Going Green
Going green is very important to people here in Coeur d’Alene and Spokane and it can save us a lot of money too. Water heating is a sizable portion of our utility bills so installing a higher efficiency water heater makes a huge difference. Call us about any rebates and tax incentives that might be available to you. We want to help you go green and save money too.
Electric Heat Pump/ Hybrid Water Heater
Air-source heat pump water heaters work much like a refrigerator in reverse. The heat pump extracts the heat from warm air, intensifies the heat with a compressor, delivers the heat to the water, and exhausts the cooler air. Because it uses the warm ambient air temperature to do most of the work, it is a very efficient way to heat water. They are great for installations in garages and furnace rooms and require a space of 10’x10′. The electric heat pump has an energy star rating with an energy factor of 2.0 or better. There are rebates and incentives for installing them.
Any water heater tank (gas or electric) can be converted over to a heat pump. Please call for details and for answers to any questions you may have.
Tankless Water Heaters
An exciting way we have been “going green” in the last few years is with tank-less or on demand water heaters. People like the thought of only heating the water as it is used rather than storing hot water in a tank. A large unit is required in our area due to the incoming water temperatures in the winter. You need to size the unit for the amount of demand (gallons per minute) for a 70 or higher degree temperature rise. Most households will want 4 gpm or better. This will allow for a shower (2.5gpm) and another small fixture (like a dishwasher) to be used simultaneously. Tank-less water heaters do cost substantially more to install but will have a good return on investment long term. There are many good Federal, State and Local rebates as well as Utility rebates that reduce the cost of installation substantially. Give us a call for more detailed information.
Replacing Your Older Model Water Heater With New
It could be as simple as replacing your old water heater. In 2004 Federal law mandated new efficiency requirements for water heaters. Also build up of sediment and age can significantly reduce the efficiency of your old water heater. So just by replacing your old water heater with a new water heater model can save a lot of money on your utility bills. There are Energy Star and higher efficiency models available that also qualify for rebates.
http://www.bradfordwhite.com/products/
Hydronic Heating
Whether you are remodeling or building a new home, hydronic heating is the most advanced and efficient heating system available. Using hot water base board is a competitive alternative to forced air. Hydronics provide a clean and healthy environment. There are no fans and ductwork to spread dust, mold and allergens around your house. The energy savings is 25-50% of a forced air system. We can zone a system for comfort and it runs silently. If you are looking for either in-floor, European steel panel, or base board, natural gas or geothermal, we can design a system custom fit for your needs and budget
Tax Credits and Rebates
There are local, state and federal tax credits available for new or replacement high efficiency heating and water heating. Here are some links to what may be available.
Federal Energy Star Tax Credits
Click on the link below to learn which improvements or equipment qualify for hundreds of dollars in tax rebates.
http://www.energystar.gov/about/federal_tax_credits
Additional State, Local and Utility Incentives
Click on the link below to learn about additional energy savings for which you may qualify.