Sun-Powered Savings: Your Guide to Florida Water Heater Rebates

As a resident of the Sunshine State, you’re likely aware of the energy demands of keeping your home cool. So it might surprise you to learn that the second biggest user of energy in your home is your water heater.

By upgrading to a new, efficient water heater (like the AeroTherm^® Series G2 from Bradford White), you can lower your energy costs all year long. Fortunately, rebates and incentives are available that can help you save money when you upgrade your water heater.

This blog will provide an in-depth look at the water heater rebates and incentives available to you as a Florida resident.

An Energy-Efficient Water Heater is a Smart Choice in Florida

Choosing an energy-efficient water heater for your Florida home makes a lot of sense for several reasons:

You’ll Save Money: A high-efficiency water heater can dramatically lower the amount of energy you use to heat water, which can give you substantial savings on your energy bill every month, all year long.
You’ll Help Reduce Strain on the Grid: During peak demand times like the hottest days of the summer, choosing a more efficient water heater (and other appliances) will help reduce the strain on Florida’s power grid.
You’ll Enjoy Reliable Hot Water and Peace-of-Mind: Your new water heater will deliver consistent and reliable hot water.
You’ll Increase Your Home’s Value: The more you can upgrade your home with energy efficient appliances, the more attractive your home will be to potential buyers. In this way, a new, efficient water heater can be a valuable asset.

Navigating Florida’s Water Heater Rebates: A Look at Your Options

Most water heater rebates in Florida are provided through energy efficiency programs of local utility companies. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common rebates you might find from different utility companies:

Duke Energy

Rebate: Up to $800 on a new heat pump water heater

Duke Energy offers Florida residential electric customers a specific rebate for the installation of an ENERGY STAR^® certified heat pump water heater.

Eligibility Requirements: The program has specific prerequisites. You often need to have a free “Home Energy Check” completed within the last 24 months, and the installation must be done by a licensed and insured contractor. (Need a contractor? Search here to find a Bradford White professional in your area.) The heat pump water heater itself must be ENERGY STAR^® certified with a specific Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) rating.

Heat pump water heaters like Bradford White’s AeroTherm^® Series G2 are a particularly good choice for Florida because they transfer heat from the surrounding air to the water, a process that’s highly efficient in warmer climates.

Jacksonville Electric Authority (JEA)

Rebate: Up to $350 on a new heat pump water heater

If you’re an electric customer of JEA (Jacksonville Electric Authority), you can receive up to $350 when you purchase a new heat pump water heater.

Eligibility Requirements: The heat pump water heater must be ENERGY STAR^® certified and be 50 gallon capacity or less. The application must be submitted within a set timeframe after the purchase and installation, and like other utility programs, it’s tied to your specific service address.

Peoples Gas

Rebate: Up to $550 on a new gas tank water heater, up to $700 on tankless gas

For natural gas customers in Florida, companies like Peoples Gas offer rebates to encourage energy-efficient upgrades. Their programs provide incentives for both tank-type gas water heaters as well as tankless gas water heaters like Bradford White’s Infiniti^® Series. Tankless water heaters are popular because they provide a virtually unlimited supply of hot water.

Replacing an Electric Water Heater with Natural Gas: If you have natural gas but you’re still using an electric water heater, Peoples Gas wants to encourage you to upgrade to a new, efficient, gas water heater. So they offer slightly larger rebates if you’re switching from electric to gas.
Replacing an Existing Natural Gas Water Heater: If you already have a gas water heater, you may be eligible for a rebate when upgrading to a newer, more efficient model.

Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC)

Rebate: Up to $500 on a new heat pump water heater

The Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) offers homeowners a $500 rebate when they purchase and install a qualifying ENERGY STAR^® heat pump water heater. Their rebate program is designed to offset the cost of the unit and installation, making it easier for homeowners to choose the more efficient option.

Tips for a Seamless Rebate Process

Confirm Eligibility First: Always check the specific requirements for any rebate program before purchasing. This includes efficiency ratings, contractor qualifications, and application deadlines.
Work with a Qualified Professional: Most utility rebates require installation by a licensed and insured contractor. They can also help ensure the Bradford White model you choose meets all program criteria and often assist with the paperwork. Need a contractor? Search here to find a Bradford White professional in your area.
Keep a Paper Trail: Save all receipts, invoices, and product documentation. This information is critical for your rebate application.

Upgrading your water heater is an investment that pays off in comfort, energy savings, and peace of mind. By taking advantage of the rebates and incentives available in Florida, you can save even more!

Disclaimer: Rebate programs and eligibility criteria are subject to change by utility providers and government entities. It is highly recommended to visit the official websites of your specific utility provider (such as Duke Energy, JEA, Peoples Gas, OUC) and the IRS (for federal tax credits) or consult with a qualified plumbing professional to confirm the most current and accurate rebate information for your area and chosen Bradford White model.