Solar-powered systems derive energy from the sun, which Tampa has plenty of, with an average of 246 days of sunshine each year. Solar home devices and appliances like panels, water heaters, lighting, and furnaces are readily available for the environmentally-conscious homeowner who’s looking to make a difference.
If you’re ready to make the switch to solar but not ready to commit to the larger investment of solar panels, try starting smaller with a solar water heater.
Experts point to many reasons to upgrade your home’s water heater to a solar system, including:
In this blog, we’ll discuss each of these benefits to help you see the significant impact you can make with a solar water heater.
Tampa trusts the plumbing pros at Red Cap Plumbing & Air for all their water heater installation needs. If you’re ready to upgrade your home with a solar-powered water heater, look no further. Call us or schedule an estimate online today!
Reduce your energy bills with a solar water heater.
A traditional water heater uses power from the power grid to heat water for your home. A solar water heater system is installed on your roof and uses solar collectors to draw energy from the sun and then heat the water in your home. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, installing a solar water heater can reduce your energy bills by 50% to 80% each month. You’ll have protection from electricity and fuel cost increases that occasionally happen since the energy from the sun is free!
You’ll also be eligible for local and federal tax credits to incentivize the purchase of solar appliances for your home and put some money back in your pocket. The Federal Investment Tax Credit (or ITC) offers you about 26% of the value of your solar system back when you file your taxes in the following year. That’s like getting your new system for 26% off.
A solar water heater can help you lower your carbon footprint.
Your carbon footprint is, by definition, the amount of carbon released into the atmosphere from your use of fossil fuels. Fossil fuels include energy sources like natural gas, oil, and coal. Every one of us has a carbon footprint impacted by how much we drive, the amount of electricity we consume in our homes and workplaces, the foods we eat, and the products we purchase and their materials.
When you install a solar water heater in your home, you’re eliminating the pollution generated by the power plant that powers the electricity grid to run your system and the pollution generated by a traditional water heater itself. In fact, The National Renewable Energy Laboratory estimates that the carbon emissions from a solar-powered water heater are approximately 20% less than traditional fuel water heaters that rely on fossil fuels.
Why does this matter? Well, when you reduce your carbon footprint, you’re often going to be living a healthier lifestyle, saving money, and helping to keep the Earth healthy. Consider the impact of riding your bike or walking to the store instead of driving or purchasing sustainably made products that come from factories that run on solar energy. Your choice to go solar in your own home has a big impact on your carbon footprint!
According to the American online real estate marketplace Zillow, the average home with solar panels or solar appliances spends 50% less time on the market for sale and will sell for 4 to 5% more than neighborhood comparable homes that don’t have solar systems.
Regularly servicing your solar water heater can prolong its life.
No matter what type of water heater you have in your home, a plumber should flush it every 6 months to rid the tank of sediment and mineral buildup that can damage the appliance. If you have hard water, plumbers should perform this service more frequently.
Maintenance of the tank, pipes, and components is recommended annually with a traditional fuel water heater. However, with a solar water heater, you’ll only need to have the system serviced every 3 years or so.
No matter what, don’t skip regular service! These periodic system checks will prolong the life of your water heater, keep your system under warranty, and ensure you have a consistent supply of hot water when you need it.
Investing in solar power for your home is a great way to reduce your environmental impact and save money in the process. A solar water heater is an impactful first step towards a low-maintenance and energy-efficient home.
The plumbing pros at Red Cap Plumbing are ready to install your new solar water heater today. We’ll give you an honest, upfront cost before we begin work, and we back everything we do with a satisfaction guarantee. We’ll help you choose the perfect solar water heater system for your hot water needs and budget so you can reduce your monthly bills, carbon footprint, maintenance needs and increase your home’s value in the long run.
Call us or request an appointment online for an estimate today!