Energy Savings
Energy Savings | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Monteagle
Imagine crisp Monteagle mornings with instant, endless hot water and lower utility bills—that’s the everyday comfort HEP delivers with a professional tankless water heater install. Our licensed technicians swap out bulky, energy-draining tanks for sleek, on-demand systems that heat water only when you need it, trimming energy use by up to 40 %. From precise sizing and venting to spotless cleanup, we handle every step so you can start enjoying hotter showers and a roomier utility closet the same day.
Every home on the Mountain is different, which is why we tailor each installation to your family’s habits and layout, then back it with 24/7 local support and one of Tennessee’s strongest warranties. Schedule your free estimate today and discover how going tankless with HEP adds efficiency, value, and year-round comfort to your Monteagle home.
FAQs
How does a tankless water heater save energy compared with a traditional tank in Monteagle?
Traditional tanks constantly re-heat 40–80 gallons of water (stand-by loss). A tankless unit fires only when you open a tap, eliminating those losses. In our Monteagle service area, that typically cuts water-heating energy use by 24–34 %, translating to $90–$150 in annual utility savings for an average four-person household. Because there is no stored water, you also avoid the conductive heat loss that occurs through a tank’s walls, further boosting efficiency.
What size tankless unit do I need for my home, and how is it calculated?
Sizing is based on peak flow rate (gallons per minute, GPM) and the required temperature rise. Monteagle’s incoming groundwater averages 55 °F. If you want 120 °F hot water, you need a 65 °F rise. We total the GPM of fixtures you might run simultaneously—for example, one shower (2.0 GPM) + kitchen sink (1.5 GPM) = 3.5 GPM. A 7–9 GPM gas unit or a 5–7 GPM electric unit usually covers most 2–3 bath homes. During your estimate, we measure fixture flow, review family habits, and recommend the right model so you never run out of hot water while still maximizing energy savings.
Are gas or electric tankless water heaters more efficient and cost-effective in this region?
Condensing gas models reach up to 98 % thermal efficiency and generally have the lowest operating cost in Monteagle because natural gas and propane are cheaper per BTU than electricity. Electric tankless heaters are 99 % efficient but require large 240-V breakers (often 120–150 amps total), which may call for a panel upgrade. If natural gas isn’t available or your electric service is already 400 amps, electric can still be competitive. During the on-site consultation we compare fuel rates, installation costs, and available rebates to pinpoint the best value for your home.
What does the installation process involve and how long will it take?
Most tankless replacements are completed in a single day. Our Monteagle team arrives at 8 a.m., drains and removes the old tank, mounts the new compact unit on the wall, upgrades the venting (stainless or PVC for condensing gas), and sizes the gas or electric supply. For first-time installations we may add 1–2 hours to run a new condensate drain or upsize gas piping. When we leave around 4 p.m., you have hot water, a walkthrough of the controls, registered warranties, and any paperwork needed for utility rebates.
Will a tankless system work during Monteagle’s occasional winter freezes, and does it need special protection?
Yes. Modern tankless units include built-in freeze-protection heaters and sensors that activate around 36 °F, keeping internal components above freezing even when the unit is off. For exterior wall installations, we insulate pipes, install isolation valves for easy draining, and add a small recirculation loop if you want instant hot water on cold mornings. As long as power is available—or you drain the unit during extended outages—the system remains safe in our winter lows that can dip into the teens.
What maintenance is required to keep my tankless water heater running efficiently and maintain the warranty?
Manufacturers require an annual flush to remove mineral scale, especially with Monteagle’s moderately hard water (~6–7 grains per gallon). We attach service valves, circulate a 4-gallon white-vinegar solution for 45 minutes, clean the inlet screen, and check burner or heating elements. This keeps efficiency high, prevents flow-sensor errors, and is usually all that’s needed. Most homeowners schedule the flush during their yearly plumbing inspection; the visit costs far less than the 10–15 % efficiency loss that heavy scaling can cause.