Valuable Square Footage
Valuable Square Footage | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Decatur
Imagine opening a closet in your Decatur home and finding extra storage instead of a rusty 40-gallon tank. HEP’s valuable square footage plumbing service makes that vision real by mounting a compact, high-efficiency unit right on the wall. Our certified pros handle every detail of your tankless water heater install, from precise gas or electric retrofits to meticulous venting, so all you notice is the endless hot water and reclaimed floor space.
Beyond the square-foot bonus, you’ll enjoy up to 40 % energy savings, longer equipment life, and hot water that never runs out—perfect for busy mornings or marathon laundry days. HEP backs each job with transparent pricing, local Decatur expertise, and a satisfaction guarantee that turns a routine upgrade into a home-value win. Ready to trade bulk for brilliance? Schedule your tankless water heater install with HEP today and watch your living space—and comfort—expand.
FAQs
How does a tankless water heater save valuable square footage compared to a traditional tank system?
Conventional water heaters store 40–80 gallons in a cylindrical tank that typically occupies 9–16 sq ft of floor space, plus clearance around it for ventilation and servicing. A wall-mounted tankless unit is roughly the size of a carry-on suitcase (about 24" × 14" × 10") and can be hung on an interior or exterior wall, inside a utility closet, or even in an attic. By eliminating the bulky tank and freeing up floor area, homeowners in Decatur often convert the reclaimed space into additional shelving, a compact laundry station, or simply enjoy a less-cluttered mechanical room—an important benefit when square footage is at a premium.
Will a tankless unit supply enough hot water for my whole Decatur home?
Yes—provided it is sized correctly. Unlike tanks that hold a finite supply, tankless heaters deliver hot water on demand. The key metric is flow rate, measured in gallons per minute (GPM). We calculate the total GPM your household might use simultaneously (for example, a shower at 2.0 GPM + a dishwasher at 1.5 GPM = 3.5 GPM). We then select a unit that can heat that volume to the desired temperature rise—usually 70 °F in Decatur—at or above that rate. For most three-bathroom homes, a 9–11 GPM gas-fired tankless heater is sufficient; for smaller residences or point-of-use applications, 5–7 GPM models may be adequate. Our technicians perform a free sizing assessment before every installation to guarantee uninterrupted hot-water comfort.
What factors determine the right size (BTU and GPM) tankless heater for my square footage?
Square footage alone doesn’t dictate capacity, but it influences the number of fixtures and simultaneous demands. We consider: • Fixture count and flow rates (showers, tubs, washing machines, etc.) • Maximum simultaneous usage scenarios based on household routines • Incoming groundwater temperature (around 60 °F in Decatur) to calculate required temperature rise • Fuel type and available gas line size or electrical service amperage • Desired efficiency level (standard vs. condensing units) • Future add-ons—bathroom remodels, outdoor kitchens, etc. Using these data points, we recommend a unit whose BTU input (typically 140k–199k BTU for gas) and GPM output match your real-world needs, ensuring you never run out of hot water.
How long does installation take and will my plumbing need major changes?
A straightforward replacement of a tank with a single whole-home tankless heater generally takes one business day: 1. Drain and remove the existing tank (1–2 hrs). 2. Mount the tankless unit on the wall (1 hr). 3. Upgrade gas line or electrical circuit if necessary (1–3 hrs). 4. Run new concentric venting or PVC vent pipes (1–2 hrs for gas models; electric units typically vent through existing space). 5. Connect water, gas/electric, and condensate lines and test the system (1 hr). Homes that require longer gas line runs, multiple cascaded units, or relocation to an exterior wall may span into a second day. Our licensed plumbers adhere to Decatur and state plumbing/mechanical codes, obtain any required permits, and leave the workspace clean.
What energy savings and payback can I expect in Decatur’s climate?
Tankless gas models operate at 82–98 % efficiency versus 60–65 % for many older tanks. Because they heat water only when you turn on a tap, the standby losses that plague storage tanks disappear. In Decatur, where water heating typically represents 17–20 % of a home’s energy bill, families switching from a 50-gallon atmospheric-vent tank to a condensing tankless unit save $80–$150 per year on natural-gas costs. Electric tankless units can save $40–$100 annually compared with electric tanks, depending on usage patterns. With rebates from local utilities and manufacturers (often $150–$300) plus energy savings, most homeowners see a simple payback in 5–7 years—well within the 20-plus-year life expectancy of a quality tankless system.
Do tankless water heaters require regular maintenance and what is their expected lifespan?
Yes, but the upkeep is straightforward. Decatur’s water is moderately hard (about 7–9 grains per gallon), so annual or bi-annual descaling with white vinegar or a citric-acid solution keeps the heat exchanger free of mineral buildup. The procedure takes about 45 minutes and can be performed by a homeowner with a pump kit or by our service team during an annual tune-up. Filters should be checked quarterly, and the condensate drain (on high-efficiency units) should be inspected for obstructions. When maintained properly, gas tankless heaters last 20–25 years—roughly twice the lifespan of most storage tanks. Electric models typically last 15–20 years. Regular service preserves efficiency, prevents premature corrosion, and keeps your manufacturer’s warranty (often 12–15 years on the heat exchanger) intact.