Energy Efficiency
Energy Efficiency | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Harrogate
Imagine endless hot water, lower utility bills, and a sleeker, space-saving appliance—all delivered by friendly, local pros who respect your home as much as you do. HEP’s energy efficiency plumbing team specializes in tankless water heater install for Harrogate homeowners who want comfort without compromise. We start with a no-pressure assessment, size the unit precisely for your household’s demands, then handle every step of the upgrade, from safe gas or electric connections to flawless venting and code compliance.
The result is instant hot water on-demand, up to 40% energy savings, and a system built to last twice as long as a traditional tank. Plus, with HEP’s 24/7 support and industry-leading warranties, you can enjoy that luxurious shower—or the extra space in your utility cupboard—with total peace of mind. Let us show you how easy it is to make your home greener, cleaner, and more comfortable today.
FAQs
How will a tankless water heater improve the energy efficiency of my Harrogate home?
Unlike a storage cylinder that keeps 100–200 L of water hot 24/7, a tankless ("on-demand") unit only fires the gas burner or heating element when you open a tap. This eliminates standing-heat losses and typically cuts water-heating gas use by 25–40 %. Because the burner output is modulated, the appliance only produces the exact amount of heat required, further reducing wasted fuel. In real-world tests around North Yorkshire, households that switched from a 15-year-old conventional cylinder to a modern condensing tankless unit saved £90–£140 per year on their gas bills and lowered CO₂ emissions by roughly 350 kg.
What size tankless water heater do I need?
Sizing is based on simultaneous hot-water demand, measured in litres per minute (L / min), and the temperature rise required. In Harrogate the incoming mains water temperature averages 9–11 °C; most people want 50 °C at the tap, so the heater must provide a 40 °C rise. As a rule of thumb: • One shower running alone → 9–11 L / min model • Shower + kitchen tap simultaneously → 14–16 L / min model • Two showers at once → 18–24 L / min model Our engineers will calculate your exact peak demand, check gas-meter capacity, and recommend an appropriately sized condensing model so you get endless hot water without over-specifying and overspending.
Can a tankless unit be connected to my existing pipework and boiler system?
Yes in most cases. A tankless water heater is plumbed into the cold-water mains and hot-water distribution lines where your cylinder currently sits (or occasionally closer to bathrooms to shorten pipe runs). If you have a combi boiler, you may opt to keep the boiler for space heating only and dedicate the tankless unit to domestic hot water. Key points our installers check: • Gas pipe diameter – modern high-output burners often require upgrading to 22 mm. • Flue route – condensing appliances need a 60/100 mm concentric flue or polypropylene cascade to an outside wall or roof. • Electrical spur – most units need a 230 V fused connection for the fan and controls. • Water pressure – Harrogate mains pressure (2.5–3 bar) is usually adequate; we add a pressure-reducing valve if it exceeds 6 bar.
How long will installation take and will I be without hot water?
A straight cylinder swap for a wall-hung tankless appliance normally takes one working day: 2–3 hours to remove the old cylinder, 3–4 hours to mount, plumb, and flue the new unit, and 1 hour for commissioning and homeowner training. Your hot water will be off during this period, but heating is usually unaffected. If gas-line upsizing or flue core-drilling is required, allow an extra half-day. We schedule work so you regain hot water before we leave, and we dispose of the old tank responsibly at a licensed metal-recycling facility.
Are there any local incentives for installing an energy-efficient tankless water heater in Harrogate?
North Yorkshire Council currently offers no direct grants for domestic hot-water upgrades, but two schemes can reduce your costs: 1. ECO4 Flex – If your household meets certain income or efficiency criteria, you may qualify for a subsidy covering part of the installation when the tankless unit is combined with other measures (insulation, controls, etc.). 2. VAT relief – High-efficiency gas appliances installed by a Gas Safe registered company attract 0 % VAT until 31 March 2027 under the UK government’s energy-saving materials initiative. Our office will check eligibility and handle the paperwork so you receive any available savings.
What maintenance does a tankless water heater require in Harrogate’s moderately hard water area?
To keep efficiency high and warranty valid, schedule an annual service that includes: • Combustion analysis & gas-valve calibration for optimal burn. • Cleaning the primary heat exchanger and condensate trap. • Inspecting the fan, ignition electrodes, and safety devices. • Descaling the heat exchanger with food-grade vinegar or citric-acid solution. Harrogate’s water hardness averages 180 ppm, so we recommend a full flush every 12–18 months or fitting a phosphate scale-inhibitor cartridge on the cold-water inlet. A well-maintained unit should last 15–20 years while retaining > 95 % of its original efficiency, far outclassing the typical 10-year cylinder lifespan.