Standby Energy Loss
Standby Energy Loss | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Dandridge
Say goodbye to the wasted dollars that literally drift away as heat from a bulky storage tank. HEP’s seasoned plumbers in Dandridge specialize in tankless water heater install, replacing old units that constantly cycle on and off with sleek, on-demand technology. The result is an uninterrupted stream of hot water only when you need it—no standby energy loss, no surprise spikes on your utility bill, and no giant tank squeezing valuable space out of your basement or closet.
From the first phone call to the final test run, our licensed, local team handles everything: precise sizing, clean removal of the old heater, and meticulous venting and gas-line work. You’ll enjoy faster heat-up times, lower monthly costs, and the peace of mind that comes from HEP’s 24/7 emergency support. Swap inefficiency for innovation today and feel the difference every time you turn on the tap.
FAQs
What is “stand-by energy loss,” and how does a tankless water heater eliminate it?
Stand-by energy loss is the heat that escapes from a traditional storage-tank water heater while the water simply sits and waits to be used. The burner or heating elements cycle on and off all day to keep 40–80 gallons at the set temperature, wasting energy even when no one is home. A tankless (on-demand) unit contains no storage tank; it senses flow when a hot-water tap opens and fires up only long enough to heat the water that passes through its heat exchanger. Because there is no stored volume to keep warm, there is virtually zero stand-by heat loss, which translates into lower monthly utility bills and a smaller carbon footprint.
Are tankless water heaters a good fit for homes in Dandridge, TN?
Yes. Dandridge’s moderate climate and reliable natural-gas infrastructure make the area ideal for both gas and electric tankless units. Local water quality is generally soft to moderately hard, so scale buildup is manageable with annual flushing. In addition, many homes in Jefferson County experience fluctuating occupancy—lake-home getaways, rental cabins, etc.—so eliminating stand-by losses during vacant periods can save a significant amount of money. Our licensed plumbers size the unit based on your home’s peak flow rate (showers, dishwasher, washing machine running at once) to ensure you never run out of hot water.
How much can I save on my energy bills by switching to tankless?
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that gas-fired tankless heaters save 24–34 % on energy compared with conventional 50-gallon gas tanks for households using less than 41 gallons per day. Even at higher usage (over 80 gallons/day), savings of 8–15 % are common. For an average Dandridge family with a $50–$70 monthly water-heating cost, this works out to $100–$250 in yearly savings. Because the units last 20+ years—nearly double the life of a storage tank—the lifetime savings typically exceed $2,000, not including the avoided cost of tank replacements and the risk of tank leaks.
Will a tankless system supply enough hot water for simultaneous showers and appliances?
Properly sized, yes. The key figure is “flow rate,” measured in gallons per minute (GPM). Our technicians calculate the total GPM your household may demand at one time—e.g., two showers (2 GPM each) plus a dishwasher (1.5 GPM) equals 5.5 GPM. We then match you with a unit rated to deliver that flow at Dandridge’s incoming winter water temperature (about 50 °F). Modern high-output gas units can provide 9–11 GPM, more than enough for large families. For very large homes, we can install parallel units or configure a hybrid system to guarantee endless hot water everywhere.
What is involved in a professional tankless water heater installation, and how long does it take?
A standard replacement in the same location typically takes one business day. Our process includes: 1) onsite assessment and load calculation; 2) safe removal and disposal of the old tank; 3) installation of new venting (Category III stainless or concentric PVC) or upgraded electric wiring, as required; 4) mounting the compact tankless unit to the wall; 5) adding isolation valves and a condensate drain; 6) pressure, gas-leak, and combustion tests; 7) programming temperature settings and homeowner orientation. If your home needs a gas-line upsizing, new electrical circuit, or water-softening equipment, we schedule those tasks in advance so there are no surprises.
How do I maintain a tankless water heater, and can your Dandridge plumbers handle it?
Routine maintenance is simple but essential for longevity and warranty compliance. We recommend an annual service that includes: flushing the heat exchanger with a vinegar solution or manufacturer-approved descaler to remove mineral scale; cleaning the inlet water filter; inspecting the burner or heating elements; and checking venting and condensate lines. For homes with very hard water or well water, we may suggest a pre-filter or water softener. Our certified Dandridge technicians offer affordable maintenance plans and will remind you when service is due, keeping your unit running at peak 96-98 % efficiency year after year.