The Premier Hybrid line is State\'s heat pump electric water heater — value-tier equivalent of AO Smith Voltex at typically $200-400 less. Same heat pump architecture (compressor + evaporator + resistance backup), same Energy Star certification, same federal IRA $2,000 tax credit eligibility.
Premier Hybrid lineup
- 50-gallon (HPX-50-DHPNS) — 2-3 person households
- 66-gallon (HPX-66-DHPNT) — volume; 3-4 person households
- 80-gallon (HPX-80-DHPNT) — 4-5+ person households
Note: the older Patriot Hybrid (PHPT series) was replaced by current Premier Hybrid (HPX series). Same product family, updated branding and chassis.
How it works
A small compressor and evaporator (like an air conditioner running in reverse) extract heat from ambient air and pump it into the tank. Resistance backup elements fire when heat pump can\'t meet demand or ambient is too cold. The combined system delivers 3.0-3.5x UEF — three times more efficient than standard electric.
Modes
- Hybrid: heat pump primary, resistance backup when needed. Default mode
- Heat Pump Only: maximum efficiency, slow recovery (8-12 GPH)
- Electric Only: resistance backup only (used when ambient too cold for heat pump)
- Vacation: minimum heating during away periods
Install requirements
- 240V dedicated 30A circuit (same as standard electric)
- 700+ cubic feet of unconditioned air space around the unit (critical — heat pump needs ambient air to operate)
- Ambient 40°F+ for heat pump mode
- Condensate drain (4-8 gallons/day)
- Clearances: 7" front, 4" sides, 7" top
- Compressor noise: ~50-55 dB — not appropriate for finished living spaces adjacent to bedrooms
Federal IRA tax credit
30% of project cost up to $2,000 per year. Premier Hybrid 66-gal at $1,849-2,249 + install $700-1,800 = $2,549-4,049 total. After IRA credit: $545-2,049. Stack with state/utility rebates (some markets) to net $500-1,500 actual cost.
Warranty
10 years tank / 10 years parts / 1 year labor. Matches AO Smith Voltex.
Vs AO Smith Voltex
| State Premier Hybrid HPX-66 | AO Smith Voltex 66 | |
|---|---|---|
| Tank warranty | 10 years | 10 years |
| UEF | 3.45 | 3.45 |
| Energy Star certified | Yes | Yes |
| IRA tax credit eligible | Yes | Yes |
| Typical price | $1,849-2,249 | $2,099-2,499 |
Same product, different badge. Choose State Premier Hybrid for $200-400 savings.
Bottom line
Premier Hybrid is the value heat pump water heater. Same as Voltex at lower price. After IRA + state/utility rebates, can net $500-1,500 — the lowest total cost of any current US residential water heater for buyers who qualify.