AO Smith Hybrid water heater - battery backup?
I'm in the process of having an AO Smith NEXT Hybrid Water Heater installed. Due to space limitations in my Charlotte, NC home, it's being installed in the attic.
I'm concerned about the winter storms we have every few years that knock the power out for several days. Does anyone have any insight into how vulnerable my water heater is to freezing if there is no power in the house for a few days of below-freezing temperatures?
I'm also looking for a way to have hot water while the power is out. I've read that you can use ordinary battery backup units with tankless water heaters. Can anyone help me figure out what unit to buy to give me a few days' limited usage of my water heater when the power is out in the house? It's a natural gas model. I think I only need electricity for the igniter, the thermostat and the fan. I suppose I could get a generator, but I would like to avoid that if I can. The neighbors have one, and the noise drives me nuts.
Yes - all these thoughts occurred after I'd bought the water heater, hind-sight being 20-20 and all. Thanks for your help -
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