If your water heater is over 8 years old, showing signs of wear, or struggling to meet your household’s hot water needs, now is the perfect time to consider a replacement. Here’s why acting promptly can save you money, improve your home’s efficiency, and help you avoid higher costs down the road.

🚨 Tariffs Are Driving Up Water Heater Costs

In March 2025, the U.S. reinstated a 25% tariff on imported steel and aluminum — key materials used in water heater manufacturing (https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/trumps-25-percent-tariffs-on-all-steel-and-aluminum-imports-go-into-effect-raising-fears-of-economic-slowdown).
As a result, industry experts expect equipment prices to rise by 5–15% or more depending on the unit type and brand (https://www.tuckandhowell.com/how-tariffs-can-potentially-affect-the-cost-of-water-heaters/).

In Austin, where hard water and high temperatures already strain water heaters, waiting to replace an aging unit could mean higher prices and an increased risk of breakdowns when you need hot water most.

💰 Take Advantage of Current Rebates and Tax Incentives

Upgrading now lets you cash in on several rebates and energy-saving programs:

• Federal Tax Credits:
  Homeowners can claim 30% of the cost (up to $2,000) for installing qualifying ENERGY STAR® certified heat pump water heaters under the Inflation Reduction Act (https://www.energystar.gov/about/federal-tax-credits).
• IRS Energy Efficiency Tax Credits:
  You may also qualify for the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit, designed to reward energy-conscious upgrades (https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/energy-efficient-home-improvement-credit).
• Utility Company Rebates:
  Atmos Energy offers rebates between $100 and $300 for upgrading to a high-efficiency natural gas water heater, depending on the unit’s Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) (https://www.atmosenergy.com/ways-to-save/mid-tex-appliance-rebate-program/).
• Upcoming Texas Programs:
  Texas is expected to distribute $690 million in Home Energy Rebates as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, providing even more ways to save on energy-efficient home improvements (https://comptroller.texas.gov/programs/seco/funding/ira/).
• Austin Energy Rebates:
  Locally, Austin Energy customers can explore additional rebates for energy-efficient home upgrades through the Home Energy Savings Program (https://savings.austinenergy.com/residential/offerings/home-improvements/home-energy-savings).

⚡ Lower Your Energy Bills with a New, Efficient Unit

Modern water heaters — especially heat pump models — use significantly less energy than older units.
On average, a heat pump water heater can save a household about $240 per year on energy bills, with a typical payback period of around four years (https://www.energystar.gov/about/federal-tax-credits).

By upgrading now, you’ll start enjoying those savings sooner—and avoid rising energy and equipment costs in the future.

🛠️ Why Choose Flint Plumbing?

At Flint Plumbing, we believe in doing right by our neighbors.
As a family-owned Austin company, we focus on honest service—not upsells. We follow the right processes, the right codes, and always put your long-term needs first.

To help during this transition, we’re offering $100 off water heater installation for a limited time. Plus, we’ve researched rebates and resources to make sure you save as much as possible because we truly care about our customers and our community.

📞 Ready to Upgrade?

Don’t wait until prices rise even higher or your old unit fails.
Let’s lock in today’s rates and make sure you get the best rebates available.

📞 Call or text Flint Plumbing at 512-771-6764
🌐 Visit us at www.flintplumb.com to schedule service or get a quote.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only. Flint Plumbing, LLC is not responsible for any damage, injury, or loss that may result from the use or misuse of this information. Plumbing systems vary, and we recommend consulting a licensed plumber for inspection, repair, or emergency situations. By using this information, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless Flint Plumbing, LLC and its employees from any liability related to actions taken based on this content.

📚 Full Source List

• https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/trumps-25-percent-tariffs-on-all-steel-and-aluminum-imports-go-into-effect-raising-fears-of-economic-slowdown
• https://www.tuckandhowell.com/how-tariffs-can-potentially-affect-the-cost-of-water-heaters/
• https://www.energystar.gov/about/federal-tax-credits
• https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/energy-efficient-home-improvement-credit
• https://www.atmosenergy.com/ways-to-save/mid-tex-appliance-rebate-program/
• https://comptroller.texas.gov/programs/seco/funding/ira/
• https://savings.austinenergy.com/residential/offerings/home-improvements/home-energy-savings