The Obama Administration has announced a $300 Million Appliance Stimulus Package and one of the appliances included is replacement of a water heater. The rebate program details very by state and the rebate amounts range from $50 – $200. For a hot water heater to qualify it must carry the Energy Star Seal and be a high efficiency water heater. Additional Appliance Stimulus Package details are available here, https://411plumb.com/cash-for-appliances-economic-stimulus-package
In addition to the Appliance Stimulus Package Rebates many Americans may also take advantage of Tax Credits associated with the installation of new energy saving water heaters. There are some new technologies available that may make sense for many Americans to check into having installed at their home.
The basic High Efficiency tank type water heaters are typically carrying a much thicker insulation jacket to minimize stand by heat loss. Many tankless water heater manufacturers also offer high efficiency and Energy Star seal carrying models. Tankless water heaters only heat the water as you use it so there are no standby losses saving you about $100 a year. There are also hybrid water heaters which use a small storage tank with fast recovery and a very efficient heat exchanger system. New models using heat pumps are also now available that can yield a 50% energy savings over a conventional electric water heater. Solar is another technology that can offer you about a 50% savings in energy costs per year.
The average service life of a hot water heater is typically in the 10 – 15 year range. Often failure results in a leaking tank causing tremendous amounts of water damage to the home. Also when water is heated minerals in the water precipitate out of solution causing a build up on the bottom of the tank. This build up often buries the lower element on electric water heaters or on gas water heaters coats the bottom of the tank several inches thick. The mineral layer acts as insulation between the heat source and the water being heated causing very inefficient heating and in some cases the lower element burning out on electric water heaters or, popping noises on gas models.
When the Appliance Economic Stimulus Package goes into effect this fall it may be wise to consider replacing that old inefficient water heater before it lets go with a flood damaging your home. The Appliance Stimulus Package Rebate and Tax Credits make it the right time along with a savings in energy costs, and to those who decide to go with the newer high efficiency technologies like tankless, hybrids, heat pumps and solar the rebate makes it more affordable. Start now exploring your options for water heaters and their installation in your home, budgeting for it, as well as the details of the Appliance Stimulus Package Rebates in your state, so you are ready to act when the Rebate period goes into effect.