Energy-efficient Hot Water
Energy-efficient Hot Water | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Newport
Imagine stepping into your Newport shower and never worrying about running out of hot water—or watching your utility bills climb. HEP’s energy-efficient solutions replace bulky, standby tanks with sleek, on-demand technology that heats water only when you need it, cutting wasted energy and freeing up valuable space. Our licensed plumbers size each system precisely for your home, so you enjoy a steady, reliable flow even during back-to-back showers or laundry days.
From the first consultation to the final test-run, we handle every detail of your tankless water heater install with local expertise and genuine Southern hospitality. We pull permits, haul away the old tank, and back our workmanship with industry-leading warranties, all while leaving your home spotless. Ready to upgrade? Call HEP today and feel the Newport difference each time you turn on the tap.
FAQs
What advantages does a tankless water heater offer over a traditional storage-tank unit?
A tankless (on-demand) water heater heats water only when you open a tap, so it doesn’t keep 40–80 gallons hot 24/7. This eliminates standby heat loss, which is the biggest inefficiency in tank models. In everyday use you get unlimited hot water, a compact wall-hung unit that frees floor space, and an appliance that typically lasts 20+ years—almost twice as long as a conventional heater. Because there’s no tank, the risk of catastrophic tank leaks and related water damage is virtually eliminated.
How much can I expect to save on my energy bills in Newport by switching to a tankless system?
Actual savings depend on household size, hot-water usage patterns, and fuel type. For an average Newport home using natural gas, ENERGY STAR® estimates show 8–34 % lower water-heating costs, translating to roughly $70–$150 a year. Homes that currently use older, non-insulated electric tank heaters can save even more because electric models lose heat faster. Over a 20-year service life, the cumulative savings generally offset the higher upfront cost and can deliver a solid return on investment.
How do I choose the right size (flow rate) tankless water heater for my household?
Sizing is based on two factors: (1) the maximum gallons-per-minute (GPM) of hot water you expect to use at one time, and (2) the temperature rise needed—i.e., the difference between incoming groundwater (about 50 °F in Newport) and your desired output temperature (120 °F for most fixtures). For example, running one shower (2 GPM) and a dishwasher (1.5 GPM) simultaneously requires roughly 3.5 GPM at a 70 °F rise. A licensed plumber will calculate your peak demand and recommend a unit—typically 6–9 GPM for most three-bathroom homes—to ensure you never run out of hot water.
Can a tankless water heater be integrated with my existing gas or electrical service and plumbing?
In many cases, yes. Gas-fired models need a dedicated gas line sized for higher BTU input and Category III or IV venting; we’ll verify that your existing gas meter and piping can supply the demand or recommend upgrades. Electric units may require 240-V service and up to four 40-amp breakers, so we’ll check your panel capacity. On the water side, the heater ties into the same hot- and cold-water lines you already have. Our Newport technicians perform a free site assessment to identify any needed electrical, gas, or venting modifications before installation.
What does the installation process involve and how long will it take?
A standard swap-out usually takes 4–6 hours. We begin by shutting off utilities, draining and removing the old tank, and preparing mounting and venting locations. Next, we install any new gas or electrical runs, mount the tankless unit on the wall, connect the water lines with isolation valves for future service, and set up the vent or condensate drain. The system is then pressure-tested, purged of air, and digitally calibrated for local water conditions. When complete, we recycle your old tank and leave your utility room cleaner than we found it.
What maintenance does a tankless water heater require and how long will it last?
Routine maintenance is simple: flush the heat exchanger with vinegar or a manufacturer-approved descaling solution once a year (twice if you have very hard water) to remove mineral buildup, and clean the inlet filter every 6–12 months. These tasks take under an hour and can be done during an annual plumbing checkup. With proper maintenance, gas tankless units regularly last 20 years or more, while electric models average 15–20 years—significantly longer than the 8–12-year lifespan of typical storage tanks.