Should You Install The Mike Holmes-Recommended High-Tech Water Heater?
If your water heater isn't heating your water or taking too long to do so, it's time to consider a new water heater. Mike Holmes was introduced to Bosch Home Comfort's GreenTronic 7000T in 2024 and has since become a spokesperson for the high-tech heater. The GreenTronic 7000T is an electric-powered water heater that heats the water stored in its tank with a heat pump rather than natural gas. The heat pump technology pulls energy from the air and comes in 50 and 80 gallon sizes so you can select the appropriate tank for your home.
On the other hand, you may be perfectly happy with your gas water heater and would need to be convinced that it made better since to switch out to this Mike Holmes-recommended heater. If your curiosity has piqued and you're wondering which type of water heater is right for your home, here are some things to consider.
The future cost savings are impressive
As per the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), 58% of U.S. households relied on natural gas in 2020, which represented 43% of the energy consumed by residences. Of that, water heaters made up around 13% of total household energy costs and usage. The GreenTronic 7000T boasts an operational capacity that's three to four times more efficient than standard electric water heaters. A 2017 estimate of energy and cost savings by the U.S. Department of Energy found that heat pump water heaters — electric water heaters with heating coils inside, like the 4.5 kW elements in the GreenTronic 7000T — can reduce energy consumption by 60–70% more than electric resistance water heaters.
The GreenTronic is also eligible for local rebates and the Federal 25C tax rebate, which can return you up to an extra $2,000. In 2023, U.S. Congress mandated the upgrading of all electric water heaters to include heat pumps by 2029, estimating it would save Americans a total of $198 billion over the next 30 years.
Shipping numbers courtesy of the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) show that electric water heater sales in January 2025 outpaced propane water heaters, with 399,721 electric water heaters sold versus 371,624 gas heaters. That's because the installation of electric heaters like the GreenTronic 7000T is one of a few ways to reduce your energy costs at home.
The upfront cost is less impressive
The cost of installing a standard or high-end electric water heater is typically lower than the cost of installing an equivalent gas water heater. When you throw in the Federal C25 installation rebate of up to $2,000, the cost comparison should make the GreenTronic 7000T a winner. Also, if you need to remove an old water heater to install a new one, removal of a gas heater is trickier, riskier, and therefore, more time consuming.
All that said, this water hybrid water heater isn't cheap. Taking a look at the Bosch price book reveals the 50 gallon water heater comes at a cost of $4,495, while the 80 gallon water heater will cost you $7,123. Even with that Federal C25 rebate and local rebates, you might still be on the hook for several thousand dollars. Also, while a leak detection system automatically shuts off the water to your heater if one occurs, you have to pay for a leak protection kit separately. If you're looking to be ahead of the curve and save money in the long run on your energy bill, it makes a lot of sense to look into the GreenTronic 7000T. If you're wary of the upfront costs, however, you may want to consider something cheaper.