Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Replace Your Water Heater
November 9, 2023
Having reliable hot water is essential to home comfort. With the advanced technology behind heat pump water heaters, homeowners throughout the Sacramento area can get hot water they can count on plus save on their energy bills as well. Heat pumps are known for their energy efficiency since they move heat instead of creating it through fossil fuel combustion, and heat pump water heaters do the same.
There are currently several incentives for heat pump water heaters, most notably the new rebates from TECH Clean California* with savings that can add up to a free water heater. This is why the team at Brower Mechanical encourages you to take advantage of these savings now, upgrade your home’s water heater, and get ahead of California’s electrification requirements.
*Offers are subject to change or cancellation. Visit TECH Clean California for up-to-date rebate & incentive amounts.
California's Clean Energy Goals
Furnaces, other space heaters, and water heaters make up almost 90% of all building-related fossil fuel demand, according to the California Resources Board. This is why the state is currently considering implementing new regulations that will require zero-emission appliances for residential and commercial buildings.
Home and business owners won’t have to replace their heating appliances immediately if these new regulations go through. However, they will be required when it’s time for a new furnace, space heater, or water heater. At Brower Mechanical, we recommend upgrading your home’s water heater now, not only because they offer a wide range of benefits, but also because there are several incentives that can make heat pump water heaters more affordable.
Heat Pump Water Heater Benefits
There are many advantages to upgrading your home’s water heater with heat pump water heater installation, including:
- Safer for your home - Heat pump water heaters run on electricity, which means that you will be eliminating the risk of gas leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning in your home.
- Energy savings - Heat pump water heaters are much more efficient than their gas-burning counterparts.
- Long-lasting - The average lifespan of a heat pump water heater is about 15 years, while traditional water heaters have a life expectancy of 8-12 years.
- Eligible for incentives - Heat pump water heaters are better for your home and the environment, which makes them eligible for rebates and tax credits.
Heat Pump Water Heater Rebates Available Now!
There are many ways to maximize your savings when upgrading your home’s water heater for a heat pump water heater with federal and local incentives.
TECH Clean California Rebates
TECH Clean California’s recently released heat pump water heater rebates range from $3,100 to $3,800 depending on the tank size, but the rebate amount is higher for low-income households. Here are the requirements to be eligible for the heat pump water heater rebates from TECH Clean California:
- Must be installed by a TECH-enrolled contractor (like Brower Mechanical)
- No new construction, retrofit installations only
- Must be a non-heat pump to heat pump conversion
- Customers must enroll in a demand response (DR) and time-of-use (TOU) program to help manage energy usage
- Heat pump water heaters must be ENERGY STAR certified and/or meet Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (NEEA) Tier 3 rating
These heat pump water heater rebates can also be combined with other incentives, like federal tax credits and rebates from local utilities. In many cases, the incentives can add up to a free heat pump water heater!
SMUD Rebates
SMUD customers are eligible to receive rebates of up to $3,000 for heat pump water installation in their homes. Here are the requirements:
- Heat pump water heater must meet NEEA Tier 3 or 4 requirements
- Installation must include a thermostatic mixing valve that blends hot water with cold water to ensure a constant, safe water faucet outlet temperature
- Home must be individually metered by SMUD
- Must be installed by a SMUD-approved contractor (like Brower Mechanical)
Roseville Electric Rebates
Roseville Electric customers are eligible for heat pump water heater rebates up to $2,000. Homeowners interested in claiming these rebates can learn more from the Roseville Electric website or contact them directly for more information.
Inflation Reduction Act Federal Tax Credits
Homeowners can receive 30% of the total cost (up to $2,000) in heat pump water heater tax credits through the Inflation Reduction Act. Installed units must be ENERGY STAR certified.
Brower Mechanical: Your Local Water Heating Experts
We’ve been helping families throughout Sacramento, Roseville, Rocklin, and surrounding areas with their HVAC and home efficiency needs since 1979. Not only does our team utilize a building science approach with our work to find reliable and long-lasting solutions, but we also stay up to date on incentives in our service area to make sure your home upgrades are affordable. When it comes to replacing your water heater with an energy efficient heat pump model, you can count on Brower Mechanical!
