Energy Usage

Energy Usage | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Andersonville

Imagine stepping into your Andersonville home after a chilly day and enjoying a limitless stream of perfectly heated water—without ever worrying about a bulky tank gobbling up space or energy. That’s the everyday luxury our customers experience when they choose HEP’s expert tankless water heater install service. By warming water on-demand, these advanced units slash standby energy loss, trim monthly utility bills, and last nearly twice as long as traditional heaters, all while freeing up valuable square footage in your basement or closet.

From the initial assessment to the final temperature test, our licensed technicians handle every detail with precision, respect, and a clean worksite guarantee. We navigate local codes, optimize venting, and fine-tune your new system so you enjoy instant hot water and peace of mind for years to come. Ready to lower energy costs and elevate comfort? Schedule your Andersonville installation today and feel the HEP difference every time you turn on the tap.

FAQs

What is a tankless water heater and how does it work?

Unlike a storage-tank heater that keeps 30–50 gallons of water hot around the clock, a tankless (on-demand) unit heats water only when you open a tap. Cold water flows across a high-efficiency gas burner or electric element, is instantly heated to the set temperature, and then delivered to your fixture. Because there is no standby tank, you eliminate the heat losses that occur while stored water cools, making the system more energy-efficient and able to provide endless hot water as long as the unit’s flow-rate capacity isn’t exceeded.

How much energy can I save by switching to a tankless water heater in Andersonville?

For an average three-to-four-person home in Andersonville, ENERGY STAR® data show gas tankless heaters are 24–34 % more efficient than conventional gas tanks, translating to roughly $75–$150 in annual utility savings. All-electric models can cut energy use by 8–15 % compared with electric tanks. Savings can be higher if you currently keep a large tank in an unconditioned basement or if your household hot-water demand is low to moderate. Local utility rebates (currently up to $150 from ComEd and Nicor) can further shorten payback time to 4–6 years.

Is a tankless water heater suitable for Andersonville’s climate and water quality?

Yes. Modern condensing gas models are freeze-protected down to –30 °F, more than adequate for Chicago-area winters. Andersonville’s moderately hard water (10–12 grains per gallon) does warrant a scale-reduction strategy, such as installing a built-in isolation valve kit for annual descaling or adding a small in-line scale inhibitor filter. During our consultation we test your water hardness and recommend the most cost-effective protection so your heat exchanger lasts its full lifespan.

What size tankless unit do I need for my home?

Sizing is based on peak flow rate (gallons per minute) and desired temperature rise. We calculate how many fixtures you may run simultaneously—e.g., two showers (2.0 GPM each) plus a kitchen sink (1.5 GPM) equals 5.5 GPM. In Andersonville, incoming winter water is about 45 °F, so to reach 120 °F you need a 75 °F rise. A 199,000-BTU gas unit delivering 6–7 GPM at that rise would meet the example demand. Smaller apartments might need only a 140,000-BTU model; larger homes may stage two units in parallel. Our technicians perform a detailed load calculation on-site before giving a quote.

How long does installation take and will there be major disruptions?

A straightforward replacement of a gas tank with a wall-hung condensing tankless unit typically takes one full workday (6–8 hours). We handle removal of the old tank, mounting the new unit, upsizing the gas line if necessary, routing Category IV venting through an exterior wall, and integrating condensate drainage. Your water will be off for 2–3 hours and gas for 1–2 hours. All work complies with City of Chicago and Department of Buildings codes, and we obtain the mechanical and plumbing permits on your behalf.

What maintenance is required and how long will a tankless water heater last?

Plan on a 45-minute annual service: flushing the heat exchanger with a mild vinegar solution to remove scale, cleaning the inlet screen filter, and checking combustion settings. In areas with very hard water, descaling may be needed every 6 months. When maintained, quality gas units last 20+ years—almost double the average life of a storage tank. Most manufacturers offer 12- to 15-year heat-exchanger warranties, and we register the warranty for you upon installation.