Standby Energy Loss
Standby Energy Loss | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Cookeville
Tired of paying to keep a whole tank hot when no one’s even in the shower? HEP’s local plumbers help Cookeville homeowners stop standby energy loss by replacing bulky, heat-draining storage tanks with sleek, on-demand systems that deliver hot water the moment you need it. Our tankless water heater install service means lower utility bills, more space in your utility closet, and a virtually unlimited supply of steamy water for back-to-back showers, laundry, and dishes—without the wait or waste.
From the first call to the final test run, our licensed technicians handle permitting, precise gas or electric hookups, and haul-away of your old unit, all backed by HEP’s workmanship guarantee. Whether you’re building a new home or upgrading a decades-old heater, we’ll size and fit the perfect model for your family’s habits and budget, show you how to maximize efficiency, and leave your home spotless. Ready to kick the tank to the curb? Schedule your appointment today and discover how easy it is to go tankless in Cookeville.
FAQs
What is standby energy loss and how does a tankless water heater eliminate it?
Standby energy loss is the heat that escapes from a conventional storage-tank water heater while hot water sits unused. The tank’s burner or elements must cycle on and off all day to keep that water at temperature, wasting gas or electricity. A tankless (on-demand) unit contains no storage tank. Instead, a high-efficiency heat exchanger comes on only when a hot-water tap opens, heating water as it passes through the unit. When the taps close, the burner shuts down, so virtually no heat is lost to standby and no energy is consumed in between uses.
Will a tankless water heater supply enough hot water for my Cookeville household?
Yes—provided the unit is properly sized for your family’s peak demand. We calculate the total flow rate (gallons per minute) for the fixtures you might run simultaneously—such as a shower (2.0 gpm), a dishwasher (1.5 gpm), and a washing machine (2.0 gpm). In Cookeville, incoming water temperature averages about 55 °F in winter, so we select a model that can raise that to 120 °F at the required flow rate—often between 7 and 9 gpm for a three-bath home. If demand is very high, we can install parallel units or a hybrid tankless-with-buffer tank system. With correct sizing, you’ll enjoy continuous hot water without running out.
How much can I expect to save on energy bills by switching to tankless?
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that households using 41 gallons or less of hot water per day save 24–34 % on water-heating energy by going tankless, while high-use homes (around 86 gallons per day) still save 8–14 %. In Cookeville, where electricity rates average about 11¢/kWh and natural gas around $1.60/therm, this typically translates to $80–$150 per year in utility savings for an average family of four. Over the 20-year life expectancy of a tankless unit—nearly double that of a storage tank—those savings can exceed $2,000, not counting reduced risk of tank leaks and associated water damage costs.
Does Cookeville’s water quality affect the performance or lifespan of a tankless heater?
Cookeville’s municipal water is safe to drink but tends to be moderately hard (6–8 grains per gallon). Mineral scale can build up inside any water-heating appliance, especially high-efficiency tankless heat exchangers, reducing efficiency and eventually causing error codes. We recommend installing a whole-house sediment filter and either a scale-inhibiting cartridge or a water softener upstream of the heater. In addition, the manufacturer requires an annual (gas) or bi-annual (electric) vinegar or citric-acid flush, which we offer as part of our maintenance plans. With regular descaling, a quality tankless unit can last 20 years or more in Cookeville’s water conditions.
What size tankless water heater do I need and how is it determined?
Sizing is primarily based on two factors: (1) the maximum flow rate you’ll need at one time, and (2) the temperature rise required. We tally the flow rates of fixtures you expect to run simultaneously—e.g., two showers and a kitchen sink may require 6–7 gpm. We then calculate the temperature rise: desired hot-water setpoint (typically 120 °F) minus incoming groundwater temperature. In Cookeville the coldest incoming water is roughly 55 °F, so we need a 65 °F rise at the chosen flow rate. A gas unit delivering 7 gpm at a 65 °F rise equates to about 180,000 BTU/h. For all-electric models, we look at kW instead of BTU, and we verify that your electrical service can handle the amperage. Our technicians perform these calculations during a free in-home consultation.
Are there local rebates, permits, or code requirements for tankless installations in Cookeville?
Yes. (1) The City of Cookeville requires a plumbing permit for replacement of any water heater, including tankless. Gas models also require a mechanical permit for venting and gas-line alterations; we handle all paperwork and inspections. (2) State of Tennessee plumbing code (IPC 2021) mandates an expansion device if a closed water system exists and specifies maximum vent lengths for gas units. (3) Upper Cumberland Electric and local natural-gas utilities periodically offer $200–$400 rebates for ENERGY STAR®-rated tankless heaters—ask us for current programs. (4) Federal tax credits of 30 % of project cost (up to $600 for electric or $2,000 for gas condensing units) are available through 2032 under the Inflation Reduction Act. We’ll ensure your installation meets code and help you file for every incentive available.