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Electric waters come in two main varieties: standard and heat pump.  Both use rods or coils to heat the water.  In the standard version, electricity is used to generate the heat.  In heat pump (aka hybrid) water heaters, heat is moved from the surrounding air into the water.  This process is significantly more efficient, reducing energy use by up to 60%.

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Rebates​

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BayREN offers rebates for home energy improvements. 

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*Please note that to take advantage of BayREN rebates, you must use a BayREN participating contractor. 

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PG&E offers a rebate for heat pump water heaters.

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Costs and Savings

Costs

An average a heat pump water heater (including installation) costs about $1000 more than a gas water heater.

 

Energy Bill

Because heat pump water heaters are so energy efficient, they will reduce your utility bill by an average of $50 a year when compared to a gas water heater.

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Contractors  

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Visit BayREN to find participating contractors that are specially trained to provide the highest quality service and installation for qualified home energy improvements. Participating BayREN contractors will also assist you through the rebate process to make sure you get the best price on your projects. 

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Permitting

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Installing a water heater requires a building permit.   To receive your permit, fill out this application and email it to permits@albanyca.org.  This is an over-the-counter permit that is typically issued within 1-2 business days. 

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Learn more about permits here and for more information contact jerlich@albanyca.org.

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Learn more about water heaters and other ways to lower your carbon footprint at Carbon Free Albany.

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