We know, updating your leaky faucets, high flow toilets and inefficient water heaters is not at the top of your “Wish List,” but making these few small improvements will add up to more than just savings on your water bill, it saves thousands of gallons of water.

Fortunately, knowing the importance of these simple fixes, the federal tax credits for energy efficiency have been renewed for purchases made in 2016 and retroactive purchases of EnergyStar Products in 2015.

There are many rebates, incentives and credits available to help lower the price tag, we’ve outlined a few of them below. Take advantage of them and make your home more efficient. Trust us, it’s worth the effort.

Water Heaters:

Water heating accounts for about 18% of energy use in your home. The average water heater lasts 10-15 years, and even if it’s still chugging, replacing with an efficient water heater makes financial sense. Not to mention, if the tank should rupture, you could have a real mess on your hands. For more information on selecting a water heater, rebates and other water saving tips check out this infographic from Energy.gov

• Federal Tax Credit

• Residential Rebate for an Energy Star Heat Pump Water Heater; The Orlando Utilities Commission (OUI) will pay 100% of the cost up to $650.

Toilets:

The Environmental Protection Agency reports that toilets are by far the main source of water usage, accounting for almost 30% of an average home’s indoor water consumption. To give you perspective, older, inefficient toilets can use as much as 6 gallons of water per flush, whereas new models can use just 1.28 gallons per flush. This kind of savings could save billions of gallons of water each year.

• Orange County Utilities is accepting applications for $100 vouchers toward replacing high-flow toilets.

• Orlando Utilities Commission is offering a $50 rebate for replacing a toilet with a flow greater than 1.6 gallons per flush, with an ultra-low flow toilet of 1.6 gpf or less.

Faucets and Showerheads:

More than just being flat out annoying, leaky faucets and showerheads are a huge waste. One drip per second wastes 1,661 gallons of water and can cost up to $35 per year. (energy.gov)

Orange County Utilities offers a Showerhead Exchange during the month of April. Orange County Utilities water customers can receive up to three showerheads to replace showerheads that use 2.5 gallons per minute or more.

For more information go to:

• Florida Tax Credits, Rebates and Savings

• Or use the Rebate Finder on EPA.Gov