Our Process
Easy Steps To Get Your Solution
Submit The Online Quote
Answer the online questionnaire, recieve an instant quote and submit photos.
Phone Consultation
We will call to answer any questions and to schedule an install date.
Labor and Payment
A licensed contractor arrives on the scheduled date, and payment is made after the project is completed.
Filing Support
Our specialists at Bear Energy help you file any rebates you qualify for.
Online Quote Form
Bearenergyteam
Whats Included?
The estimated cost covers all necessary equipment and components required for the installation of your new water heater, along with the removal and disposal of the old unit. It also includes any additional support for maximizing your manufacturers warranty and support with filing all eligible rebates.”
Top-tier branded water heaters, specifically chosen to be the most energy efficient to qualify for the maximum rebate amounts allowable. Sizes will be carefully selected to tailor to your usage requirements.
Our CSLB licensed contractors will arrive on your scheduled installation date to complete the project. Project fees will include any replacement parts including the equipment, modification of gas, water, electrical and drainage lines. We will thoroughly test the new unit and once completed, ensure that you have all the information required for processing any eligible rebates.
Bear Energy Team will help you select the most efficient equipment available for your region at competitive pricing. More efficient equipment may increase eligible rebate amounts. Warranties can vary based on the manufacturer that is selected, however we will discuss all coverages prior to the installation. Most brands that we work with will include a 7-10 year manufacturers warranty on their equipment.
Purchase and delivery of the equipment is included with your purchase. In most cases, the equipment will be delivered by the technician on the scheduled installation date.
Efficient removal, transportation, and environmentally responsible disposal of the old water heater.
Incentives
Instant Rebates
Golden State Rebates when eligible, offers instant equipment rebates that enable us to apply discounts to your equipment purchase, making the upfront cost more affordable for you. They are always issued on a first come, first served basis and funds can run out
Cash Rebates
Local utility companies and Tech Clean California have programs in place that issue direct payments to consumers based on the equipment purchased. These are checks issues directly from the organization to you and usually received on an average of 1-3 months after applying. They are always issued on a first come, first served basis and funds can run out.
Federal Rebates
Energy Star offers homeowners the ability to claim 30% of the project cost with a maximum of $600 for transitions to tankless or up to $2000 for heat pump systems. These rebates are issued directly with the IRS when you submit your taxes.
Bear Energy Team
List of Incentives
- Rebates & Credits
- Cannot be combined with other utility rebates
- Limit 1 rebate per customer
- Must be a residential customer of a participating utility
- Must be installed in service territory
- Must replace a tank-type water heater
- Proof of purchase required
- SoCalGas Rebates
- Tankless
- $80 Rebate: High-efficiency models that meet a minimum Uniform Energy Factor of 0.82-0.86
- $800 Rebate: ENERGY STAR certified models with a Uniform Energy Factor of 0.87-0.94
- $1,200 Rebate: ENERGY STAR certified models with a Uniform Energy Factor of 0.96 or above
- Tank
- $75 Rebate – Residential High-Efficiency Natural Gas Storage Water Heaters (up to 55 gallons)
- Federal Tax Credits
- Bear Energy makes it easy for you to claim these rebates. After your installation, we send you everything you need to claim them easily.
- The federal government offers a tax credit of 30% of the purchase price up to $600 for customers who upgrade their tank to energy efficient tankless water heaters New water heater must have an energy factor >= 0.95 Limit 1 rebate per household Must be an existing home (no new construction) and your principle residence Must replace a tank type water heater with tankless Proof of purchase required
- City of Long Beach Utilities Rebates
- TANKLESS
- $600 rebate with a UEF of 0.82 - 0.86
- $800 rebate with a UEF of 0.87 - 0.94
- $1,000 rebate with a UEF of 0.96 or above
- TANK
- $75 rebate on ENERGY STAR certified high-efficiency natural gas storage water heaters (up to 55 gallons)
Faqs
Frequently Asked Question
Our online quoting system is designed to accurately quote your particular project. By submitting the requested photos and having a follow-up call with one of our team members, we can ensure that the pricing we offered is accurate without the need of a technician coming in person. On the installation date, if required, the contractor will review any additional aspects of the project and if they find any discrepancies which involve an added cost they will discuss that prior to starting any labor.
Your installation package includes everything necessary to set up your new water heater:
– Delivery of a new, top brand water heater
– Professional installation conducted by experienced, licensed CSLB contractor
– New water supply lines, gas line, isolation valves for tankless water heaters, and other essential installation components
– Free removal, hauling, and disposal of your old water heater
– Detailed guidance on operating your water heater and its settings
– Assistance with all rebate applications
In some cases, installers may discover issues that require attention (such as damaged drywall from leaks or unsafe venting). Any additional work needed will be discussed with you before proceeding.
We generally recommend replacing your current unit with a similar size. If you are transitioning from a tank to a tankless system or wish to reassess your water heater size, you can follow these guidelines:
For tank water heaters:
– 1 bathroom: 30-gallon tank
– 2-3 bathrooms: 40-gallon tank
– 3-4 bathrooms: 50-gallon tank
– 4+ bathrooms: 75-gallon tank
For tankless water heaters:
– 1-2 bathrooms: 6-7 gallons per minute
– 2-3 bathrooms: 7-10 gallons per minute
– 4+ bathrooms: 10+ gallons per minute
Tankless water heaters are rated in “gallons per minute” to indicate their hot water production capacity. Here are the maximum flow rates for common household fixtures:
– Showers: 1.8 gallons per minute (California’s limit)
– Kitchen sink: 1.8 gallons per minute (California’s limit)
– Dishwasher: 2-4 gallons per minute
– Washing machine: 3-5 gallons per minute
Remember, these values represent total water usage, not just hot water. Typically, hot water accounts for about 20% of a home’s total water consumption.
Yes, if you prefer a larger unit or wish to explore other options, you can adjust the settings by selecting the “Number of Bathrooms” filter and increasing the quantity.
For tankless units with 130K BTU and lower, a 1/2″ gas line is often sufficient. Larger units may require upsizing to a 3/4″ gas line.
- Pros:
– Unlimited hot water supply
– Increased energy efficiency (10-20% savings compared to tanks)
– Space-saving design
– Reduced risk of major leaks
– Longer lifespan (15-25 years)
– Potential rebates and tax credits
Cons:
– Capacity limitations
– Higher upfront costs
– Maintenance requirements
It’s important to note that a tankless water heater does not provide instant hot water at your faucet due to the time it takes for hot water to travel through pipes.
Yes, for an added fee, we can install a crossover valve under the sink in the farthest bathroom from the tankless unit to ensure consistent hot water flow in your pipes, reducing delays in receiving hot water.
SoCalGas and other utilities offer rebates for switching to tankless water heaters, typically based on the unit’s Uniform Energy Factor (UEF). Additionally, a Federal tax credit of up to 30% of the project cost (up to $600) may be available. After installation, we will provide you with all the necessary information to claim these incentives.
Bear Energy accepts payments via credit or debit card, cash or check. Unless otherwise discussed, payment is due in full at the completion of the installation.
We use information provided about your current water heater and photos to generate an initial quote. Our pricing is transparent and upfront. On the installation day, your installer will confirm the scope and price with a brief walkthrough. Any changes to the scope will be discussed before proceeding.
No, we utilize information gathering and photos to assess your needs. Your installer will conduct a brief walkthrough on the installation day to confirm the scope. Any changes will be communicated and agreed upon before work begins.
Not only do the tankless units themselves cost more than tanks, but the installations often require significant changes to gas, water, electrical, and venting systems. The installations take several hours longer than tank installations, and require many more parts.