OREANDA-NEWS. May 22, 2012. It just got easier to save money on utility bills in Northwest Florida, thanks to a new rebate program from utility partner Gulf Power. When consumers buy the new GE® GeoSpring™ Hybrid Water Heater, they are eligible to apply for a USD 700 rebate through Gulf Power’s EarthCents program, reducing the cost to purchase the water heater. The ENERGY STAR®-qualified water heater saves up to USD 325 per year on utility bills, which means the GeoSpring quickly pays for itself.*

Over 10 years, this savings can add up to more than USD 3,000 that can be used toward a vacation, a shopping spree, a home improvement or a rainy-day fund.

“Many consumers are unaware that the water heater is the second biggest energy user in the home behind the HVAC system,” said Keith Burkhardt, marketing manager for GE Appliances. “Through this rebate program, money is saved on both the product purchase and on utility bills—money the family can spend on something more enjoyable.”

Technology that drives energy and cost savings
The GeoSpring’s hybrid technology is designed to absorb heat in ambient air and transfer it into the water. Since this uses much less energy than what’s needed to generate radiant heat—as used in a conventional electric tank water heater—the GeoSpring is more economical to operate.

 Other features of the GeoSpring include:

Includes the same water and electrical connections as the standard electric water heater, making it easy to install.
Provides the same amount of hot water as traditional 50-gallon standard electric water heaters.
Integrated electronics on the GeoSpring’s control panel offer exclusive features, such as Vacation mode, which will lower the water temperature to 50 degrees for the duration of a trip, and then automatically reenergize itself the day before the homeowner’s return.
Offers additional control over water temperature by allowing consumers to adjust the temperature setting in one-degree increments from 100 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.


“This EarthCents rebate for heat pump water heaters makes improving the energy efficiency of your home more affordable,” said Jeff Rogers, Gulf Power corporate communications supervisor. “A heat pump water heater is the most efficient way to heat water, greatly reducing your water heating cost.”