Standby Energy Loss
Standby Energy Loss | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Evensville
Imagine turning on the tap in your Evensville home and feeling perfectly heated water arrive in seconds—without the bulky storage tank, without the constant hum of energy loss, and without that nagging worry about running out in the middle of your shower. HEP’s plumbing experts specialize in eliminating standby energy waste by replacing outdated, storage-style heaters with sleek, on-demand systems that heat only when you need it. The result is lower utility bills, a smaller carbon footprint, and as much hot water as your family can use.
From the first consultation to the final test run, our certified technicians handle every step of the tankless water heater install with meticulous care. We size the unit precisely for your household, upgrade venting and gas lines if necessary, and leave your utility room spotless—so the only thing you notice is endless hot water and instant savings. Ready to make the switch? HEP is just a call away, proudly serving neighbors across Evensville.
FAQs
What is standby energy loss, and why is it a problem with traditional tank water heaters?
Standby energy loss is the heat that escapes from a conventional storage-tank water heater while hot water sits unused in the tank. To keep the entire 40–80 gallons at the set temperature, the unit must cycle on and off all day and night, even if no one is using hot water. In Evensville’s four-season climate, that constant reheating can account for 10–20 % of a home’s total water-heating costs, translating to higher utility bills and unnecessary energy waste.
How does a tankless water heater virtually eliminate standby energy loss?
Tankless (on-demand) water heaters heat water only when you open a hot-water tap. Cold water passes across a high-efficiency heat exchanger that activates instantly—typically within a second—so there is no storage tank continually losing heat to the surrounding air. Once the tap is closed, the burner or electric element shuts off, eliminating the cycling that causes standby losses in traditional systems. The result is up to 30–50 % greater energy efficiency, depending on usage patterns.
Will a tankless water heater noticeably lower my energy bills in Evensville?
Most Evensville households see annual savings of $80–$200 compared with a standard tank heater. The exact amount depends on your hot-water demand, the efficiency rating of the new unit (look for a UEF of 0.90 or higher), and local natural-gas or electricity rates. Because tankless models avoid standby losses and modulate their burners, they use energy only when you actually need hot water, which pays off even more in homes that experience long idle periods during the day.
How do I choose the correct size (flow rate) for my tankless unit?
Sizing is based on two factors: (1) the total gallons per minute (GPM) of hot-water fixtures you may run simultaneously, and (2) the required temperature rise—that is, the difference between incoming groundwater temperature and the desired outlet temperature. In Evensville, incoming water averages about 52 °F. If you want 120 °F water, you need a 68 °F rise. Add up the GPM of your busiest scenario (e.g., shower at 2.0 GPM + dishwasher at 1.5 GPM = 3.5 GPM) and select a unit that can provide that flow at a 68 °F rise. Our technicians perform this calculation for you during the free estimate to ensure you never run out of hot water.
Are rebates or incentives available in Evensville for installing an energy-efficient tankless water heater?
Yes. Many Evensville homeowners qualify for a $300 federal tax credit (IRC 25C) when the unit’s UEF is 0.82 or higher. Vectren/CenterPoint Energy often offers an additional $150–$250 rebate for ENERGY STAR® certified natural-gas models, and Indiana’s NIPSCO electric customers can receive up to $200 for qualifying electric units. We handle the paperwork and provide the model and installation documentation you need to secure every available incentive.
What happens during a professional tankless water heater installation, and how long does it take?
A typical retrofit in Evensville takes 4–6 hours. First, we flush and remove the existing tank, then mount the compact tankless unit on the wall. Next, we upgrade gas or electrical service if required, install proper venting or condensate drainage, and connect hot- and cold-water lines with isolation valves for future maintenance. Finally, we test for leaks, set the temperature, and walk you through the digital controls. You’ll enjoy immediate hot water, regained floor space, and peace of mind knowing standby energy loss is a thing of the past.