Get a New Energy Star Water Heater

Frugal Living Helps Keep You in Hot Water!

If you are in the market for a Energy Star Water Heater, be sure to look for an energy efficient model that you can get a 30% tax credit for. Energy star appliances empower consumers to save money and make smart energy choices.

Courtesy of r-neches

The one time you won't mind being in hot water is in the bathtub or shower! Like all of our appliances, we tend to take the water heater for granted until it quits working. If your major appliances are more than a decade old, cold hard cash is needlessly flowing right down the drain!

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, for the average sized family, water heaters account for 17 percent of the total annual utility bill. The Energy Star program was formed nearly two decades ago to help reduce air pollution and energy demand.

There are a wide selection of water heaters with more than 9,000 companies who participate in the Energy Star appliances initiative.

Courtesy of johncarljohnson

The Energy Star standards are set for five separate types including high-performance gas, propane tankless, heat pump, solar, and gas condensing. Look for the energy star logo when you are replacing or installing a new hot water heater.

You are assured of buying a high standard appliance since water heaters are provided performance ratings from a third party agency that certifies the product meets or exceeds the industry guidelines.

Energy Star Tax Credits

* Available in 2009 and 2010, Tax Credits of 30% percent off Energy Star Water Heaters for a total credit up to $1,500 installed in existing homes.

* Tax credits are available on a solar energy heater at 30 percent of the cost through 2016 with no upper limit for new construction and existing homes.

* Installation costs are covered for energy efficient water heaters (including solar) and solar panels.

Courtesy of

In 2009 and 2010 is the perfect time to install an energy star water heater such as a propane tankless water heater. The installation has to be completed in an existing home rather than a newly constructed house and be your primary residence.

One advantage of a tankless hot water heater is the unit only heats water as needed. The system automatically shuts off when hot water is not in use. Point-of-use tankless water heaters save water by being strategically located to provide hot water almost instantly.

Be sure any upgrades done by a professional or yourself meet the standards to qualify for the tax credit. It is a win-win situation when you can save money on energy consumption and enjoy an energy efficient home year round.

*For future reference, the tax credit for solar water heaters, solar panels, wind energy systems, geothermal heat pumps, and fuel cells is thirty percent of the total cost, which includes installation, with no capped limit.

There is nothing like that sinking feeling you get when you discover the water heater has sprung a leak. The purchase of an energy efficient hot water heater can take some of the heat off if you are struggling to keep your head above water with rising housing costs.

An energy star water heater can pay for itself in time through its added efficiency benefits to your home. Additionally, the bonus of a tax credit for purchasing energy star water heaters is extra money deposited to your bank account!

Or, you could try this method:

Courtesy of amanderson2