Consumers can save up to 55% on hot
water bills, and get a $300 tax credit by choosing the most efficient
qualifying model of water heater.
New Energy Star labels are being rolled out this month,
and could offer consumers shopping for a new hot water heater a chance to save
from between 7.5% and 55% on home water-heating bills.
New standards went into effect Jan. 1,
and even stronger standards will be phased in beginning in September 2010. Buying
an Energy Star-labeled water heater in Phase 1 will save the average consumer
between $26 and $277 a year, depending on the type of water heater, according
to the Department of Energy.
The new standards apply to gas storage
water heaters, whole home gas tankless water heaters and solar water heaters.
Later this year, Energy Star standards will apply to gas condensing and heat
pump models.
However, not all Energy Star-rated
water heaters qualify for the $300 tax credit available for energy efficiency
improvements made to the home in 2009. The tax credit willnotapply to high-efficiency gas storage water heaters, even if rated by Energy
Star.
For a complete list of qualifying home
improvement projects, visit theEnergy Star website
Source:
The Daily Green
