Endless Hot Water
Endless Hot Water | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Sewanee
Imagine stepping into your Sewanee shower on a frosty mountain morning and never worrying about the hot water fading to lukewarm. With HEP’s certified plumbers and their decades of experience, you can trade bulky, inefficient tanks for sleek, on-demand performance that heats water only when you need it—saving space, energy, and money. Our team handles every aspect of a tankless water heater install, from precise sizing and venting to code-compliant electrical or gas connections, so you get effortless comfort and lower utility bills from day one.
Homeowners across the Plateau love how quickly we respond, how cleanly we work, and how confidently we back every project with extended warranties and 24/7 support. Whether you’re upgrading an aging heater or building your dream cabin, HEP delivers endless hot water with hometown care—so you can enjoy long, steamy showers, faster dishwashing cycles, and peace of mind that lasts for years.
FAQs
How does a tankless water heater supply “endless” hot water?
Unlike traditional tanks that store a limited number of gallons, a tankless (on-demand) unit heats water the moment it flows through the heat exchanger. When you open a hot-water tap, cold water passes over a powerful gas burner or electric element and leaves the unit at your preset temperature. As long as the unit’s flow-rate capacity isn’t exceeded, it will continue to heat incoming water, so you never run out—perfect for back-to-back showers or filling a soaking tub in your Sewanee home.
What size or flow rate should I choose for my Sewanee household?
Sizing is based on (1) the number of simultaneous hot-water fixtures you expect to run and (2) the temperature rise needed. In Sewanee, incoming groundwater averages 50–55 °F. To reach a comfortable 120 °F you need about a 65 ° rise. Add up the flow rates of the fixtures you may use at once—for example, one shower (2.0 gpm) plus a dishwasher (1.5 gpm) equals 3.5 gpm. Choose a unit that can deliver at least that flow at a 65 ° rise. Most households here select a 6–9 gpm gas unit or an 18–27 kW electric model. Our technicians will perform an exact calculation during the in-home estimate.
How much energy and money can I save by switching to tankless?
Because they eliminate standby heat loss, ENERGY STAR®-qualified tankless heaters are 24–34 % more efficient for families using under 41 gallons of hot water per day and 8–14 % more efficient for heavier use. In practical terms, Sewanee customers typically save $75–$150 per year on natural-gas bills (more with propane) compared to a standard 40- or 50-gallon tank. Electric tankless units avoid the cycling losses of conventional electric tanks and often lower annual consumption by 10–15 %. Over a 15-year life span, the savings usually offset most or all of the higher upfront cost.
What’s involved in converting from a conventional tank to a tankless system?
Our crew begins by disconnecting and removing the old tank. We mount the tankless unit on an interior or exterior wall, run new water lines, and upsize the gas line or install the required dedicated electrical circuit(s). High-efficiency gas units also need Category III or IV venting and a condensate drain. In most Sewanee homes, the entire conversion is completed in one day with minimal disruption. We pull any needed permits and follow the Tennessee Mechanical & Fuel Gas Codes to ensure safe operation.
How long will a tankless water heater last and what maintenance is required?
Quality gas units commonly last 18–25 years; electric models average 15–20 years—about double the lifespan of a storage tank. To reach those numbers you’ll need annual maintenance: flushing the heat exchanger with a vinegar solution to remove mineral scale, cleaning the inlet screen, and checking the burner or elements. With Sewanee’s moderately hard water (about 6–8 grains per gallon), we strongly recommend installing a small scale-inhibiting filter on the cold-water inlet.
Are there rebates or incentives available in Sewanee or Tennessee for installing a tankless water heater?
Yes. Depending on fuel type and efficiency rating, you may qualify for: • The federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit—30 % of equipment and labor up to $600 for gas units that are ENERGY STAR® certified. • Up to $200 in rebates from local natural-gas utilities such as Elk River Public Utility District when switching from electric to gas. • TVA’s EnergyRight financing options for electric tankless installations. We’ll provide the paperwork, efficiency documentation, and guidance on how to claim any current incentives at the time of your installation.