Energy Savings
Energy Savings | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Flintville
Enjoy endless hot water while shrinking your utility bills with HEP’s energy-savings plumbing team in Flintville. Our certified technicians remove bulky, inefficient tanks and replace them with sleek, on-demand technology that heats water only when you need it. The result is lower energy consumption, more space in your home, and the peace of mind that comes from industry-leading warranties—all delivered with HEP’s trademark honesty, expertise, and professionalism.
From the first call to the final test, we handle every step of your tankless water heater install with transparent pricing and courteous service. Whether you’re upgrading an aging system or building new, we’ll size the unit perfectly for your household, secure any necessary permits, and leave the workspace spotless. Schedule today and discover why Flintville homeowners count on HEP to keep life flowing.
FAQs
How does a tankless water heater save energy compared with a traditional storage-tank model?
Traditional water heaters keep 40–80 gallons of water hot 24/7, so they constantly cycle on to re-heat the tank—losing energy through "stand-by" heat loss. A tankless (on-demand) unit uses powerful gas burners or electric elements only when a hot-water tap opens. Because water is heated instantly as it flows through the heat exchanger, there is virtually no stand-by loss. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that a properly sized tankless heater can cut water-heating energy use 24 %–34 % for homes that use ≤41 gallons of hot water per day, and 8 %–14 % for heavier-use households. Over the 20-year life of a quality tankless unit, many Flintville homeowners see utility-bill savings of $100–$200 a year.
What size tankless water heater do I need for my Flintville home?
Tankless units are sized by flow rate (gallons per minute, or GPM) and required temperature rise. To pick the right model, we add the flow rates of fixtures you may use at once—e.g., shower (2.0 GPM) + kitchen tap (1.5 GPM) = 3.5 GPM. Next, we calculate the temperature rise: incoming groundwater in Flintville averages 55 °F; most people want 120 °F hot water, so we need a 65 °F rise. A gas unit that can supply 4 GPM at a 65 °F rise would cover that demand; larger families or homes with spa tubs may need 6–9 GPM. During your free in-home estimate we measure your exact fixtures and recommend single or multiple linked units so you never run short.
Are there rebates or tax incentives for installing a high-efficiency tankless water heater in Flintville?
Yes. Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) frequently offers $100–$250 rebates for ENERGY STAR® certified gas tankless heaters installed by a licensed plumber. In addition, the federal Inflation Reduction Act (2023) provides a 30 % tax credit, up to $600, for qualifying natural-gas or propane models with a UEF ≥0.95, and up to $2,000 for electric heat-pump water heaters. We complete all paperwork and provide the model’s AHRI certificate so you can claim both state utility rebates and your federal credit. Incentives change annually, so ask us during your consultation for the latest amounts and deadlines.
How long will installation take and will I be without hot water?
A straightforward replacement of an existing gas tank water heater with a wall-hung gas tankless unit typically takes 5–7 hours, including venting, gas-line upsizing, and commissioning. If we need to relocate the unit, add a condensate drain, or upgrade electrical service for an electric model, the job can extend to 1½ days. You will have hot water until we disconnect the old heater; the actual downtime is usually under 2–3 hours. We schedule installations to minimize disruption, haul away the old tank, and clean up the workspace before we leave.
What maintenance is required to keep my tankless water heater running efficiently?
1. Annual descaling/flush: Lime and calcium from Flintville’s moderately hard water can coat the heat exchanger, reducing efficiency. We pump food-grade white vinegar or a citric-acid solution through the unit for 30–45 minutes once a year (twice if hardness >10 grains). 2. Clean inlet water filter: The removable screen at the cold-water inlet should be rinsed every 6–12 months. 3. Inspect venting and condensate drain: Ensure there are no blockages or leaks. 4. Check gas pressure and combustion: For gas models, a licensed tech should perform a combustion analysis every other year. With routine service, tankless units routinely last 20+ years—roughly double the life of a storage tank.
Does the hard water common in Flintville affect tankless water heater performance?
Flintville’s water hardness averages 6–9 grains per gallon—considered moderately hard. Mineral scale forms faster when water is instantly heated to 120 °F inside a tankless exchanger. Scale builds up on heat-transfer surfaces, narrowing passages, lowering efficiency, and potentially triggering overheat shut-offs. To protect your investment: • Install an isolation valve kit to make annual flushing quick and clean. • Consider a whole-house water softener or a compact scale-inhibition filter upstream of the heater if hardness exceeds 10 grains. • Program the unit for a reasonable set-point (120 °F) rather than the maximum 140 °F. Following these steps prevents scale-related failures and ensures you enjoy the full energy-savings benefits.