Energy Efficiency
Energy Efficiency | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Maynardville
Picture stepping into a steamy shower on a chilly Maynardville morning, knowing the hot water will never run out and your utility bill won’t spike. That’s the comfort and savings HEP delivers with a professional tankless water heater install, replacing bulky, energy-hungry tanks with compact, on-demand technology that heats water only when you need it.
Our licensed plumbers size the system precisely for your home, mount it with minimal disruption, and back their work with iron-clad guarantees. You’ll enjoy up to 40% lower energy costs, extra storage space, and a unit built to last twice as long as a traditional heater—all while supporting a greener Union County. Ready to upgrade? Call HEP today and feel the efficiency every time you turn on the tap.
FAQs
What are the main benefits of switching to a tankless water heater in Maynardville?
Tankless (on-demand) water heaters heat water only when you open a tap, eliminating standby losses from a storage tank. For most Union County households this translates to 25-40 % lower water-heating energy use, endless hot water, a unit that lasts 18-20 years (compared with 8-12 for a tank), and up to 16 ft² of floor-space savings. Because tankless models vent horizontally through the wall, they can often be placed closer to points of use, shortening wait times for hot water and further reducing water waste.
How much can I expect to save on energy bills by upgrading to a tankless unit?
Actual savings depend on how much hot water your family uses, but ENERGY STAR® testing shows that a typical southern-Appalachian household using 40 gallons a day will save about $95 per year versus a new code-minimum tank. Homes that average 80+ gallons a day can save $150–$180 annually. Over the 20-year life of the heater, that’s $1,900–$3,600 in utility savings at today’s electric and natural-gas rates for Maynardville.
Will my existing plumbing, gas, or electrical service handle a tankless water heater?
In most cases yes, but we confirm during a free in-home assessment. Gas units need a ¾″ gas line and sufficient BTU capacity (120–199 k BTU). Many homes built before 2000 have ½″ runs that must be upsized. Electric units require 120–200 A service and two to four 40-50 A breakers with #8 wire. Plumbing usually connects directly to ¾″ hot- and cold-water headers; if you have older galvanized lines we may recommend upgrades for maximum flow and efficiency. We also verify combustion air and venting paths to ensure code compliance with the 2021 IRC adopted by Union County.
What size (flow-rate) tankless water heater should I choose for my household?
Sizing is based on simultaneous demand and incoming-water temperature. Maynardville’s winter ground-water temperature averages 52 °F, so to deliver 2 showers and a dishwasher at once (≈6.5 GPM total) you’ll need a 9–10 GPM gas condensing unit or a 27-36 kW electric model. Smaller households that run just one major fixture at a time can use a 6–7 GPM unit. During our visit we total up your fixture flow rates, talk through usage habits, and recommend the right model so you never run out of hot water.
How long does installation take and will I be without hot water?
A straightforward replacement of a gas tank with a gas tankless heater typically takes 5–7 hours; electric-to-electric swaps are 4–6 hours. Converting fuel types or upsizing gas/electrical service can extend the job to 1½–2 days. We keep your old heater connected until final tie-in, so loss of hot water is usually limited to the last 1–2 hours of work. All permits and final inspections with the Union County Building Department are handled by our team.
What maintenance is required to keep a tankless water heater running efficiently, and do you offer service plans?
Because Maynardville’s water hardness averages 7–9 grains per gallon, we recommend a yearly 45-minute descaling flush with food-grade vinegar to prevent mineral buildup on the heat exchanger. The inlet screen should be cleaned every 6 months, and the condensate line on high-efficiency models checked for obstructions. We offer an affordable annual service plan that includes flush, filter cleaning, combustion analysis, and firmware updates. Regular maintenance preserves efficiency, keeps your warranty valid, and can add 5+ years to the unit’s life.