On-demand Hot Water
On-demand Hot Water | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Oneida
Imagine turning on the tap in your Oneida home and feeling an endless stream of perfectly heated water—no bulky tank, no anxious countdown before the warmth fades. HEP’s licensed plumbers make that experience real with quick, clean tankless water heater install services that swap out dated storage tanks for sleek, energy-smart units. By heating water only when you need it, our on-demand systems cut standby energy loss, free up closet space, and can last nearly twice as long as traditional heaters.
From the first call to the final pressure test, HEP handles every detail: sizing the right unit for your family, upgrading venting or gas lines if needed, and hauling away the old tank. You’ll enjoy lower utility bills, precise temperature control, and the peace of mind that comes with a local team available 24/7 for any follow-up. Ready to step into endless hot water? Schedule your installation today and feel the difference every time you turn the tap.
FAQs
What is a tankless water heater and how does it supply on-demand hot water?
A tankless (or "on-demand") water heater heats water only when a hot-water tap is opened. Cold water travels through a high-efficiency heat exchanger—either gas-fired or electric—where it is instantly heated to the set temperature, then delivered to your fixtures. Because water is not stored in a tank, standby heat loss is eliminated, you get an endless stream of hot water, and the unit occupies far less space than a conventional storage-tank heater.
Will a tankless system really save me money on energy bills in Oneida’s climate?
Yes. The U.S. DOE estimates gas tankless units can be 24–34 % more efficient for homes that use under 40 gallons of hot water daily and 8–14 % more efficient for heavier use. In Oneida’s cold winters, incoming water is colder, so the burner works harder, but the overall savings remain because the unit fires only when you call for hot water. Most homeowners see their natural-gas bill drop 10–20 % and electric customers can see similar percentage savings with high-efficiency electric models.
How do I determine the right size (flow rate) tankless water heater for my household?
Sizing is based on simultaneous demand and required temperature rise. We add up the flow rates of fixtures you expect to use at the same time—e.g., shower (2.0 GPM) + dishwasher (1.5 GPM) = 3.5 GPM. Then we calculate the temperature rise: Oneida’s winter ground-water temperature averages 45 °F, so to reach 120 °F you need a 75 °F rise. We match these numbers to a unit that can deliver at least 3.5 GPM at a 75 °F rise. During your estimate, our technicians measure actual fixture flow, evaluate gas line or electric capacity, and recommend a unit—with optional recirculation pumps if very long pipe runs cause delays.
What is the typical cost and installation timeline for a tankless water heater in Oneida?
Installed prices in Oneida generally run $3,200–$4,800 for a high-efficiency gas unit and $2,400–$3,600 for electric, including permit, venting, water-line modifications, and disposal of your old tank. Complex gas-line upsizing or venting through masonry can add cost. A straightforward replacement is often completed the same day: 2–3 hours to de-install the old heater, 3–5 hours for mounting, plumbing, gas/electric hook-up, venting, and commissioning. We pull the City of Oneida plumbing permit and schedule the code inspection, so you have no paperwork to worry about.
Do tankless heaters need annual maintenance and what services do you provide?
Yes. Minerals in Central New York’s moderately hard water can scale the heat exchanger. We recommend a full descaling and safety inspection once a year (twice if you’re on well water). Our maintenance visit includes: flushing with a food-grade descaling solution, cleaning the inlet filter, checking gas pressure, inspecting venting and condensate line, verifying temperature settings, and updating firmware on smart models. Regular service keeps your warranty valid and extends unit life to 20+ years.
Can a tankless unit be retrofitted into my existing home, or is it mainly for new construction?
Retrofitting is routine. About 80 % of our installations in Oneida are replacements in existing homes. Key considerations are: (1) Gas supply—most 199 k–BTU units need a ¾-inch line; we can often repurpose your existing trunk or add a short upsized segment. (2) Venting—condensing models use inexpensive PVC flues that we run through an exterior wall or roof. (3) Electrical—gas units need a standard 120-V outlet; electric units require 240-V breakers sized up to 150 A for whole-house models. During the site survey, we outline any upgrades and give you a fixed price before work begins.