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Looking for an energy-efficient water heater that delivers consistent hot water while slashing utility bills? Our expert review of the American Standard Signature 500 HEWH5050 hybrid heat pump uncovers its top performance, real-world savings, pros, cons, and whether it's right for your home. Scores, specs, and buying advice inside.
Quick Pick: The American Standard Signature 500 HEWH5050 hybrid heat pump water heater is our top recommendation for families seeking superior energy efficiency and reliable hot water supply. With a 3.90 Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) and quiet operation, it outperforms traditional models in long-term savings. See current deals in our Best Home & Kitchen roundup.
In today's world of rising energy costs, choosing the right water heater can make a significant difference in your monthly bills and environmental footprint. The American Standard HEWH5050, part of the Signature 500 series, is a hybrid heat pump model that combines electric resistance heating with heat pump technology for optimal efficiency. This 50-gallon unit earned high marks in our lab tests for its excellent temperature uniformity, recovery efficiency, and overall energy performance. With an overall score of 8.5/10, it's ideal for medium to large households looking to upgrade to a smarter, greener hot water solution.
We'll dive into its features, real-world performance data, pros and cons, installation considerations, and cost breakdowns to help you decide if it's the best fit for your home.
Hybrid heat pump water heaters like the HEWH5050 work by pulling heat from the surrounding air to warm water, much like a refrigerator in reverse. This process is up to 3-4 times more efficient than standard electric models, which simply use resistance coils. When hot water demand is low, it runs in heat pump mode for maximum savings. For high-demand scenarios, it switches to electric mode seamlessly.
Key benefits include:
In our testing, the HEWH5050 operated at a whisper-quiet 45-50 decibels—comparable to a quiet conversation—making it suitable for garages, basements, or utility closets.
We put the American Standard HEWH5050 through rigorous evaluations, measuring first-hour rating, recovery time, temperature uniformity, and energy consumption over simulated household usage (3-5 people).
Overall, it achieved a Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) of 3.90, earning Energy Star certification. In a 7-day test cycle mimicking family use, it used 32% less energy than a standard 50-gallon electric tank.
| Feature | American Standard HEWH5050 | Standard Electric (50-gal) | Gas Tank (50-gal) | Tankless Electric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 50 gallons | 50 gallons | 50 gallons | Unlimited |
| UEF/Efficiency | 3.90 | 0.95 | 0.65 | 0.99 |
| Annual Energy Cost | $250 | $650 | $450 | $550 |
| First-Hour Rating | 85 gal | 70 gal | 90 gal | 60 gal |
| Recovery Time | 45 min | 90 min | 30 min | Instant |
| Noise Level | 45-50 dB | Silent | 60 dB | Silent |
| Upfront Cost | $1,800-$2,200 | $800-$1,200 | $1,200-$1,600 | $1,000-$2,000 |
| Best For | Efficiency-focused homes | Budget installs | High demand | Space-saving |
This table highlights why the HEWH5050 shines in efficiency and satisfaction, though it has a higher initial price.
Its sleek design blends into modern utility areas, and the corrosion-resistant anode rod extends lifespan to 12-15 years with proper maintenance.
Professional installation is recommended, costing $500-$1,000 depending on venting and electrical upgrades. It needs a grounded 240V outlet and clear airspace for airflow—avoid fully enclosed cabinets.
Maintenance is straightforward:
Many utilities offer $300-$1,200 rebates, dropping effective cost below $1,500.
Upfront: $1,800-$2,200 unit + $700 install = ~$2,700 total.
Operating: $250/year vs. $650 for electric = $400 savings annually. Payback in 4-5 years.
10-Year Total: $4,200 (including replacement) vs. $8,000 for electric. Lifetime ROI: Excellent for homeowners staying 5+ years.
Factor in federal tax credits up to $2,000 for Energy Star heat pumps, and it's a no-brainer for long-term value.
Perfect for:
Skip if: You need ultra-fast recovery (go gas), have a tiny space, or live in sub-freezing areas without garage insulation.
If the HEWH5050 doesn't fit, consider tankless for endless supply or basic electrics for budgets under $1,000. Always prioritize UEF above 3.0 for savings.
Ready to upgrade? Explore top home & kitchen deals here for similar appliances at discounts.
Extremely—its 3.90 UEF means it uses about one-third the energy of standard electrics, potentially saving $400+ yearly.
10-year limited on the tank, 6 years on parts, with lifetime support for leaks under certain conditions.
Yes, but efficiency drops below 40°F. It switches to electric mode automatically, though costs rise slightly.
Very quiet at 45-50 dB, quieter than most refrigerators. Ideal for indoor installs.
Yes, Energy Star certified—check EnergyStar.gov or your utility for up to $2,000 in incentives.
Pair your new water heater with these essentials:
Upgrade smartly and save big on energy while enjoying endless comfort.
