Utility Bills
Utility Bills | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Etowah
Imagine showers that never run cold and utility bills that finally start trending in the right direction. With HEP’s master plumbers in Etowah, a professional tankless water heater install means you’ll enjoy an endless flow of hot water the moment you twist the tap—without paying to keep an entire tank warm all day. These compact, high-efficiency units free up space, cut stand-by heat loss, and can slash energy costs by up to 40%, making them a smart upgrade for families, vacation rentals, and cozy cabins alike.
HEP handles the whole process, from sizing and venting to code-compliant installation and haul-away of your old tank. Our licensed technicians arrive on time, protect your home with drop cloths, and walk you through every feature before they leave. Ready to elevate comfort and efficiency in one swift step? Call or book online today and see why Etowah homeowners trust HEP to keep the hot water flowing and the savings stacking.
FAQs
How much can a tankless water heater lower my utility bills in Etowah?
Because tankless units heat water only when you open a tap, they eliminate the standby losses that storage-tank heaters experience. For a typical Etowah household of four that currently uses a 40- or 50-gallon electric tank, switching to a whole-home gas tankless model can trim water-heating costs by 25–40 %. That equals roughly $90–$175 per year at local gas and electric rates. Larger families that do more laundry or take many showers may save even more, while very small households may save a bit less.
Are tankless water heaters reliable with Etowah’s water quality and climate?
Yes. Etowah’s municipal water is moderately hard, so we recommend choosing a model with built-in scale detection and scheduling an annual flush with white vinegar or food-grade descaler. Winter groundwater temperatures here average about 50 °F, which most units handle easily as long as they are sized correctly (look for a minimum 4–5 gpm at a 70 °F rise). Outdoor-rated units come with freeze-protection heaters that keep internal components safe down to –20 °F, covering Etowah’s coldest nights.
What size tankless water heater do I need for my Etowah home?
Sizing is based on simultaneous demand. Count the fixtures you might run at once (e.g., two showers at 2 gpm each plus a dishwasher at 1.5 gpm ≈ 5.5 gpm total). Then use Etowah’s winter groundwater temperature (≈ 50 °F) to determine the temperature rise you need (120 °F set-point – 50 °F = 70 °F rise). A unit that delivers at least 6 gpm at a 70 °F rise would comfortably meet that load. For many 3-bath homes, that means a 160,000–199,000 BTU gas model or an electric unit of 24–28 kW if adequate electrical capacity exists. Our technicians perform a free on-site assessment to specify the exact size.
Will I need to upgrade my gas line or electrical service?
Possibly. Gas tankless heaters typically require a ¾-inch gas line and up to 199 k BTU/h input, higher than a standard 40-gallon tank. If your meter or interior piping is undersized, we can coordinate a low-cost upsizing with your gas utility. Electric tankless units need 100–120 amps of dedicated capacity on 240 V breakers. Homes with 150-amp main panels usually have room; older 100-amp services may need an upgrade. During our estimate we measure gas pressure and panel load so there are no surprises on installation day.
How long does installation take and what does it involve?
A straightforward replacement in the same location normally takes 4–6 hours. Our licensed plumbers first turn off utilities, drain and remove the old tank, and set wall brackets for the compact tankless unit. We then run new water lines, connect the gas or electrical supply, install category-III stainless or concentric PVC venting, and add an isolation-valve service kit for future maintenance. Before leaving we test for leaks, set the temperature, and pull the required Etowah building permit for inspection. If structural penetrations or utility upgrades are needed, the job may extend to a full day.
What maintenance and warranty coverage should I expect?
Tankless systems need minimal upkeep: an annual 30-minute descaling flush and filter cleaning to maintain peak efficiency, plus a quick inspection of the combustion fan and venting. We offer an affordable service plan that handles this for you. Most major manufacturers provide a 12- to 15-year heat-exchanger warranty and 5-year parts coverage—about double the typical tank warranty. With proper maintenance, you can expect 20+ years of reliable hot water, making tankless a long-term, cost-effective upgrade for your Etowah home.