Energy Bills
Energy Bills | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Blaine
Imagine hot water that never runs cold and energy bills that finally make sense. HEP’s seasoned plumbers bring that reality to homes across Blaine with expert tankless water heater install solutions, replacing bulky storage tanks with sleek, high-efficiency units that heat water on demand. You’ll enjoy endless showers, faster recovery times, and up to 40% savings on utility costs—all while freeing valuable space in your garage or closet.
From the first call to the final test run, our team handles everything: sizing the right system, upgrading gas lines or electrical circuits, and hauling away your old tank. We’re local, so we know Blaine’s building codes inside and out, and we back every installation with transparent pricing and rock-solid warranties. Ready to reclaim comfort and cut costs? Schedule your appointment with HEP today and feel the difference every time you turn on the tap.
FAQs
How can a tankless water heater help lower my energy bills in Blaine?
Traditional tank-type heaters keep 40–80 gallons of water hot 24/7, which means they cycle on and off even when no one is using hot water. A properly sized tankless unit heats water only when a tap is opened, eliminating standby losses. In Blaine’s moderate-to-cool climate, this change typically cuts water-heating energy use by 25–40 %, saving $80–$200 per year for a four-person household. Choosing an ENERGY STAR®-rated condensing model can push savings even higher because it re-uses exhaust heat to warm incoming water.
Will a tankless system work with Blaine’s cold groundwater temperatures in winter?
Yes. Groundwater in Blaine can drop to 40–45 °F during the coldest months, so the heater must raise water temperature by 75–80 °F to reach a comfortable 120 °F set-point. Modern gas and electric tankless units are designed for these rises, but correct sizing is critical. We calculate your home’s peak flow rate (showers, laundry, dishwasher running together) and match it to a unit with enough BTUs or kilowatts to supply that demand even on the coldest day. In some very large homes we install two units in parallel to guarantee consistent hot water without temperature fluctuations.
What size tankless water heater do I need for my household?
Sizing is based on simultaneous flow rate rather than tank capacity. Add up the gallons-per-minute (GPM) of the fixtures you’re likely to use at once. Example: one shower (2.0 GPM) + kitchen sink (1.5 GPM) + washing machine (2.0 GPM) = 5.5 GPM. In Blaine’s winter inlet temperatures, each GPM needs roughly 20,000 BTU/h of gas input, so you’d need about 110,000 BTU/h. We round up to the next model size to ensure comfort. For electric units, the calculation converts to kilowatts; a 27 kW model can typically handle 5–6 GPM. We perform this calculation during your free estimate so you get a system that meets your exact needs.
How long does installation take, and will my existing plumbing need major changes?
A straightforward replacement of a gas tank heater with a gas tankless unit normally takes 4–8 hours. We mount the compact heater on a wall, reroute hot- and cold-water lines, run new category-IV venting, and upgrade the gas line if needed for higher BTU demand. For electric models we run new high-amperage circuits from the panel. Most work is confined to the utility area, so drywall repairs are minimal. All city permits and final inspections are handled by our team, and we haul away the old tank at no charge.
Are there rebates or tax incentives available for tankless installations in Blaine?
Yes. Puget Sound Energy currently offers up to a $300 rebate for qualifying ENERGY STAR® natural-gas tankless units, and Cascade Natural Gas offers $350–$450 based on efficiency. Federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act provide 30 % of the project cost, up to $600, for units with a UEF (Uniform Energy Factor) of 0.95 or higher. We file the utility paperwork and supply the IRS Form 5695 documentation to make sure you capture every available incentive.
What maintenance does a tankless heater require, and how long will it last?
Annual maintenance keeps efficiency high and prevents scale buildup. We flush the heat exchanger with a vinegar solution, clean the inlet screen, inspect the venting, and run a combustion analysis (for gas units). In Blaine’s slightly hard water (70–90 ppm), skipping descaling can cut lifespan in half, so we offer discounted service plans to make it easy. With regular upkeep, a tankless unit lasts 20–25 years—roughly twice as long as a tank-type heater—delivering long-term savings and peace of mind.