Handyman

Read any green consumer guide on tankless water heaters and you're sure to find a gazillion articles and information on the many environmental benefits they offer. Today's consumer is becoming more green savvy and what was once only widely used in Europe and Japan is finding popularity in the United States due to more U.S. consumers realizing what tankless water heaters can do for energy efficiency (and for your budget!)

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) reports that water heating uses up to 25 percent of the energy in U.S. homes and is the second largest energy expense in U.S. households. These stats are significant enough to consider what kind of impact you, as a consumer and homeowner, can have on the world. Further research from the National Energy Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) shows that households using the tankless model is 12 to 34 percent more energy efficient than a traditional tank heater.

You must be asking yourself now, this is great for the environment and all, but how does that energy efficiency translate into saving dollars for me? Tankless water heaters can save you more than 50% off a traditional tank water heater's energy costs! Unlike tankless models, tank water heaters can often produce unwanted radiant heat that can cause your air conditioning to work overtime to keep your home cool. Tankless water heaters only heat water when you are using it and do not waste energy. The traditional tank heater contains burners that switch on and off while a pilot light wastes away 24 hours a day!

» Visit ABC Handyman to learn more

Rebates

In addition to the satisfaction of knowing that you are conserving energy, take comfort from the fact that while you owe it to the environment, the federal government owes it to you in the way of tax credit. Homeowners can get tax credit from the federal government for purchasing energy-efficient appliances.

For more information, please see Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPA) at http://www.energy.gov/taxbreaks.htm. This means that you can get a $300 tax credit just for purchasing and installing a tankless water heater! Additionally, several city governments offer special discounts, financing or rebates for energy-efficient appliance purchases and installation, so check with yours today.

Texas Gas Service also offers a similar rebate for purchasing a tankless water heater. For information on the guidelines to qualify for the rebate, visit http://www.oneok.com/tgs/pdf/Res_Tankless.pdf.

Access the application form to get your $300 rebate here: http://www.oneok.com/tgs/pdf/Res_TanklessWaterHeaterApplication.pdf.

If you need more information on tankless water heaters, Austin Energy provides information on different tankless options as well as a list of tankless manufacturers.

The city of Austin (Austin Energy) lists of the following manufacturers for tankless water heaters on their website. Visit http://www.austinenergy.com/Energy%20Efficiency/Tools%20and%20Tips/Commercial/Energy%20Advisor/PA_29.html#IDABOAJB to find out how a water tank heater works and which brands offer tankless water heaters, whether you are considering the gas or electric option.

Great deals and rebates from the government and your local energy or water provider can help get you on the track to owning an energy efficient tankless water heater and living a greener life! If you need more information about tankless water heaters, contact the hot water guys of Austin at ABC Handyman.

« Back to main Newsletter page