Electric Water Heaters
Your Second-Largest Energy Consumer
Your water heater is the second-largest energy user in your home, so shouldn't it be as energy-efficient as possible? According to the Department of Energy, water heating accounts for up to 18 percent of our home energy use. If you are building a new home or replacing an old water heater, consider purchasing a high-efficiency replacement for your hot water needs.
There are two types of hot water heaters: gas and electric. Roughly 60 percent of homes in the United States use gas water heaters, which heat water using natural gas to generate the energy needed to heat water. Electric water heaters use coils inside the storage tank instead of fire.
Although gas may be slightly cheaper to operate, electric water heaters are the more energy-efficient option. Electric water heaters are also more flexible than other water heating appliances because they can be placed almost anywhere without requiring a minimum clearance. We’ll describe them in detail below.
Another available water heating option is a heat pump water heater. Many homeowners use heat pumps to heat and cool their homes more efficiently, but a heat pump can also be used to heat water, either as a stand-alone water heating system or in combination with a space conditioning system. Heat pump water heaters use electricity to move heat from one place to another instead of generating heat directly.
However, before making a decision on your new energy-efficient water heater, be sure to research the right kind for you and your family.
Sizing Your System Heat Pump Water Heaters
United Power offers a special rebate program to members who purchase and install new electric water heaters in their homes or businesses. You can purchase an electric water heater from a licensed contractor (plumber or electrician) or local appliance or hardware store.
Electric Water Heating Rebates
Please check with United Power’s Energy Management team for details and requirements before making any purchases.
Electric Water Heaters | Tri-State G&T Rebate | United Power Rebate |
---|---|---|
Water Heater - new construction | $30 | $120 |
Water Heater - fossil fuel to electric conversion | $50 | $100 |
Water Heater - on United Power utility control | $50 | $200 |
GSHP Desuperheater with steel glass-lined tank | $100 | $200* |
Heat Pump Water Heater | $350 | $20 |
Minimum size of all units is 2.5 kW and 30 gallon. Must have R-16 manufacturer insulation or equivalent. Applies to both new or replacement units. Must meet minimum DOE energy factors. Plastic or stone-lined lifetime product. Rebates must be requested within 90 days of installation. An invoice detailing equipment brand, model number, and itemized pricing for equipment and labor costs to help determine rebate amount, is required with rebate application. |