On-demand Hot Water
On-demand Hot Water | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Cowan
When Cowan homeowners are ready to swap old, bulky tanks for sleek, on-demand performance, HEP’s master plumbers deliver. With our tankless water heater install expertise, we size the ideal unit for your household, secure it neatly on the wall, and have you enjoying endless hot water the very same day.
Beyond the instant comfort, you’ll appreciate energy bills that dip up to 40%, reclaimed closet space, and equipment that can last twice as long as a conventional tank. We handle permits, gas or electric hookups, and meticulous post-install testing—backing every project with transparent pricing and a rock-solid satisfaction guarantee. Call HEP today to feel the difference an on-demand system makes for your Cowan home.
FAQs
What is the main difference between a tankless (on-demand) water heater and a traditional storage tank model?
A traditional water heater continuously heats and stores 30–50+ gallons of water in a tank, keeping it hot until you use it. A tankless system, by contrast, contains high-efficiency heat exchangers that fire up only when a hot-water tap is opened. Cold water travels through the unit and is heated instantly, so you get an endless stream of hot water without standby heat loss. The result is lower energy consumption, a smaller physical footprint, and a service life that is typically 5–10 years longer than most tank units.
How can I tell if a tankless water heater is a good fit for my home in Cowan?
Several factors help determine suitability: • Household hot-water demand – Families that frequently run multiple fixtures at once may need one large unit or several smaller point-of-use units. • Fuel type – Tankless systems operate on natural gas, propane, or electricity. Cowan’s natural-gas infrastructure makes gas models the most efficient and cost-effective for most homes. • Incoming water temperature – Winters in Cowan are mild, so groundwater is warmer and easier to heat, improving flow rate performance. • Space constraints – Tankless units are wall-mounted and ideal for smaller mechanical rooms or retrofits where a bulky tank won’t fit. A professional load calculation and site visit will confirm whether a tankless upgrade will meet your household’s flow-rate needs and budget.
What size (flow rate and BTU rating) tankless unit will I need?
Sizing is based on the total gallons-per-minute (GPM) you expect to use simultaneously and the temperature rise required (difference between incoming water temperature and desired outlet temperature). For example, if you plan to run one shower (2.0 GPM) and a dishwasher (1.5 GPM) at the same time, you need at least 3.5 GPM at a 70 °F rise. In Cowan, incoming water averages 60 °F, so achieving 120 °F outlet water requires a 60 °F rise, allowing slightly higher flow. Gas units in the 150,000–199,000 BTU range cover most three-bathroom homes, while larger households might need 199,000-240,000 BTU or a cascading setup. Our technicians perform a detailed demand calculation on-site to recommend the perfect unit.
How long does installation take, and will my plumbing or gas lines need upgrades?
A straightforward replacement of a tank unit with a same-fuel tankless model typically takes one business day. Work includes removing the old tank, mounting the new unit, rerouting water lines, installing a stainless-steel vent system, and setting up condensate drainage. If your gas line is undersized (common with older ½-inch lines), we may need to upsize to ¾-inch or install a dedicated branch, which can add several hours. Electrical upgrades are minimal for gas models (a standard 120 V outlet for the control board), while electric tankless units may require new high-amp breakers and wiring. We provide a detailed timeline and cost breakdown before any work begins.
What routine maintenance does a tankless water heater require, and do you offer service plans?
To preserve efficiency and warranty coverage, a tankless unit should be flushed with a vinegar solution or manufacturer-approved cleaner once a year to remove scale from the heat exchanger—especially important in Cowan’s moderately hard water. The inlet water filter should also be cleaned every 6–12 months, and the combustion chamber inspected for debris. Our company offers an affordable annual service plan that includes descaling, filter cleaning, vent inspection, combustion analysis, and firmware updates. Enrolled customers enjoy priority scheduling and discounted repair rates.
How much can I save on energy bills, and are there rebates or incentives available in Cowan?
Because a tankless heater eliminates standby heat loss, ENERGY STAR® gas models can reduce water-heating energy use by 24–34 % compared with standard gas tanks, translating to $80–$150 in annual savings for an average Cowan household. Additional savings come from the longer lifespan (20+ years) and reduced risk of tank leaks. Residents served by Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) or local gas utilities may qualify for rebates ranging from $100 to $300 on qualifying high-efficiency units. Federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act offer up to 30 % of the project cost (capped at $600) for ENERGY STAR® tankless heaters. We handle all paperwork and will apply eligible rebates to your final invoice.