HP seems to be the way it goes and the efficiency is just amazing. What I do like about the Rheem is you can use the heating elements to meet the demand when the HP alone cannot. An advantage for electric is the cost for electric stays fairly consistent and cost increases are very modest. Other than the “adjusted fuel charge” rate increases must be approved by a local or state board. With oil, the prices can spike all over the place on a daily basis.
Just to let on why the Home Depot guy talked it down. When these units first came out they were noisy with slow recovery, not sure if there were electric elements at all. Another is more for your area where most homes are oil fired, oil fire systems do have a high recovery rate so anything less users will assume something is wrong after a conversion. Lastly is the water temperature, in PA water temp can be 40 or 50 degree range whereas in Florida it’s 75 degrees, that greatly affects the recovery rate.
Your experience further convinces me to replace my electric water heater with this HP. If you can take a video of it while it is running, I’m curious on the noise level. My WH is in the garage but it’s right next to the kitchen entry door. You would have to post the video such as on YouTube and then link to it from this post. Thanks.