Energy Savings
Energy Savings | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Birchwood
Imagine stepping into a Birchwood shower that never runs cold, knowing your energy bill is shrinking with every steamy minute. HEP’s expert team specializes in tankless water heater install projects that swap bulky, inefficient tanks for sleek, on-demand technology. You’ll reclaim closet space, slash standby energy losses, and enjoy a consistent flow of hot water—whether you’re filling a luxurious bathtub or running the dishwasher after dinner.
Local homeowners trust HEP because we pair top-tier products with meticulous craftsmanship and 24/7 support. From the first pressure and flow assessment to the final system calibration, our licensed plumbers handle everything, including permits and haul-away of your old tank. Ready to future-proof your home and pocket year-round savings? Schedule your Birchwood tankless water heater install with HEP today, and let efficiency start paying you back from day one.
FAQs
How does a tankless water heater save energy compared to a traditional storage‐tank model?
A tankless (on-demand) unit heats water only when a hot-water tap is opened. Because there is no storage tank, you eliminate standby heat losses that account for 25–40 % of a conventional heater’s energy use. High-efficiency condensing models reach 95–98 % thermal efficiency versus 60–70 % for many tank units, so most Birchwood homeowners see utility-bill savings of 25–40 % and reduced greenhouse-gas emissions.
What size tankless water heater do I need for my Birchwood home?
Sizing is based on two factors: 1) the maximum flow rate your household needs at one time (measured in gallons per minute, GPM) and 2) the required temperature rise (the difference between incoming groundwater temperature and your desired hot-water set-point). Birchwood’s winter groundwater temperature averages 40 °F, so to reach a 110 °F shower you need a 70 °F rise. A typical two-bath home that might run two showers and a washing machine simultaneously needs roughly 7–8 GPM at that rise. A qualified plumber will calculate your exact demand, recommend one or more appropriately sized units, and confirm that your gas or electrical service can supply the required input.
Will a tankless unit really provide endless hot water during Birchwood’s cold winters?
Yes—provided the system is correctly sized and installed. Tankless heaters do not run out of hot water because they produce it continuously. However, their output rate is limited: if your household demand exceeds the unit’s capacity at a 70 °F rise, the water temperature will drop. Selecting a unit with the right GPM rating, or installing multiple units in parallel for larger homes, ensures consistent, endless hot water even on the coldest January day.
How long does installation take and will my existing plumbing need modifications?
A straightforward replacement typically takes 4–8 hours. The installer mounts the wall-hung unit, reroutes hot and cold lines, and connects condensate drainage. Because tankless models have higher BTU inputs, natural-gas systems often need a larger gas line and new Category III or IV venting; electric models may require a service-panel upgrade. Your plumber will inspect, pull permits, and perform any code-compliant modifications while keeping household water service interruptions to a minimum.
Are there rebates or incentives for upgrading to a tankless water heater in Birchwood?
Yes. Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy program offers residential rebates of $150–$350 for qualifying ENERGY STAR ® gas tankless units. The federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement credit (IRC 25C) reimburses 30 % of project cost—up to $600—for high-efficiency water heaters installed in 2023-2032. Some natural-gas utilities serving Birchwood provide additional bill credits, and the Town of Birchwood often discounts permit fees for ENERGY STAR upgrades. Your installer can prepare the paperwork so you capture every available incentive.
How much maintenance does a tankless water heater need and what is its expected lifespan?
Annual maintenance is simple: flush the heat exchanger with white vinegar or a manufacturer-approved solution to remove mineral scale, clean the inlet filter, and test the condensate pump (if equipped). In areas with very hard water, semi-annual flushing or a whole-house softener is recommended. When properly maintained, a quality tankless unit lasts 20 years or more—roughly double the 10–12 year average life of a storage-tank heater—providing long-term savings and fewer replacements.