Eco-friendly Technology
Eco-friendly Technology | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Lookout Mountain
Feel the difference an eco-smart upgrade can make in your Lookout Mountain home with HEP’s cutting-edge plumbing solutions. Our licensed technicians replace bulky, energy-hungry tanks with sleek, high-efficiency units that heat water on demand, slashing utility costs and freeing up valuable space. Whisper-quiet operation and precise digital controls ensure you never run out of hot water, even during mountain-chilled mornings, while lowering your carbon footprint.
From the first consultation to the final test run, we handle every aspect of your tankless water heater install with care—pulling local permits, recycling old equipment, and walking you through maintenance tips that maximize longevity. Backed by 24/7 emergency support and industry-leading warranties, HEP makes sustainable comfort simple, reliable, and just a phone call away.
FAQs
How does a tankless water heater work and why is it considered eco-friendly?
Unlike traditional storage tanks that keep 40–80 gallons of water hot around the clock, a tankless (on-demand) unit heats water only when a tap is opened. Cold water travels through a high-efficiency heat exchanger—either gas-fired or electric—that instantly raises the temperature to the set point. Because there is no standby tank, energy losses drop 20–40 %, lowering both utility bills and your home’s carbon footprint. Many modern units are up to 98 % thermal efficient, qualify for Energy Star® certification, and are built with recyclable components, aligning perfectly with sustainable living goals in Lookout Mountain.
What advantages does a tankless water heater offer specifically for homes in Lookout Mountain?
Lookout Mountain’s cooler winters and warm, humid summers make hot-water demand unpredictable. Tankless systems adapt effortlessly to varying flow rates, supplying endless hot water for long après-hike showers or multiple fixtures running at once. Their compact design fits easily into the limited utility space found in many ridge-top cottages. Altitudes near 2,000 ft present no performance issues; high-altitude burner kits are available if needed. Plus, with lower standby losses, homeowners rely less on fossil-fuel power from the Tennessee Valley Authority, contributing to cleaner air across the Cumberland Plateau.
How much money can I save, and are there local incentives?
Most Lookout Mountain households report 20–45 % lower water-heating costs after switching. Savings depend on family size, incoming water temperature, and chosen fuel (natural gas vs. propane vs. electric). Based on TVA’s average residential rate, that translates to roughly $90–$200 per year. Chattanooga Gas currently offers a $300 rebate for qualifying ENERGY STAR® natural-gas models, and federal tax credits of up to 30 % (capped at $600) are available through 2032. Our team files the paperwork for you and supplies AHRI certificates to simplify rebate claims.
What size tankless unit do I need, and how is it selected?
Sizing is based on flow rate (gallons per minute) and temperature rise. We begin by listing fixtures that may operate simultaneously—e.g., one shower (2.0 gpm), one kitchen sink (1.5 gpm), and a washing machine (2.0 gpm) for a total of 5.5 gpm. In winter, Lookout Mountain’s incoming water can drop to 50 °F; to reach a 120 °F set point, the unit must deliver a 70 °F rise at 5.5 gpm—typically a 180,000 BTU gas model or a 36 kW electric model. We perform an on-site audit, verify gas line or electrical capacity, and recommend single or cascading units to guarantee peak performance.
How long does installation take and what should I expect?
A straightforward replacement of a gas tank with a gas tankless unit usually takes 6–8 hours. Converting from electric to gas or relocating the heater can extend the job to 1–2 days to allow for venting, condensate drainage, and line sizing. Our licensed plumbers arrive at the scheduled time, protect flooring with drop cloths, and handle all code-compliant plumbing, gas, and electrical connections. Before we leave, we test every fixture, register the warranty, show you how to adjust temperature settings, and haul away the old tank for responsible recycling.
What maintenance is required and how long will the system last?
Tankless heaters can operate 20–25 years—nearly double the lifespan of a conventional tank—when properly maintained. Lookout Mountain’s water hardness averages 80–120 ppm; annual descaling is recommended to remove mineral build-up inside the heat exchanger. The process takes about one hour and can be done by our technicians or DIY with a vinegar flush kit. Air intake filters should be cleaned quarterly, and a combustion check is advisable every two years. Manufacturers typically offer 5-year parts and 12-year heat-exchanger warranties; routine maintenance keeps those warranties valid and ensures maximum efficiency.