Although Heating and Cooling are the largest consumers of energy in the typical US home, reducing energy costs in these two categories generally requires expensive and time-consuming upgrades to the home's insulation.  By contrast, improving the efficiency of appliances and water heaters generally requires only a simple replacement.

As shown by the chart on the right, hot water is the third most energy consuming category in homes.  Hot water heaters consume more energy than refrigerators, dishwashers, clothes washers and dryers and kitchen appliances combined.  Standard electric hot water heaters are highly inefficient, so replacing them with a modern heat-pump based water heater will usually be the most cost-efficient method of reducing energy usage.  This replacement typically results in the highest Savings Investment Ratio (SIR), higher than replacing other appliances like a refrigerator and higher than insulating attics and walls.

Although gas water heaters are substantially more efficient than electric, substantial savings are still possible with an Energy Star version, particularly a tankless model.

Replacing a water heater using ARRA funds is a problem for the weatherization community.  A licensed electrician and/or licensed plumber is necessary to connect the water lines and either the gas line or the electricity.  This requires Davis-Bacon prevailing wages and a certified payroll.  NWC is uniquely qualified to solve the Davis-Bacon challenges.

For the cost-aware homeowner, NWC provides a complete turn-key solution.  We will arrange for qualified contractors and make sure you get every tax and rebate program available to you.  Don't miss your rebate or tax deduction by depending on some under-trained clerk at the department store or lumber-yard.  We are here to:

• Provide the help you need in choosing the proper water heater or other Energy Star Appliance.  We work for you, not some national chain or any particular brand.
• Provide trained and experienced contractors.  We know what a typical installation should cost and unlike the department store, have no incentive to allow a contractor to overcharge you.
• Provide you with a list of all available rebates and tax incentives.  We have a national database of these savings, and are here to help you get every incentive to which you are eligible.
• Provide you with a pressure-free shopping experience on your time schedule.  No sales clerk will pressure you into buying the wrong model because of their quota or ignorance.