GeoSpring™ FAQs

An average household of 2 to 4 people can save between $160 and $330, while an average household of 5 to 6 people can save between $410 and $490.*

According to Energystar.gov

The GeoSpring water heater combines energy-saving heat-pump technology with traditional electric elements using a fraction of the energy. The integrated compressor and evaporator use a fan to draw in ambient heat from surrounding air to heat refrigerant. Then the heated refrigerant runs through coils that wrap the tank all the way to the bottom, transferring heat into the water tank. This innovative process creates the same amount of hot water as a traditional electric water heater.

Setting the temperature of your water heater lower than 135°F or running your GeoSpring in Heat Pump mode increases your potential to maximize energy savings with GeoSpring.

Underwriters Laboratory (UL), the independent product safety organization that sets safety standards for water heaters and other products, requires that all new water heaters have a factory-set temperature setting of 125°F or below. So, to comply with UL standards, the GeoSpring is shipped from the factory at 120°F in Hybrid mode.

The Department of Energy (DOE), looking at consumer use, has found that most consumers have their water heaters set at 135°F, and therefore, the DOE requires that all energy efficiency and performance testing be conducted at 135°F.

Under the DOE test procedure, GeoSpring model GEH50DFEJSR uses 1407 kWh per year, and the pro model GEH50DEEJSC uses 1416 kWh per year.

The Department of Energy (DOE) water heater test procedures are conducted at an ambient air temperature of 68°F. Warmer conditions allow heat pump water heaters to operate more efficiently, while colder conditions will cause them to operate slightly less efficiently. The heat pump system operates effectively in ambient temperature down to 35°F on models GEH50DFEJSR, GEH80DFEJSR, GEH50DEEJSC and GEH80DEEJSC, enabling the energy-saving heat pump to operate even during the colder months.

Operating a GeoSpring hybrid electric water heater instead of a standard 50-gallon standard electric model can help the average U.S. household reduce their heating expenses by more than half.*

* Based on DOE test procedure and comparison of a 50-gallon standard electric water heater using 4647 kWh per year vs. the GeoSpring Hybrid Water Heater using only 1407 kWh per year and national average electricity rate of 12 cents per kWh.

Hybrid Mode

GeoSpring's default mode, which uses the heat pump in combination with back-up electric elements when needed to provide abundant hot water and save homeowners money on their utility bills.*

* Based on DOE test procedure and comparison of a 50-gallon standard electric water heater using 4647 kWh per year vs. the GeoSpring Hybrid Water Heater using only 1407 kWh per year and national average electricity rate of 12 cents per kWh.

Heat Pump Mode

The recommended mode for maximum savings. While ambient conditions allow, it uses only the heat pump to pull heat in from the surrounding air and efficiently provide plenty of hot water.

High Demand/Boost Mode

The perfect mode for when homeowners have houseguests or anticipate having higher-than-average hot water usage. In this mode, the unit will utilize the back-up electric elements sooner to recover the tank faster and for a longer duration of time to ensure they have plenty of hot water.

Standard/Electric Mode

Uses only the upper and lower heating resistance elements to heat the water. Time required to heat the water is faster than all other modes but it is the LEAST energy-efficient mode.

Vacation Mode

Allows homeowners to save money while they're away-from 1 to 199 days. This mode will drop the temperature down to 50°F to save energy and then automatically heat the water the day before they return.

The electronic control panel indicates the operating mode and displays the temperature setting. The electronic control panel will allow you to select among the available operating modes and a full description of which mode is the most energy efficient is available in the Use and Care Manual.

Typically water heaters are in "unconditioned spaces" such as garages, basements, and attics that do not provide an air supply to the HVAC system. Thus, any heat removed from these unconditioned spaces by the hybrid water heater likely would not need to be replaced by increased operation of the furnace and would not have any impact on the operation or efficiency of the HVAC system. If our heat pump water heater is in a "conditioned space" inside the home such as in a utility room, the cooling and dehumidifying effect of the hybrid will decrease the load on the AC system during cooling months (summer) and may slightly increase the load on the furnace during heating months (winter). The energy savings benefits of the heat pump hybrid water heater as compared to a standard 50-gallon electric tank water heater will still be significant.

An optional ducting kit is now available to enable flexibility of installation in living areas and confined spaces for maximum comfort. The part number of this kit is GVK8HS and is available for order on geappliances.com/parts.

The following GeoSpring models are compatible with the ducting kit: GEH50DEEDSCA; GEH50DEEDSCB; GEH50DEEJSCA; GEH80DEEJSCA; GEH50DEEDSRA; GEH50DEEDSRB; GEH50DFEJSRA; GEH80DFEJSRA

The GeoSpring water heater should be installed in a clean, dry area as near as practical to the area of greatest hot water demand to prevent long un-insulated hot water lines from wasting energy and water. Because the units draws in air from the room to heat water, the room must be at least 10' x 10' x 7' (700 cubic feet) or larger. If the room is smaller than 700 cubic feet, the room must have a louvered door or a door which has vents installed near the top and bottom of the door. Each of these vents should have an area of 240 square inches.

An optional ducting kit is now available to enable flexibility of installation in living areas and confined spaces for maximum comfort. The part number of this kit is GVK8HS and is available for order on geappliances.com/parts.

The following GeoSpring models are compatible with the ducting kit: GEH50DEEDSCA; GEH50DEEDSCB; GEH50DEEJSCA; GEH80DEEJSCA; GEH50DEEDSRA; GEH50DEEDSRB; GEH50DFEJSRA; GEH80DFEJSRA

The hybrid heat pump electric water heater will not work without electrical power. When power is restored after an outage the water heater will go through the dry fire process then automatically revert back to the most recent user setting.

Heating elements are designed to function in water. If not immersed in water, the intense heat they generate will cause the elements to burn out (dry fire). The GeoSpring Hybrid electric water heater monitors the temperature rise in the tank. If the heat rise is faster than it would be with water in the tank, the system will shut down and prompt the user to add water to prevent dry fire.

When the unit is initially powered up or when power is restored after an outage, the unit will go through a self-test and begin heating water immediately. For more information please consult the product owner's manual.

In order to protect the heat pump system, and for highest efficiency, the heat pump will operate between 35°F - 120°F enabling usage even during the colder months. Anything below or above this temperature range will cause the water heater to temporarily operate in standard electric mode to continue to provide hot water and will return to heat pump operation when ambient conditions allow.

Heat pump - 550W

Upper Heating Element - 4,500W

Lower Heating Element - 4,000W

Yes. Heat pump technology is the most efficient technology in the market and the GeoSpring Hybrid electric water heater exceeds current Energy Star requirements.*

Like most residential electric water heaters, the GeoSpring Hybrid electric water heater requires 240V, 30amp electrical power to operate. Most natural gas or LP water heaters do not require electricity. When switching fuel sources the household hot water needs should be considered, since time to recover tank temperature will be different between these energy sources. Realized savings may vary depending on the cost of the fuel source and/or electricity.

* Based on Energy Star listings as of 1/1/16

Moisture or condensation can be a by-product of the GeoSpring Hybrid electric water heater depending on humidity and the run time of the heat pump. Condensate amount will vary according to these conditions (approximately one to two quarts per day). There are two drains (one primary and one overflow) located on the side of the water heater to manage removal of the condensate.

Since the heater produces condensate, a drain must be available in close proximity to the unit. The drain must be no higher than 36" above the floor (laundry drain is acceptable). If no drain is available, a common condensate pump with capacity no less than 1 gallon/day must be purchased from a local builder or supply store and installed. See installation instructions for more detailed guidance.

It is important to properly manage the removal of condensate, see local building and plumbing codes or contact a local plumbing professional. Drain pans are readily available at hardware, plumbing or home improvement stores.

A drain pan may be required by local codes, and is always recommended for installation in a finished room or attic where you would want your flooring or ceilings protected in the event of a leak. Drain pans are readily available at hardware, plumbing or home improvement stores.

Yes, It is recommended that a professional plumber perform this service. Replacement elements are available at all plumbing wholesalers, major homebuilder stores, and at geapplianceparts.com.

Yes; however, the heat load requirement should be carefully considered when making the decision. Recirculation pumps are readily available at hardware, plumbing or home improvement stores.

Recommended, but not required. May be specified by local building and plumbing codes. Expansion tanks are readily available at hardware, plumbing or home improvement stores.

Is airflow to be redirected within the room?

Is airflow to be redirected to another room (i.e. attic, crawl space, etc.)? Installation by a professional HVAC contractor is recommended.

Is the airflow to be redirected to the outside? Installation by a professional HVAC contractor is highly recommended.

Local codes may restrict where you draw inlet air, please check local codes.

The ducting kit part #GVK8HS is now available for order on geapplianceparts.com to enable flexibility of installation in living areas and confined spaces for maximum comfort.

The following GeoSpring models are compatible with the optional ducting kit: GEH50DEEDSCA; GEH50DEEDSRA, GEH50DEEDSCB; GEH50DEEDSRB, GEH50DEEJSCA; GEH50DFEJSRA, GEH80DEEJSCA, GEH80DFEJSRA.

Yes. GeoSpring is a Wi-Fi Connected Appliance. When paired with the optional ConnectPlus module (part # PBX10W00Y0), owners can wirelessly control and monitor the water heater, as well as receive notifications using their Android or iOS smart device.

1. Download the free GeoSpring app on Google Play or Apple iTunes.

2. Purchase the ConnectPlus module part #PBX10W00Y0, available for order on geappliances.com/parts.

The following GeoSpring models are compatible with the ConnectPlus module and the GeoSpring app: GEH50DEEDSCB; GEH50DEEDSRB, GEH50DEEJSCA; GEH50DFEJSRA; GEH80DEEJSCA; GEH80DFEJSRA.