Tankless Water Heater
Tankless Water Heater | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Dayton
Imagine waking up on a chilly Dayton morning and stepping into a shower that never turns cold. HEP’s master plumbers specialize in tankless water heater install services that give you endless hot water, lower energy bills, and precious extra space where a bulky tank used to stand. We pair industry-leading units with precision craftsmanship, so you can count on consistent performance every time you turn on the tap.
From the moment you call, our friendly team handles everything—sizing and selecting the perfect system, securing permits, and completing a clean, code-compliant installation—often in a single day. We back our work with transparent pricing, robust warranties, and 24/7 support, so you can enjoy long-term peace of mind along with that luxurious, on-demand heat. Ready to upgrade? Let HEP turn your hot-water headaches into endless comfort.
FAQs
How does a tankless water heater work and what are its advantages over a storage-tank unit?
A tankless (on-demand) heater senses water flow when a hot-water tap opens. Gas burners or electric elements fire instantly, heating water as it passes through a heat exchanger, then shut off when the tap closes. Because there is no standby tank, you eliminate heat loss, gain unlimited hot-water duration, and free up roughly 12–16 sq ft of floor space. Energy savings for a typical Dayton household run 20–40 % compared with a standard gas tank, and life expectancy is 20+ years—about double that of most tanks.
What size tankless water heater do I need for my Dayton-area home?
Sizing is based on simultaneous demand (gallons per minute, GPM) and the required temperature rise. In Dayton the incoming water temperature averages 50 °F in winter and 60 °F in summer, so we design for a 70 °F rise to reach a 120 °F setpoint. Add up the flow rates of fixtures you may use at the same time—for example, a shower (2.0 GPM) + dishwasher (1.5 GPM) + sink (1.0 GPM) = 4.5 GPM. A 160,000 BTU gas unit typically delivers 6–7 GPM at a 70 °F rise, covering most three-bedroom homes. Larger families, whirlpool tubs, or multiple simultaneous showers may require a 199,000 BTU unit or even two units in parallel. We perform a free in-home assessment to recommend the precise model.
Will my existing gas line, venting, or electrical service handle a tankless installation?
Often, but not always. Modern gas-fired tankless heaters need a ¾-inch gas supply and up to 199 k BTU/hr, higher than many ½-inch, 40 k BTU tank setups. We verify pipe size, meter capacity, and regulator pressure with Vectren/CenterPoint specifications. Venting changes from Type-B chimney to sealed 2-or-3-inch PVC or polypropylene through an exterior wall, which we core-drill and weather-seal to Dayton building code. Electric models draw 80–120 amps at 240 V and usually need a 200-amp service panel with multiple 40-60 amp breakers; we’ll inspect your panel and quote upgrades if needed.
How long does installation take and how much downtime will I have without hot water?
A straightforward gas tank-to-tankless swap takes 4–6 hours: 1) drain and remove old tank, 2) reroute water lines with isolation valves and flush ports, 3) upsize gas line if required, 4) install vent and condensate drain, 5) mount unit, 6) pressure-test, commission, and flush. You’ll be without hot water for roughly half that window—generally 2–3 hours. Complex jobs involving electric service upgrades or relocation to another wall can extend to a full day. We always schedule work so you have hot water before we leave.
What routine maintenance does a tankless water heater need in Dayton’s water conditions?
Montgomery County’s municipal water is moderately hard (8–10 grains per gallon), so mineral scale can build up inside the heat exchanger. Manufacturers recommend an annual flush with 4 gallons of white vinegar or citric-acid solution circulated for 30–45 minutes. We install service valves at no extra charge to make this quick. The unit also has an inlet screen that should be cleaned yearly, and you’ll want to check the condensate neutralizer cartridge (for condensing models) every 1–2 years. With proper maintenance, efficiency stays high and warranties—up to 15 years on heat exchangers—remain valid.
Are there rebates or incentives for installing a tankless water heater in Dayton, and what is the expected payback?
Yes. As of 2024, Vectren/CenterPoint Energy offers a $250 residential rebate on ENERGY STAR® gas tankless models ≥ 0.95 UEF. Federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act provide 30 % of the project cost, up to $600, for high-efficiency water heaters. Combined, most customers see $500–$700 back. Installed prices in Dayton range from $3,000–$4,500 depending on gas or electric upgrades. Typical energy savings are $100–$150 per year over a 50-gallon gas tank, yielding a 5- to 8-year simple payback, after which the fuel savings are net savings for the remaining 12–15 years of service life.