Energy Efficiency
Energy Efficiency | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Speedwell
Picture stepping into your Speedwell home and enjoying an endless stream of perfectly heated water—without the bulky tank, standby heat loss, or nagging worries about running out during back-to-back showers. That’s the everyday comfort HEP’s energy efficiency plumbing team delivers with a professional tankless water heater install. Our certified technicians size the right unit for your household, remove your old tank, and integrate advanced venting and water-line upgrades in a single, seamless visit, so you can start saving energy and reclaiming space right away.
Beyond the extra closet room and lower utility bills, a tankless system offers on-demand precision, longer equipment life, and the peace of mind that comes from HEP’s rock-solid workmanship warranty. Ready to boost your resale value and slash monthly costs? Let the hometown crew Speedwell trusts most handle every detail—from permitting to final performance check—and feel the difference each time you turn on the tap.
FAQs
What advantages does a tankless water heater offer over a conventional storage-tank model for Speedwell homeowners?
Unlike storage tanks that continually re-heat 40–80 gallons of water, a tankless unit heats water only when you open a tap. This on-demand design can cut standby heat loss by 20–40 %, translating into lower monthly utility bills. Tankless heaters are also compact, freeing up floor space, and they typically last 18–20 years—about twice as long as a tank system—reducing replacement costs and landfill waste. Because the burner or heating elements are modulated, you enjoy an endless supply of hot water without the “cold-sandwich” effect common with tanks.
How does installing a tankless water heater improve overall energy efficiency in my home?
A tankless unit activates only when flow sensors detect water demand, so it avoids keeping a large volume of water at 120 °F around the clock. The result is 24–34 % less energy use for households that consume under 41 gallons of hot water per day, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Even high-usage homes typically save 8–14 %. In Speedwell’s climate, where ground-water temperature is moderate, the heater doesn’t have to work as hard to reach setpoint, further boosting performance and reducing your home’s overall carbon footprint.
What size tankless water heater do I need for my family?
Sizing is based on two factors: total flow rate (gallons per minute, GPM) and temperature rise (°F) required. First, add up the GPM of fixtures that might run simultaneously—e.g., shower (2.0 GPM) + dishwasher (1.5 GPM) = 3.5 GPM. Second, subtract Speedwell’s average incoming water temperature (≈55 °F) from your desired hot-water temp (120 °F) to get a 65 °F rise. With those numbers, you’d select a unit rated to deliver at least 3.5 GPM at a 65 °F rise. Our technicians perform a quick audit during your estimate to ensure the chosen model meets peak-demand needs while remaining cost-effective.
What is involved in the installation process and how long will it take?
A standard retrofit usually takes 4–6 hours. We start by shutting off utilities and safely removing the old tank. Next, we mount the compact tankless unit on the wall, upgrade gas supply lines or electrical circuits if needed, and install proper Category III/IV venting or concentric air-inlet/exhaust piping. We then connect hot and cold water lines with isolation valves for easy maintenance, flush the unit to remove any debris, and commission it with diagnostic software. Before we leave, we test every fixture, verify temperature settings, and explain the user interface so you know exactly how to operate your new system.
Are there local rebates or incentives available for energy-efficient water heater installations in Speedwell?
Yes. Appalachian Power’s eScore program currently offers up to a $250 rebate for ENERGY STAR® certified gas or electric tankless units. In addition, the federal Inflation Reduction Act provides a 30 % tax credit (capped at $600) for qualifying installations through 2032. We supply all documentation—model numbers, AHRI certificates, and itemized invoices—so you can submit rebate and tax forms with ease.
How much maintenance does a tankless water heater require after installation?
Minimal but important. We recommend a yearly service that includes flushing the heat exchanger with a vinegar solution to dissolve mineral scale—especially important with Speedwell’s moderately hard water. The service also involves cleaning the inlet filter and checking burner calibration or electrical connections. Homeowners can perform simple tasks like wiping the air intake screen and confirming error-code history via the control panel. When maintained properly, tankless heaters retain 98 % of their original efficiency and remain under manufacturer warranty for up to 15 years.