Energy Bills
Energy Bills | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Gatlinburg
Imagine stepping out of a chilly Gatlinburg morning straight into a soothing, never-ending stream of hot water—no bulky tank, no surprise spikes on your utility bill. HEP’s Energy Bills Plumbing team specializes in fast, code-perfect tankless water heater install services that fit seamlessly into cabins, condos, and mountain homes alike. Our certified technicians size your system precisely, mount it neatly out of the way, and have you enjoying on-demand comfort the very same day.
By heating water only when you open the tap, a modern tankless unit can cut energy consumption by up to 40 percent, freeing up both space and cash for more Smoky Mountain adventures. Whether you’re upgrading an aging tank or building the vacation retreat of your dreams, count on HEP to deliver transparent pricing, courteous local experts, and a workmanship guarantee as solid as the mountains around us. Ready to swap standby tanks for smart savings? Give us a call and feel the difference every time you turn on the faucet.
FAQs
How does a tankless water heater help lower my energy bills in Gatlinburg?
Traditional storage heaters keep 40–80 gallons of water hot 24/7, so you pay for standby heat loss even when no one is using hot water. A tankless unit heats water only when a tap opens, eliminating that wasted energy. Because it runs at 94–98 % efficiency and doesn’t cycle on and off all day, most Gatlinburg homeowners see utility-bill savings of 20–40 % (higher for smaller households that use less than 41 gal/day). The savings are even greater during shoulder seasons—spring and fall—when you wouldn’t normally keep a big tank of water hot but still need on-demand hot water occasionally.
Can a tankless system supply enough hot water for simultaneous showers or vacation-rental turnover days?
Yes—as long as the unit is sized correctly. We calculate your home’s peak flow rate (gallons per minute) and incoming water temperature. In Gatlinburg, groundwater averages 55 °F, so a whole-house gas tankless with a 9–11 GPM rating can comfortably run two showers and a dishwasher at once. For larger cabins or vacation rentals, we often install either a high-capacity condensing model or cascade two units. The unlimited run time of a tankless heater also means back-to-back showers for guests won’t drain a tank, reducing wait times and guest complaints.
Will a tankless water heater still work during Gatlinburg’s occasional winter freezes?
Modern tankless units have built-in freeze-protection heaters and automatic draining features that protect internal components down to about –22 °F when electricity is available. We insulate and heat-trace exterior vent pipes and water lines, and we mount the unit on an interior wall whenever possible. If your home loses power during a cold snap, simply open the drain-down ports or leave a small trickle of water running to prevent damage. Because there is no large reservoir of water, the risk of a catastrophic frozen-tank rupture is actually lower than with a conventional storage heater.
What is involved in replacing my old tank with a new tankless water heater?
The process starts with a free on-site evaluation. We verify gas supply pressure (or electrical capacity for electric models), measure venting lengths, and pick a mounting location. On installation day we: • Remove and recycle the old tank. • Upsize or extend the gas line (tankless units require a higher BTU input). • Install Category III/IV stainless venting or 2-pipe PVC for condensing units. • Connect water lines with isolation valves for future maintenance. • Program the control panel and check for leaks. Most retrofits take 6–8 hours, and hot water is restored the same day.
What maintenance does a tankless water heater need in this area?
Because Gatlinburg’s municipal water is moderately hard (6–7 grains per gallon), we recommend descaling the heat exchanger once a year. The service takes about 45 minutes: we circulate food-grade vinegar through the unit, clean the inlet filter, and run a combustion analysis. Homeowners can also: (1) wipe the vent screen every 3–6 months, (2) test the pressure-relief valve annually, and (3) keep the intake area free of lint. When maintained, tankless units routinely last 20+ years—about double the life of a storage heater—so the modest upkeep pays for itself.
Are there rebates or tax incentives for installing a tankless water heater in Gatlinburg?
Yes. As of 2024, the federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit covers 30 % of the installed cost of a qualifying ENERGY STAR® gas tankless heater, up to $600. Many Sevier County residents served by Sevier County Electric System can stack a TVA EnergyRight rebate of $150–$250 for high-efficiency natural-gas units. Propane users may qualify for up to $300 through the Tennessee Gas Association’s Safe Appliance Rebate. We’ll prepare all paperwork, register your serial number, and supply the AHRI certificate so you can claim every available dollar.