters and tanks up to 150 gallon capacity. This insulation has an R value of 7.2 per inch. Most Hubbell tanks have a minimum of 2 inches of insulation resulting in an R value of 14. Certain models are available either standard or as an option with 3 inch insulation and therefore have an R value of 21. Large storage water heater tanks over 150 gallon capacity and custom made stainless steel or alloy tanks have either 2" or 3" fiberglass insulation with an R value of 3.5 per inch.
Do Hubbell water heaters qualify as Low Lead?
Yes, all Hubbell water heater models qualify as meeting the low lead requirements of the “Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act” amendment to the “Safe Drinking Water Act” (SDWA) Section 1417(d) effective as of January 4, 2014. Hubbell certifies that its water heaters meet the following requirements of the SDWA and therefore are qualified and certified as Low Lead : (a)Hubbell water heater do not contain more than 0.2 percent lead with respect to solder and flux (b)Hubbell water heaters do not contain more than a weighted average of 0.25 percent lead with respect to all wetted surfaces of the water heater
Can my cement lined tank be damaged during installation and handling?
Although we don’t advocate dropping our tanks sometimes stuff happens. The Hubbell Hydrastone cement lining is a minimum of 1/2"thick (100 times thicker than a glass lined tank) and is guaranteed to uniformly cover 100% of all internal tank surfaces. Basically the Hubbell cement lining is a tank within a tank and should have no problem withstanding the rigors of shipping and installation. Although not necessry, you can specify an optional hand hole on our smaller tanks (150 gallon and under) to provide a means for inspection and repair. Water heaters with tanks larger than 36" generally include a 12" x 16" manway. In both cases, a Hubbell tank properly maintained will last decades.
What is the difference between solid-state and electromechanical relays?
Depending on the application, one switch may be more advantageous than the other. Please refer to this article to read more about the differences between solid-state and electromechanical relays.
How do I prepare my water heater for long term storage?
The water heater must be stored in the orientation of intended use (vertical, horizontal). The recommended ambient air temperature range is between 50 and 105 degree F and not exceeding 65% Rh. Under no conditions should the unit be subject to freezing temperatures. The unit is intended to be stored indoors, protected from the elements. Desiccant material should be inserted into the electric control panel and heating element terminal house (if applicable). Prolonged storage will require periodic inspection of desiccant. For cement lined tanks only, place approximately 10 gallons of water in the tank before closing and sealing all openings to ensure a humid atmosphere for the lining is maintained. Cap and seal all openings and tank tappings and/or flanges. Provide the necessary protection to ensure the tank and all accessories are protected from physical contact that could result in damage. Shrink wrapping or other suitable protective plastic may be applied to the exterior. Start up and installation guidelines must be followed, with particular attention to testing of the electric heating element.
What type of maintenance does a heat pump water heater require?
Unlike standard electric water heaters, heat pump water heaters use an air filter. These filters need to be cleaned to ensure efficient operation. In addition, a HPWH generates condensate which must be plumbed to a proper drain. This condensate drain may be gravity or pump assisted, and in both cases needs to be periodically inspected and cleaned to ensure proper drainage. Other maintenance needs are similar to standard electric water heaters.
Why choose a HPWH versus a standard electric water heater?
HPWH’s are the latest technology in water heating and provide the highest efficiency available for heating water. As a comparison, the Hubbell high efficiency 50 gallon electric water heater is estimated to cost $508 per year to operate, whereas the Hubbell model PBX heat pump water heater is estimated to cost $201 per year, a savings of $307 annually. So, from an operating cost standpoint, the advantage of a HPWH is clear. However, other factors need to be considered when deciding HPWH versus electric water heater. One major factor is the initial total installed cost of the heater, with a heat pump water heater approximately 2-3 times higher cost compared to a traditional electric water heater. Compared to a standard electric water heater a HPWH is a more challenging and therefore more expensive installation, has more restrictions with respect to installation conditions and is newer technology and therefore to a certain degree less proven and more challenging to service. Having said that, a HPWH is by far the most efficient method for heating water and deserves careful consideration if it is right for your application.
What is the difference between a Hybrid and a Heat Pump Water Heater?
These terms are interchangeable and refer to the same type of heater. The term “Hybrid” arose when manufacturer’s combined standard type electric water heaters with a heat pump to create a new type of water heater. This new type of water heater includes both electric resistance heating and heat pump technologies, and therefore the term Hybrid water heater was coined. However, the marketplace is also calling this new type of water heater a Heat Pump Water Heater even though it includes resistance heaters. The only time when a heat pump water heater would not be considered a hybrid is if it did not include any form of electric resistance heater. The Hubbell model PBX water heater is comprised of both resistance heaters and a heat pump system, and therefore is considered a hybrid, although as noted above is also referred to simply as a heat pump water heater
Is a heat pump water heater right for where I live?
When selecting a heat pump water heater model it is important to take your climate into consideration. Some climates experience freezing temperatures; water heaters installed in these climates in unheated locations require protection from freezing and other additional safety and performance features. The Northern Climate Specification Qualified Products List will help you find the right heat pump water heater for your location, for details click here Northern Climate Report
Where can I install a heat pump water heater?
Heat pump water heaters can be installed in a variety of locations, from a garage to a heated utility room. Things to consider include space, sound, cold air, and size/height. For more information, visit Here.
How does a Heat Pump Water Heater (HPWH) water heater work?
The heat pump removes a small amount of heat from the surrounding air, heats the water and moves the cooler air back into the room. The Hubbell model PBX Heat Pump Water Heater produces the same amount of hot water as a traditional electric water heater, but with greater efficiency. Think of the HPWH as a refrigerator working in reverse. Just as a refrigerator removes heat from its enclosed interior and releases the heat into the surrounding kitchen, a HPWH takes heat from the surrounding air and transfers that heat into the water of the tank. These things are normal with a Hubbell HPWH: It is normal for cool air to blow out the vents on the back cover of the water heater. The air is moved through the water heater by a fan located within the heat pump enclosure on the top of the water heater. You will hear the sound of this fan pulling the air through the heat pump system. As the water heater determines the right amount of energy needed to heat the water the fans will change speed and the sound will increase and decrease. For a detailed discussion regarding HPWH’s please go Here.
What sound is generated by the Hubbell Heat Pump Water Heater?
It depends on which operating mode the HPWH is set to. There are a total of five (5) operating modes available: Economy, Hybrid, Electric, Super and Vacation. The Hubbell HPWH makes no sound when in Electric or Vacation mode. If Economy, Hybrid or Super mode is selected the Hubbell HPWH will make noise as the fan operates and pulls air through the heat pump. If the Hubbell HPWH electronic controller detects any fault condition it will make a beeping sound and display an error code.
Why does cold air blow from the heater?
Cold air will blow from the water heater any time it is operating utilizing the heat pump. The heat pump works by using a small amount of the heat from the surrounding air to heat the water in the tank. The by-product of the heat pump system is cold air, the warm air is pulled through the system fan to heat the water, then the remaining cooler air is moved out the side of the heater.
Can I stop cold air or fan noise?
You can temporarily stop the cold air and fan noise coming from the water heater by pressing the FAN OFF button. During this period of time the water heater will operate in Electric mode, thereby preventing the fan from operating. You can adjust the length of time this feature.
What is the Energy Factor (EF) rating?
The Energy Factor (EF) rating represents the efficiency of the water heater. The higher the EF, the more efficient the water heater unit. The Hubbell Model PBX heat pump water heaters are classified by the Department of Energy as residential water heaters and are rated by an Energy Factor (EF) ranging from 2.2 to 2.35 depending upon the model size you select. Please note that the use of R values as a measure of efficiency is incomplete and does therefore does not accurately capture a water heater’s true efficiency as does the EF rating. For additional information check out the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) website at Here as well as the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) website at Here
Warranty
Hubbell shall warranty all electrical components against defects in workmanship and material for a period of one (1) year from date of start-up, all heat pump components for six (6) years and the pressure vessel for ten (10) years from date of start-up, provided that the unit is started within three (3) months of date of shipment and installed and operated within the scope of the tank design and operating capability. Each water heater shall be shipped with a complete set of installation and operating instructions including spare parts list and approved drawings.
Technical Support
Our Technical Support Reps are ready to assist you. Please contact us today.