Tankless Water Heater
Tankless Water Heater | Plumbing | Copperhill
Copperhill homeowners are trading old, bulky tanks for the sleek convenience of HEP’s tankless water heaters. With on-demand hot water and up to 40% energy savings, you’ll enjoy steamy showers that never go cold, all while freeing up valuable space and trimming monthly utility bills.
Crafted for the unique demands of mountain living, our units activate only when you turn on the tap, so no energy is wasted keeping gallons of water perpetually warm. HEP’s certified technicians size, install, and fine-tune every system with precision, ensuring optimal performance and a lifespan that outlasts traditional heaters.
Whether you’re building new, remodeling, or simply tired of scheduling showers around a reheating tank, trust HEP for superior plumbing services and hometown reliability. Call today for a free estimate and discover how effortless endless hot water can be.
FAQs
How does a tankless water heater work, and is it suitable for Copperhill’s climate?
Unlike storage tanks that keep 40–80 gallons of water hot 24/7, a tankless unit heats water only when you open a tap. A high-efficiency gas or electric burner senses flow, fires up instantly, and delivers a continuous stream of hot water within seconds. Because Copperhill experiences moderate winters and warm summers, the incoming groundwater temperature is rarely so cold that it overwhelms a tankless heater, making these units an excellent year-round option for our area.
What size tankless water heater do I need for my Copperhill home?
Sizing is based on two variables: 1) total flow rate you’ll demand at one time (measured in gallons per minute, or GPM) and 2) the temperature rise needed to reach your desired outlet temperature. In Copperhill, the average incoming water temperature is about 55 °F. If you want 120 °F water, you need a 65 °F rise. Add up the GPM of fixtures you may use simultaneously—e.g., shower (2.0 GPM) + kitchen sink (1.5 GPM) + washing machine (2.0 GPM) = 5.5 GPM. You would choose a unit that can deliver at least 5.5 GPM at a 65 °F rise, which typically equates to a 150,000–180,000 BTU gas model or a 27–36 kW electric model. A plumber can perform an exact calculation on-site.
How much energy and money can I save with a tankless unit compared with a traditional tank?
Because a tankless heater eliminates standby losses—energy wasted keeping water hot while you’re not using it—the U.S. Department of Energy estimates savings of 24–34 % for homes that use up to 41 gallons of hot water daily, and 8–14 % for high-demand households. In Copperhill, where natural gas rates average about $1.30 per therm, that translates to $70–$120 in annual savings for an average family of four. You’ll also gain 5–10 years of extra service life, freeing you from the expense of replacing a tank every decade.
What is involved in installing a tankless water heater in Copperhill, and do I need a plumbing permit?
Installation usually takes one day. The plumber mounts the compact heater on a wall, upgrades the gas line or electrical circuit to meet the higher demand, installs Category III/IV venting for gas models, adds a condensate drain (for condensing units), and connects cold/hot water lines. Copperhill follows Polk County codes, which require a plumbing permit and, for gas units, a mechanical permit and an inspection. Your licensed plumber will pull the permits, schedule the inspection, and ensure everything meets local safety and efficiency standards.
How often should a tankless water heater be serviced, and what maintenance does it require?
Tankless heaters are low-maintenance but not maintenance-free. Copperhill’s water hardness averages 4–7 grains per gallon—moderate but still capable of creating scale. Manufacturers recommend flushing the heat exchanger with a vinegar solution or a proprietary descaling product once a year (twice if you have a well). The plumber will also clean the inlet screen filter, inspect the burner or heating elements, and verify combustion settings. Routine service takes about an hour and costs far less than replacing a scaled-up heat exchanger.
Can a tankless water heater provide enough hot water for multiple fixtures running at once?
Yes—if the unit is properly sized and installed. Because water is heated on demand, there is no “running out” the way you can with a storage tank. The only limitation is flow rate. If your calculated simultaneous demand exceeds about 9 GPM, consider either (a) a high-capacity commercial-grade unit, (b) installing two smaller units in parallel, or (c) using point-of-use electric tankless heaters for remote bathrooms or outdoor kitchens. Your Copperhill plumber can design a system tailored to your household’s peak usage patterns.