Energy Consumption
Energy Consumption | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Lookout Mountain
Imagine stepping into your Lookout Mountain home after a day on the trails and enjoying endless hot water that’s as reliable as the view is breathtaking. HEP’s energy-conscious plumbers specialize in seamless tankless water heater install services that cut energy consumption by heating water only when you need it. Our local, licensed technicians arrive on time, respect your space, and swap out bulky tanks for a compact, high-performance system that can reduce utility bills while freeing up valuable closet or basement real estate.
From the first call to the final temperature check, we prioritize clear communication and transparent pricing, so there are no surprises—just a steady stream of hot water and long-term savings you can count on. Let HEP help you upgrade to smarter plumbing that keeps pace with the modern mountain lifestyle. Schedule your installation today and feel the difference every shower, soak, and sudsy load of laundry.
FAQs
How much energy can I expect to save by switching to a tankless water heater in Lookout Mountain?
Because tankless units only heat water on demand, homeowners in Lookout Mountain typically see energy-use reductions of 30–50 % compared with a standard storage-tank heater. In real terms, that can mean saving 200–300 therms of natural gas or 1,000–1,500 kWh of electricity per year, depending on family size and usage patterns. The cooler winter temperatures on the mountain create a larger temperature rise for the unit to overcome, but that still remains far more efficient than constantly reheating a 40- or 50-gallon tank.
Should I choose a gas or electric tankless water heater for my home?
Most Lookout Mountain homes that already have natural gas service opt for a gas-fired tankless model because they deliver 4–9 gpm of hot water, meet multiple-fixture demand, and operate at a lower cost per BTU. Electric tankless units work well in smaller homes, condos, or additions without gas lines, but they often require 150–200 amp electrical service upgrades to handle the 24–36 kW draw. We assess your existing utilities, hot-water demand, and installation budget to help you select the most cost-effective and energy-efficient option.
What size tankless water heater do I need?
Sizing is based on two factors: (1) your peak flow rate—the total gallons per minute (gpm) of all fixtures you want to run simultaneously—and (2) the required temperature rise—the difference between incoming cold-water temperature (around 55 °F on the mountain in winter) and your desired hot-water setpoint (120 °F is typical). A household wanting to run two showers and a kitchen sink at the same time may need 6–8 gpm at a 65 °F rise, translating to a 180,000–199,000 BTU gas unit or a 27–32 kW electric unit. Our technicians perform a detailed load calculation during the estimate to ensure you never run out of hot water.
Will a tankless water heater work with my existing plumbing and venting?
In most cases, yes. Tankless heaters tie into the same hot- and cold-water lines, but they require (a) a ¾-inch gas line for higher BTU models, (b) 120 V power for the control board, and (c) Category III or IV stainless-steel concentric venting—or PVC for condensing models—to expel combustion gases. If your current tank vent is masonry or single-wall B-vent, we’ll install a new sealed vent through the side wall or roof. For electric units, we verify panel capacity and run appropriately sized copper wiring and a dedicated breaker.
How long does installation take and will my water be shut off?
A straightforward retrofit usually takes 4–6 hours for gas units and 6–8 hours for large electric units (due to panel upgrades). Your water will be off for roughly 2–3 hours while we remove the old tank, mount the new unit, and reconnect the plumbing. We always schedule installations at times most convenient for you and provide temporary water bypass lines for critical fixtures when necessary.
Are there rebates, tax credits, or other incentives for tankless water heaters in Lookout Mountain?
Yes. The federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (Section 25C) currently offers up to a 30 % tax credit on the installed cost of qualifying ENERGY STAR® tankless heaters, capped at $600 for the equipment and $2,000 for gas condensing models meeting ≥0.95 UEF. Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) rebates of $50–$200 are periodically available for high-efficiency electric units, and local gas utilities often provide $100–$300 incentives for switching from electric storage tanks. We handle all paperwork and provide the efficiency ratings and invoices you’ll need to claim these savings.