Carbon Footprint
Carbon Footprint | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Church Hill
When you’re committed to reducing your home’s environmental impact in historic Church Hill, HEP’s Carbon Footprint Plumbing team delivers practical results. Our tankless water heater install provides on-demand hot water that uses up to 40% less energy than traditional tanks, freeing up valuable space while slashing monthly utility costs. By heating water only when you need it, you’ll enjoy endless showers and peace of mind knowing you’re lowering emissions with every turn of the faucet.
From initial assessment to final flush test, our licensed, insured plumbers handle every detail—removing your old tank, upgrading venting, and calibrating your new high-efficiency unit for peak performance. We arrive on time, respect your historic home’s character, and back our work with industry-leading warranties and 24/7 support. Ready to make a smart, sustainable change? Tap into cleaner, greener comfort with HEP’s expert tankless water heater install today.
FAQs
How does installing a tankless water heater lower my carbon footprint in Church Hill?
Traditional storage heaters keep 40–80 gallons of water hot 24/7, wasting energy through standby heat loss. A condensing gas tankless unit only fires when you open a tap and converts up to 95 % of the fuel into hot water. For an average Church Hill household that uses 50 gallons per day, this cuts natural-gas consumption 30–40 %, or roughly 50–70 therms a year—preventing 500–700 lb of CO₂ emissions while putting less strain on the local power grid.
What size tankless water heater do I need for my home?
Sizing is based on simultaneous flow rate (gallons per minute, GPM) and the temperature rise between incoming groundwater and your desired hot-water set point. Church Hill groundwater averages 55 °F; most people want 120 °F water, so the unit must raise the temperature 65 °F. Combine the flow of the fixtures you might use at once—for example, a shower (2.0 GPM) plus a dishwasher (1.5 GPM) and a sink (1.0 GPM) equals 4.5 GPM. We would recommend a 6–7 GPM 199,000 BTU condensing model to ensure comfortable hot water even on the coldest winter mornings.
Are rebates or tax incentives available for high-efficiency tankless units in Church Hill?
Yes. 1) The federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (IRC 25C) covers 30 % of the installed cost—up to $600—for ENERGY STAR–certified gas tankless heaters with a ≥0.95 UEF. 2) TVA’s EnergyRight program offers $250–$400 rebates for qualifying gas units. 3) Many local gas utilities, including Holston Electric Cooperative’s service area, provide $200–$300 bill credits. Our office will prepare all paperwork and even submit your rebate applications for you.
What does the installation process involve and how long will it take?
On installation day we: (1) shut off water, gas, and electricity; (2) drain and remove the old tank; (3) mount the compact tankless unit on an exterior or interior wall; (4) upsize the gas line if needed for higher BTU demand; (5) run 2-pipe PVC venting or a concentric stainless vent through the roof or sidewall; (6) install a condensate neutralizer and outdoor drain; (7) connect water lines with isolation valves for future maintenance; (8) purge air, test for gas leaks, and calibrate the control board. Most swaps take 4–6 hours; adding a new gas line or rerouting venting can extend the job to a full day.
How much can I expect to save on utility bills compared with my old storage tank?
Savings depend on water-use habits, fuel rates, and the efficiency of your previous heater. Replacing a 0.60 EF 50-gallon tank with a 0.95 UEF condensing tankless model typically reduces water-heating energy 30–50 %. At current Church Hill natural-gas prices (≈$1.30 per therm), that’s $80–$120 in annual fuel savings. Because tankless units last 20+ years—roughly twice the life of a tank—the lifetime savings often exceed $2,000 while avoiding about 10 tons of CO₂.
What maintenance does a tankless water heater need to stay efficient and eco-friendly?
1) Annual descaling: Mineral-rich Tennessee water can coat the heat exchanger, lowering efficiency. We flush the unit with food-grade vinegar or citric-acid solution via the built-in isolation valves in about 45 minutes. 2) Air-intake filter: Rinse every 6 months to ensure proper combustion. 3) Condensate neutralizer media: Replace every 2–3 years so acidic condensate doesn’t harm drains or the environment. 4) Software update & combustion check: Our technicians verify burner calibration, gas pressure, and error codes once a year. These simple steps keep the unit at peak 94–95 % efficiency, maximizing energy savings and minimizing your carbon footprint.