While you can’t get your next energy-efficient hot water heater at no cost, Mass Save rebates make the upgrades much more affordable, with some even covering a majority of the costs. But before we jump into how Mass Save rebates can help you, it’s important to know when you should upgrade.
Is it time to upgrade your hot water heater?
Weatherizing your home is important and can save you a lot of money, but there is more that can be done to make a home more energy-efficient. Replacing an aging hot water heater is one of the most effective ways to reduce home energy waste.
Water heaters typically have a lifespan of about 8 to 12 years, although there are a lot of variables that could make lifespan much shorter or longer. Is your water heater’s 10th birthday right around the corner? It might be time to start shopping for a replacement, especially if you’ve noticed any small leaks or spotty performance. Below are a couple of other reasons why it may be time for an upgrade.
Changes in household composition
Have you started a family since moving into your home? You may have outgrown your current water heater’s holding tank capacity. The typical tank holds between 40 or 50 gallons of water, enough to squeeze in a few hot showers. If your children have grown up and moved out, this might be a good time to look into a new, smaller, more efficient water heater or a tankless model that heats only the water you need. A tankless water heater has the additional benefit of being a small wall unit that saves a lot of space, as opposed to a large metal tank.
Reduce water heating costs
Installing an energy-efficient water heater can significantly reduce your water heating costs. Depending on the model you install, your family can enjoy savings between 7% to 50% on heating costs.
According to Home Advisor, the average household spends $700 annually on hot water.
Your investment will pay for itself in no time, especially because Mass Save rebates can help you get an ENERGY STAR-certified water heater at no cost to you. Sometimes households even get money back!
Benefits of an energy-efficient hot water heater
Over the years, the savings with an ENERGY STAR-certified model over a conventional model water heater can range in the hundreds of dollars. Curious about how much you can save? The U.S. Department of Energy created this handy energy cost calculator. You can also further reduce your energy costs by reducing water waste with water-conserving showerheads and faucet aerators. With a new water heater and these extra measures, you can save about 350 gallons of water per person per year, and you won’t have to pay to heat water you aren’t using.
Want to get low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators at no cost? Schedule your Mass Save home energy audit with Wattson Home Solutions today.
Mass Save rebates make your upgrade more affordable
Mass Save rebates vary with the type of hot water heater you purchase. Your family can save up to $750 on electric heat pump water heaters sized at 55 gallons or less, or up to $150 on ones sized at more than 55 gallons. Like most residents in Worcester county, your home uses oil or propane to stay warm. Take advantage of Mass Save’s oil heating equipment and save between $350 and $500 on equipment costs. Is your home heated with natural gas? Replacing your water heater with a more energy-efficient model may make you eligible for a $1,600 rebate. These rebates are generous enough to cover a large majority of the cost of many eligible water heaters.
You don’t have to shop at specialty stores to find the right heater for your home. Worcester residents can find efficient and affordable ENERGY STAR models at Lowes and Home Depot. Both stores offer professional installation, which is a Mass Save rebate program requirement.
Are you interested in how you can better prepare your home for cold weather? Check out these great weatherization tips for every room in your home.
