Space-saving Design
Space-saving Design | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | La Follette
Imagine reclaiming that cramped corner of your La Follette utility room and replacing the bulky metal tank with a sleek, wall-mounted marvel. HEP’s licensed plumbers specialize in tankless water heater install projects that deliver endless hot water on demand while freeing up precious square footage. With advanced space-saving design, our units heat water only when you need it, cutting standby energy loss and trimming monthly bills—perfect for cabins, bungalows, and busy family homes alike.
From the first assessment to the final pressure test, HEP handles every detail: gas or electric load calculations, venting, code compliance, and a spotless cleanup. You’ll enjoy whisper-quiet operation, industry-leading warranties, and 24/7 local support from a team rooted right here in the Valley. Ready to upgrade? Call or click today and let HEP turn unused wall space into an endless stream of hot water.
FAQs
How does a tankless water heater save space compared to a traditional storage-tank model?
Traditional heaters hold 30–80 gallons of water in a bulky cylindrical tank that typically occupies 10–16 sq ft of floor space. A tankless unit, by contrast, is a compact wall-mounted appliance roughly the size of a carry-on suitcase (about 24" × 14" × 10"). Because it has no reservoir, it can be hung on a basement, utility-room, or even exterior wall, freeing up valuable floor area for storage, laundry appliances, or living space—an important advantage in homes around La Follette where square footage is at a premium.
Is a tankless water heater reliable in La Follette’s mixed climate, including winter cold snaps?
Yes. Modern gas and electric tankless systems are engineered to operate efficiently from 40 °F groundwater in winter to 70 °F in summer. When sized correctly, the unit’s burner or heating elements modulate to deliver a constant outlet temperature, typically 120 °F. Professional installers in La Follette will calculate your winter incoming-water temperature and peak hot-water demand to ensure the model chosen can produce adequate flow (measured in gallons per minute, or GPM) even during January cold spells.
What size (GPM rating) tankless heater do I need for my home in La Follette?
Sizing is based on two factors: 1) the total hot-water flow you’ll need during your busiest hour, and 2) the temperature rise required (difference between incoming water and desired output). As a rough guide: • 1 bathroom, 1–2 occupants: 4–6 GPM • 2 bathrooms, 2–4 occupants: 6–8 GPM • 3+ bathrooms or high-demand fixtures (rain shower, large tub): 9–11 GPM A licensed plumber will perform a detailed load calculation, factoring in local groundwater temps (about 55 °F in winter here), fixture flow rates, and simultaneous‐use patterns to recommend the ideal unit.
How long does installation take and what disruptions should I expect?
A straightforward replacement of a gas tank heater with a gas tankless unit typically takes one working day (6–8 hours). The crew will: 1. Drain and remove your old tank. 2. Mount the new tankless heater on the wall. 3. Upgrade gas line diameter (often ¾"), install new shut-off valves, and run vent piping through an exterior wall or roof (for gas units). 4. Connect cold/hot water lines with isolation valves and flush ports. 5. Perform start-up, temperature calibration, and safety checks. During installation, water and gas are off for 2–4 hours. The technicians protect flooring and clean up afterward, keeping disruption minimal.
What energy savings and payback period can I expect?
Because tankless heaters eliminate standby heat loss, ENERGY STAR® models are 24–34 % more efficient than standard gas storage tanks. For a typical La Follette household using 40–50 gallons of hot water daily, that translates to $95–$150 in annual utility savings. With professional installation costing $2,800–$3,800 (depending on fuel type and upgrades), the simple payback is roughly 5–8 years. Larger families or homes switching from electric tanks to gas tankless often see even faster payback due to higher baseline energy costs.
Do tankless water heaters require special maintenance or plumbing modifications?
Routine care is straightforward. Once a year (twice if your home has hard water), the heat exchanger should be flushed with a vinegar solution to remove scale—a 45-minute job made easy by the isolation valves installers add during setup. Gas units also benefit from an annual combustion-air and vent inspection. Plumbing modifications are minimal: installers add a condensate drain for high-efficiency gas models and may upgrade to ¾" gas piping or a dedicated 240 V circuit for electric units. After that, a quality tankless system will deliver 20+ years of reliable service.