savings

Ahome upgrade that lowers the cost to heat your water may also help you save on your taxes next year.

The Inflation Reduction Act, passed by Congress last year, includes incentives for homeowners to make qualifying energy efficiency upgrades. The act includes a tax credit to upgrade to a heat pump water heater (HPWH), and according to the ENERGY STAR® website (energystar.gov), the tax credit can be up to 30% of the project cost with a $2,000 maximum credit amount. Heat pump water heaters that have earned the ENERGY STAR are eligible for the credit.

Heat pump water heaters are two to three times as efficient as conventional electric resistance water heaters, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. HPWHs use refrigerant to move heat from the surrounding air to the water within the tank. This improves efficiency and costs you less to produce hot water. Using less energy also helps reduce carbon emissions, benefiting the environment.

HEAT PUMPS CAN HELP COOL AND DEHUMIDIFY THE SURROUNDING SPACE IN THE SUMMER.

During the summer months, the heat pump will draw heat from nearby air to help warm the water. This can help lower the temperature in the surrounding area, making the space more comfortable. They also dehumidify the air! If you are already running a dehumidifier in the basement, an HPWH can do that job while heating your water.

LOCATION

MATTERS. Where

an HPWH is installed can impact its overall performance. ENERGY STAR recommends installing HPWHs in unconditioned or semi-conditioned interior spaces where temperatures remain above 50 degrees Fahrenheit for most of the year. ENERGY STAR also recommends avoiding placing the HPWH in garages or outdoors where it can be consistently subjected to freezing temperatures.

$400 annually in energy costs for a family of four. Your local electric cooperative may even offer rebates for qualifying HPWHs. You may also be eligible for the federal tax credit, though that may depend on your total tax liability. Contact your tax advisor for details and to determine eligibility for the full available tax credit.

If your water heater is close to 10 years old (or older), you should start considering a replacement. A variety of options exist, including heat pump water heaters, to improve your home’s energy use. Contact your local electric cooperative’s energy advisor to discuss options.

FORGET POTENTIAL REBATES.

DON’T

An ENERGY STARcertified HPWH can save more than

by Joe Spear Energy Advisor Carroll White REMC

Ready to go on a little getaway? You don’t need to travel far — just visit RiverWatch Floating Restaurant in Lawrenceburg. According to its website, the family-friendly, Key West-themed eatery aims to deliver “an island ambiance and a beautiful view of the Ohio River while you eat delicious food and sip on frosty drinks.”

Family-owned and operated, RiverWatch is helmed by “Captain Mike” Rauen and his “First Mate” Darcy. The restaurant offers a variety of seafood dishes such as crab cakes, coconut shrimp and their ever-popular blackened mahi mahi. If seafood doesn’t float your boat, RiverWatch serves a custom-blended hamburger made from short rib and brisket, as well as a pork ribeye and a variety of sandwiches.

While you dine, you can relax and take in the surrounding views — the restaurant is indeed actually floating in the Ohio River, although securely docked — and soak in the island-inspired décor and music.

If you’re in the mood for a cocktail, First Mate Darcy’s signature libations include the “Sombrero Beach Shark Bite” made with peach schnapps, Absolut Citron, blue curacao, Sprite and grenadine, and “Caribbean Rum Punch” spiked with Don Q rum.

Don’t set sail home without dessert! The “After Deck Delicacies” include a perfectly tart key lime pie (another nod to Florida) and chocolate-dipped cheesecake on a stick.

No matter what you choose to eat or drink, you will be treated to top-tier hospitality. As Captain Mike put it, “We welcome you to dine with us on Key West time and may the tide always pull you back!”

RiverWatch is open seasonally, typically from April to October, and you can visit the restaurant’s website at Riverwatchinc.com for updates and more information.