Energy Bills
Energy Bills | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Deer Lodge
Imagine stepping into a Deer Lodge shower that never runs cold while your utility bills quietly shrink—that’s the everyday comfort a modern tankless system delivers. Traditional tanks guzzle energy and crowd your basement; on-demand technology heats water only when you need it, freeing space and trimming costs month after month.
HEP’s Energy Bills Plumbing makes the transition effortless with expert tankless water heater install services handled by licensed, local technicians. We size the right unit for your household, complete most installs in a single visit, and back our work with rock-solid warranties and 24/7 support—so you can enjoy endless hot water without a second thought.
Ready to upgrade? Schedule today and feel the difference in your next shower, your next bill, and every day after.
FAQs
What are the main benefits of switching to a tankless water heater in Deer Lodge?
Tankless (on-demand) heaters warm water only when a fixture is opened, eliminating the standby heat loss that occurs with storage tanks. Homeowners typically enjoy lower monthly energy bills, an endless supply of hot water, a unit that takes up far less space, and a product life that averages 20+ years—almost twice that of a conventional tank. Because we install models rated for our elevation and climate, you also gain reliable performance during Deer Lodge’s cold winters.
How much can I expect to save on energy bills with a tankless unit?
Savings vary with water-use habits and the fuel you currently burn, but the U.S. Department of Energy estimates 24–34 % lower energy consumption for households that use less than 41 gallons of hot water per day. Even with heavier usage, savings of 8–15 % are common. In Deer Lodge, where natural-gas and propane prices fluctuate seasonally, many customers report annual utility-bill reductions of $80–$150, which helps offset the higher upfront cost of the equipment.
Can a tankless water heater handle the cold winter inlet temperatures we get in Deer Lodge?
Yes. Modern gas-fired units automatically adjust their burner output to maintain your set temperature even when incoming water is near freezing. During sizing, we use local groundwater data (typically 39–45 °F in January) to select a model whose maximum flow rate at a 70–80 °F temperature rise matches your household demand. We also install built-in freeze-protection kits and insulate exterior venting to prevent winter damage.
What size tankless water heater do I need for my household?
Sizing is based on two factors: (1) the total gallons-per-minute (GPM) of hot water you want to run simultaneously, and (2) the temperature rise needed to reach 120 °F. A typical two-bath Deer Lodge home that may run one shower (2.0 GPM) and a dishwasher (1.5 GPM) at the same time would need about 4–5 GPM at a 75 °F rise—usually a 160,000 BTU model. Larger families or homes with luxury fixtures may require 180,000–199,000 BTU units or even multiple heaters in parallel. Our technicians perform a free on-site assessment to confirm the correct capacity before installation.
How long does installation take and will my plumbing or gas lines need upgrades?
Most change-outs from a tank to a tankless unit are completed in one working day. We mount the compact heater on a wall, run stainless-steel venting to the exterior, and connect water, gas, and condensate drains. Older homes sometimes need a larger gas line (¾″ or 1″) to supply the higher BTU rating, and we verify adequate combustion air and vent clearances per Montana code. Any required piping upgrades are explained up-front so you know the full cost and timeline before work begins.
What maintenance is required and how long do tankless water heaters last?
Annual maintenance is straightforward: flushing the heat exchanger with a vinegar solution to remove mineral scale, cleaning the inlet filter, and checking the burner and vent. In Deer Lodge’s hard-to-moderate water area, we may recommend adding a scale-inhibiting filter to extend service intervals. With routine care, tankless units typically last 20–25 years, backed by manufacturer heat-exchanger warranties of up to 15 years—far longer than the average 8–12 years for a traditional tank.