Now through June 30th 2024 Florida is having an Energy Star Appliance Sales Tax Exemption Period, making it an excellent time to buy a water heater. When you purchase an Energy Star hybrid or tankless water heater during this time period, it is exempt from sales tax! If the heater, installation parts and service to install it is below $1,500, then no tax will be charged.
You might be wondering what a hybrid water heater is, and what the difference is between the two, so we’ve broken them both down for you.
Hybrid Water Heaters
- Hybrid water heaters, also known as heat pump water heaters, use a combination of heat pump technology and a storage tank. The heat pump extracts heat from the surrounding air and transfers it to the water in the tank. This process is more energy-efficient than conventional electric resistance heating.
- They have a storage tank where the heated water is stored until it’s needed. This ensures a continuous supply of hot water.
- Hybrid water heaters are very energy-efficient, offering significant energy savings compared to traditional electric water heaters. They can be up to three times more efficient in terms of energy consumption.
- Hybrid water heaters generally require more installation space than tankless units due to the presence of the storage tank and heat pump components.
- The upfront cost of hybrid water heaters is generally higher compared to traditional tank water heaters. However, their energy efficiency can lead to long-term savings on utility bills.
Tankless Water Heaters
- Tankless water heaters, AKA on-demand water heaters, heat water directly as it flows through the unit using electric coils or a gas burner. They do not use a storage tank and only heat water when it’s needed.
- Tankless water heaters are known for their efficiency because they avoid heat loss associated with traditional tank water heaters. They heat water only when you need it.
- Tankless water heaters are compact and take up less space than traditional tank water heaters.
- They provide a continuous supply of hot water, so you won’t run out even during long showers or when multiple faucets are in use.
- While tankless water heaters can have a higher upfront cost compared to traditional tank water heaters, they are generally less expensive than hybrid models.
- Tankless water heaters require specific installation considerations, such as proper sizing based on hot water demand and appropriate venting if you’re using a gas model. But newer technology doesn’t require you to have gas.
Your choice between the two will depend on your household’s hot water needs, available space, and budget considerations. Contact us to help you decide between the two, and help you save with the sales tax savings. Best of all you don’t have to do a thing! We track and report it all.