Energy Star rated heat pump water heater

Water heaters can qualify for Arizona Appliance Rebate Program.   The rebate program has 6.2 million dollars slotted for Arizona homeowners to replace their older inefficient appliances (get them off the Arizona grid) with high efficient Energy Star rated models. 

Not all water heaters are the same. Some run with higher energy efficiency and less monthly costs to the homeowner, not to mention some also offer other wonderful benefits, too. Although your water heater may seem as though it is working fine, how much money does it really cost you to run every month? 

Newer high energy efficient water heater models can help you  save now on the purchase cost, with this rebate and on your monthly cost to run it, but you have to have a reservation first.  

Which hot water heaters are covered under the Arizona Cash for Appliance Rebates? 

Not all water heaters qualify for this program. Only the very high energy efficient water heaters with an Energy Star rating will qualify. Having an Energy Star rating means that the water heater will generally run 15-50% more efficient then water heaters without the Energy Star rating. 

Water heaters that qualify for this rebate program include some gas tankless, electric heat pump and gas storage tank style water heaters.  We’ll talk about specific models in upcoming blog posts. 

How much are the rebates?  

Each water heater qualifies for a flat rebate amount from $200.00-$425.00 as funded by thethe American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. .  

Benjamin Franklin, The Punctual Plumber of Phoenix will match the cash rebate that you qualify for towards a new water heater.   Bottom line with the BF promotion: $400.00-$850.00 total towards a new Energy Star rated qualified water heater. 

A separate reservation is needed for each appliance that a homeowner qualifies for under the rebate program. 

What is the time frame to take advantage of the rebates? 

Mark your calender.  The earliest date you can get a reservation is April 12, 2010, at 6am.   It is expected that all the rebate program will be popular, so make your reservation early.  When the money is gone the rebate program ends.  This a great time to get help to pay for a new high energy efficient water heater and save money every month on your energy bills.  

What are the particulars of the plan?  

1. The homeowner will need to get the website address or phone number to apply for a reservation- not yet announced by the State of Arizona. Watch us, we will tweet all the up-to-date information  to everyone following us. We will also share it on www.BenFranklinPlumbingAZ.com, our facebook page and discuss details on our Phoenix Plumber Pipeline Blog.
2. The homeowner will need to apply for the reservation and be confirmed that they have qualified.
3. Next the homeowner will need to contact a licensed plumber (we hope you consider us, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, The Punctual Plumber) to select the qualifing water heater and arrange to replace the old model water heater,  thus getting it off the Arizona grid. 
4. Depending on the water heater chosen and the city codes, the plumber will review what city permits are needed  for the new water heater to be installed.
5. The water heater will be installed professionally and according to city code requirements.
6. Proper disposal of the old water heater by a licensed plumber is also noted to ensure proper recycling documentation.

Contact us at 602-904-7252 or book an on line appointment  to get the BF matching rebate offer exclusively from us.  

Look for future blog articles to help you decide what is best for you: 

” Qualifing Tankless Water Heaters for The Arizona Appliance Rebate Program” 

“Qualifing Electric Heat Pump Water Heaters for the Arizona Appliance Rebate Program” 

“Qualifing Tank Style High Efficient Gas Water Heater for the Arizona Appliance Rebate Program”

The average home wastes 10,000 gallons of water yearly. There are some easy ways to save water in and around your home right away. Yes, right now SRP’s daily water report  states Arizona’s water resources are 97% full, but Phoenix homeowners still need to save water for many reasons.  Some include the increase of water damage costs, increase amount of bugs or pests drawn to your home by excess water dripping or hanging around and most of all save money monthly on your water bill.

As Benjamin Franklin once said “   

1. Saving water starts with you teaching your family how to save water. Take time to review one new item monthly and help your family recognize why this is so important to Arizona and the utility bill.
2. Find and Fix leaks around your home, read our previous post “How to Check for Water Leaks Yourself “  for some easy ideas.
3. Use Energy Star washing machines to save on both water and electric usage and costs. You can find a list of qualified washing machines at  Energy Star and watch for my blog series on “Arizona Cash for Appliance Rebates” in the next few weeks.
4. Don’t use your toilet as a garbage bag, only use it for what it is really there for relieving your bodily functions. Each time you flush you use 1.6 gallons to 5 gallons depending on your toilet and the maintenance of toilet. If you have a toilet made prior to 1992, you can switch to a 1.6 gallon flushing toilet and save up to 25,000 gallons a year.
5. Use a small 1 inch empty can, like your favorite tuna can, to put in your yard, then watch and time how long it takes to fill the can. Turn off your sprinklers and adjust the timer to be sure your not over watering each time they come on. For more plant water scheduling recommendations, view the Town of Gilbert recommendations.

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6. Turn the water off when brushing your teeth or washing your face, when water is running and you don’t need it even for 30 seconds turn it off and save hundreds of gallons of water every year.
7. Start a compost pile instead of using thousands of gallons of water a year using your garbage disposal, for more information on how to start one see Eartheasy.


Dont Waste Hot Water with Evolve Showerheads

8. Hot water recirculation pumps are a popular way to save thousands of gallons of water every year, while you enjoy the ability to have hot water right away when need it.
9. Change your shower head to one with Showerstart technology…a hot shower that waits for you … from Evolve Showerheads like Gayle Bass, KTAR’s Click Chic who is loving her shower everyday.
10. Use EasyWater to address hard water problems.  There’s no salt, no hassles and doesn’t waste water during a generation cycle like other systems.  There are many choices in water treatment. When you are considering a choice for your home, we’re here to help. 

Share with us what ideas you’ve implemented to save water around your home. The best savings idea shared in the blog comments by April 30, 2010, will receive a free copy of  Grandpa’s Homeowners Handbook, The ultimate survival guide to seasonal home maintenance!

Water leaks cost you money and often waste 10,000 gallons of water per year. Contrary to belief, not all leaks are very hard to find and repair, but they are important to locate quickly before they become costly and difficult to fix.  Watersense is the EPA’s answer to advocating citizen action in water conservation.  It’s chocked full of helpful tips and information. 

The EPA has designated “Fix a Leak Week”, March 15-21 so here’s how to check for water leaks around your home 

Visual Method: 

One of the easiest ways to find a leak fast is to see it or feel it. Take time to walk around your home, both the inside and outside, look for plumbing connections or fixtures that are dripping or are moist. Be sure to look at all your water connections and irrigation systems, your pool fill and notice the ground make sure it looks dry too. Inspect your water heater and water treatment systems for moisture or dripping issues. Don’t forget places like behind the refrigerator, the washing machine connections, under all the sinks and toilets. 

Listening Method:

You probably notice it most when it is quiet and you’re trying to go to sleep…that is when a dripping faucet or running toilet will be heard the best. Walk around inside and outside when your home is quiet. Listen closely for dripping or running water. If you have trouble here are some helpful hints at DIY.

Water Meter Method: 

After listening and looking hidden leaks are best noticed by simply reading your water meter. 

To do this, turn off everything around your home using water, like your water using appliances (ice maker), faucets and irrigation system. Make sure no one flushes a toilet and turn off the automatic pool fill too.

1. Go to your water meter and watch it for about 1-2 minutes. If nothing is using water around your home, it should not be running at all. Most meters will have a dial, this type should not be spinning or if it is a digital meter, nothing should be flashing.You may be lucky and actually have a leak indicator on your meter like these shown in the photos.
2. If it is not moving or flashing, you are fine.
3. If the water meter is moving or flashing, you have a water leak someplace or something is still using water around your home.



4. Re-Check again around the home to be sure there is nothing using water, even a very small usage of water will make your meter run. 
5. Re-check your meter again. If it is still moving, look for a leak or call a plumber.  

What is leaking?   

If you can’t find anything using water, but the meter is still running, it will take more work to find the leak. Check your irrigation system. Be sure no valves are leaking, irrigation heads or underground pipes are leaking anywhere.   

Check your toilets. Toilet flappers can wear out for many reasons, water quality is the main cause and the smallest leak can waste thousands of gallons of water a year. We discussed in another article, Tampons vs. Toilets how to use food coloring to test for a toilet leak. 

If you still can’t find anything, but your water meter is running, the problem may be behind a wall or floor. This may need a professional to come and help. 

To save money on your water and sewage bill usage every month, SRP has posted many Water Savings tips. It is important to inspect all your plumbing and water treatment systems annually.  Benjamin Franklin Plumbing offers free inspections throughout the greater Phoenix metro area. Make your online appointment today. With 26 years of experience in finding water leaks, we help you avoid the hassles of water damage.

Every woman wants to know, “Can I safely flush tampons down the toilet?” Our friends at Tampax have “flushable” tampons implying you can… so what’s the truth? Plumbers know it depends on your toilet, your sewer lines, and if applicable, your septic tank condition.

Toilet:

Kohler Cimarron Toilet

A number of toilet issues can cause a troubled flush. Let’s start with the tank to ensure you get a full flush. The most common problem is the flapper usually damaged by poor water quality. To test it, put a few drops of food coloring in the tank and wait 10-15 minutes…if the color seeps into the bowl (without flushing) it’s time to change it.  Next consideration is a toilet’s output. The larger the trapway the bigger the object it can handle. The Kohler Cimarron and the Toto Gmax Flushing system are the best tampon friendly toilets available. No worries from these bowls each with a wide 3” flush valve and enlarged trap way.

Sewer Line:

Roots and grease are enemies in a sewer line. Roots remain buried even after the flora and fauna have been removed, so buying a home that’s nothing but all rock landscaping in the front yard doesn’t guarantee a root free sewer line. Even your neighbor’s trees can infiltrate your sewer pipe. Grease caused clogs often manifest themselves in toilet overflows too. For no-hassles, and to confidently know your sewer line is clear, have a professional Camera the line. This is a good idea for new homebuyers as inspectors only look for obvious symptoms.

Sometimes the pitch of your line causes backups … a sign of improper installation. Some older neighborhoods here in Arizona like Sun City, Tempe, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Glendale, and Mesa may have the old Orangeburg pipe from the 1940s and early 50s. You probably should replace this ASAP as it is a ticking time bomb for leaks.

Septic Systems: 

Septic problems are usually caused by too much non-organic material and/or not maintaining the organic material consumption. Use monthly treatments of BioBen to eat all the organic contents…whether you eat organic foods or not (LOL). If you do regularly flush tampons into a septic system you’ll probably need to have it pumped out more frequently (every 3-4 years instead of 5, since tampons are NOT organic waste). 

Avoid Clogs: 

Plumbers will tell you if you don’t want problems, never flush anything you don’t have to down the toilet. This includes toilet bowl cleaners that have the flushable brush and paper towels.  Ben Franklin Plumbing techs have pulled out many items that claim they are flushable and some that aren’t including tampons, baby wipes, cotton swabs, & sanitary napkins.

You may see signs hanging in commercial locations saying don’t flush feminine hygiene products, please listen to them … they are putting this sign up from experience. They may have toilet or sewer line problems at their facility and don’t want to have puddles in their public restrooms. Don’t ignore the posted signs.

When you have trouble diagnosing your plumbing system issues we’re here to help.  Oh, make sure the tampon says it is flushable to begin with…not all are.