The Federal Tax Credit for Energy Efficiency – Water Heaters expired in 2011. The President chose not too extend this tax credit. Local energy utility companies like PG&E have their own energy efficiency rebates. To find out if rebates or other incentives are available in your area, visit the ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder.

Be sure to check out our reduce water heater use, water saving tips and ways to save energy.

The 2011 Federal Tax Credit

There is a Federal Energy Efficiency Tax Credit on Qualifying Gas, Oil, Propane Water Heaters as well as Electric Heat Pump Water Heater and Solar Water Heaters. If your water heater is on its last legs, you might as well upgrade now and save some money. Newer water heaters require less energy and time to heat water. Reduce the waiting time between showers and doing laundry.

For 2011, the Federal Tax Credit for energy efficiency drops to 10%, up to a $500 maximum. (2010 Federal Tax Credit information)

• $300 cap for water heater
• Gas, Oil, Propane Water Heaters must have Energy Factor >= 0.82 or a thermal efficiency of at least 90%
• Newer Hybrid water heaters are also available
• Electric Heat Pump Water Heater requirements are the same as ENERGY STAR: Energy Factor >= 2.0.

• Existing home and principal residence.   New construction and rentals do not qualify.
• Expires December 31, 2011 – Consult the What other rebates are available? below for other possible rebates.

Consider an on demand Tankless Water Heater if your situation allows for it.  Most need ready access to a good sized gas pipe and exhaust vent.

Solar Water Heaters are covered if they are EnergyStar certified. The Federal Tax Credit for solar water heaters is 30% of the cost including installation and labor. It expires December 31, 2016.

AO Smith makes the hi tech Vertex 100 water heater that is very efficient, but requires PVC pipe venting not normal metal venting. Also consider installing radiant floor heating instead of using a gas furnace as these newer water heaters support radiant heating.

Note: It is difficult to find larger sized water heaters with Energy Factor’s not qualify.

With climate change and global warming issues frequently populating our daily news, there has never been a better time to do our individual parts to help save the planet. There are many steps one can take in order to decrease their individual carbon footprint, one of the easiest is to start with your vehicle. There are many great green cars produced each year by top car manufacturers; however it is possible to lower your emissions without purchasing a new car. This article outlines some simple steps that will result in a more fuel efficient approach to driving.

Step 1- Vehicle Usage

Cars consume more fuel thus producing more CO2 emissions during ignition and short trips. This is due to the catalytic converters, which reduce carbon emissions, being more effective once they have warmed up. Short journeys don’t allow this to happen, so it is best practice to combine short errands and car runs into one larger trip. Even simpler than that, judge whether you journey actually requires you to take a car, walking or cycling will not only save you money of fuel, it will also provide you with a great source of exercise.

Step 2- Driving Consistently

Constantly stopping and re-starting your car produces a large amount of emissions, try to avoid driving at peak times when heavy traffic will ensure start/stop driving. Keeping distance from the car in front, not only increases safety, it will allow you to judge braking making it easier to keep a steady consistent pace. Driving consistently will have a positive effect on the CO2 emissions produced by your vehicle.

Step 3- Speed

As it is illegal you should not be speeding anyway, but it is fact that driving above 70mph will use up to 25% more fuel. Maintain steady speeds whilst driving on motorways, if driving a new car that benefits from cruise control use it, this will help you to control your driving speed and lower the CO2 produced by your vehicle.

Step 4- Minimize Aerodynamic Drag

Aerodynamic drag is the effect caused by reducing the aerodynamics of your vehicle. This can increase CO2 emissions by up to 20%.  Don’t add to the amount of drag caused when driving, additional parts attached to your car such as spoilers, bike racks and roof racks will only increase drag. Think about weight too, your car is for transport not storage, filling your cars boot with unnecessary items will add to the weight and significantly alter your cars performance and carbon emissions.

Step 5- Look after your car!

This final step may sound like an obvious one but is surprising how often it is overlooked. By simply taking good care of your car, through regular maintenance, you can not only reduce your CO2 emissions but also the life expectancy of your vehicle. Take your car for regular checkups and maintenance to ensure that you car is healthy and running smoothly.

By simply following these steps you will be able to live with peace of mind that you are doing your bit to lower your carbon foot print and help save the planet.

A question arose in the supermarket the other day, which is better, Farm Raised Salmon or Wild Salmon? Clearing salmon is good for you as it contains Omega-3 (n-3 polyunsaturated) fatty acids, but have heard news reports about problems with PCBs in fish.

Farm raised salmon has been shown to have elevated levels of PCBs in a 2003 study the independent Environmental Working Group.

“A study by the Environmental Working Group of Washington, D.C., a nonprofit public interest watchdog, reported last summer that farmed salmon were the most likely PCB-contaminated protein source in the national food supply, with a PCB content 16 times higher than that found in wild salmon and four times higher than the levels in beef. Industry groups criticized the findings, which were based on a sample of 10 store-bought fish in Washington, D.C., San Francisco, and Portland, Ore. Last week, a study of 700 salmon found that the level of PCBs in fillets taken from farmed salmon were seven times as high as levels in fillets taken from wild salmon.”

Their recommendations are:

1) To reduce your exposure to PCBs, trim fat from fish before cooking.

2) Choose broiling, baking, or grilling over frying, as these cooking methods allow the PCB-laden fat to cook off the fish.

3) When possible, choose wild and canned Alaskan salmon instead of farmed, and eat farmed salmon no more than once a month.

Be sure to read our article on choosing Sustainable Seafood