The Signal: A specific 'energy saving' mode on a popular RE heat pump water heater paradoxically increases energy consumption by triggering inefficient resistance heating elements. While the app persistently nudges users to enable this mode, testing suggests it performs significantly worse than the heat-pump-only setting despite its misleading branding. A contrast is drawn with a new, automated system from the Boston startup Kalis Systems, which proponents claim manages scheduling and energy use without manual intervention.