Energy Efficiency
Energy Efficiency | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Riceville
Imagine stepping into a Riceville shower that never runs cold, while knowing you’re cutting energy costs every time the water flows. HEP’s certified plumbers specialize in tankless water heater install for homeowners who want instant hot water and a greener footprint. By heating water on demand instead of storing it around the clock, our high-efficiency systems can slash standby losses, free up valuable space, and last nearly twice as long as traditional tanks.
From the first phone call to the final system check, we handle everything—gas line sizing, venting, electrical work, and disposal of your old unit—so you can relax and enjoy endless comfort. Trust the hometown team that’s delivered honest pricing and five-star service across McMinn County for decades; schedule your consultation today and see why Riceville chooses HEP for forward-thinking plumbing solutions.
FAQs
How does a tankless water heater improve energy efficiency compared with a conventional storage-tank model?
Traditional heaters keep 40–80 gallons of water hot 24/7, so they continually cycle on to overcome “stand-by” heat loss. A tankless unit heats water only when a tap is opened, eliminating that waste. Because the burner or heating element modulates to match demand, it runs at a lower average input and shuts off completely between draws. In a typical Riceville household this saves 25 %–40 % on water-heating energy, translating to $80–$150 in annual utility savings. The higher efficiency also means fewer greenhouse-gas emissions and a longer service life, so you save money and lower your carbon footprint at the same time.
Will a single tankless heater supply enough hot water for my Riceville home?
Yes—when the unit is correctly sized. Tankless sizing is based on flow rate (gallons per minute) and required temperature rise, not stored volume. Our technicians total the simultaneous fixtures you want to run—e.g., one shower (2 gpm) + dishwasher (1.5 gpm) + washing machine (2 gpm) = 5.5 gpm—and calculate the temperature rise from our average incoming water (about 55 °F in Riceville) to your desired 120 °F. A properly matched unit will deliver endless hot water at that flow. For very large households, we can install a high-capacity commercial-grade model or set up two units in parallel to ensure you never run out.
What size or model should I choose, and how do you determine it?
We start with an on-site evaluation: 1) Count fixtures and measure their flow rates; 2) Confirm peak-time usage patterns; 3) Test incoming water temperature; 4) Check gas or electrical service capacity and venting options. From those numbers we select a heater with a maximum flow rate 10–15 % above your calculated peak so it never struggles on the coldest winter morning. For example, most 2- to 3-bath Riceville homes land in the 7–9 gpm, 180,000 BTU range, while a smaller cottage might be fine with a 140,000 BTU, 6 gpm unit. We supply Energy Star-listed brands only, guaranteeing top-tier efficiency and warranty coverage.
Are there rebates or tax incentives for installing an energy-efficient tankless water heater in Riceville?
Absolutely. As of 2023 you can claim a 30 % Federal Tax Credit (section 25C) worth up to $600 on ENERGY STAR certified gas or electric tankless models. The Tennessee Valley Authority’s EnergyRight® program often adds $50–$150 in bill credits when you use a Quality Contractor Network (QCN) installer—like us. Some local utilities, including Athens Utilities Board, periodically offer $100–$200 incentives or 0 % interest on-bill financing. We’ll prepare all paperwork and provide the efficiency ratings you need to secure every available dollar.
How long does installation take and will my existing plumbing need major changes?
Most residential change-outs are completed in one day—typically 4–8 hours. We mount the new unit on the wall, reroute the hot- and cold-water lines, and connect gas or electric service. Because tankless heaters are compact, they usually free up floor space. The main upgrades are: 1) larger-diameter gas line or dedicated 240 V circuit (if electric) to handle the higher input; 2) stainless-steel vent or PVC intake/exhaust for direct venting. Our crew handles any carpentry, drywall patching, or permitting, so disruption is minimal and hot water is restored the same day.
What maintenance is required and how long will the system last?
Tankless heaters last 20–25 years—about double the life of a tank—when properly maintained. We recommend an annual service that includes descaling the heat exchanger with food-grade vinegar (hard water in McMinn County can build mineral deposits), cleaning the inlet screen filter, and checking vent seals and burner calibration. Homeowners can handle simple tasks like wiping the air filter and running a self-diagnostic, but our low-cost service plan covers everything and keeps your warranty intact. Regular upkeep preserves efficiency, prevents error codes, and ensures you enjoy endless hot water for decades.