High-efficiency Gas

High-efficiency Gas | Tank Water Heater | Plumbing | Georgetown

Enjoy endless, affordable hot water in your Georgetown home with HEP’s high-efficiency gas solutions. Our licensed technicians size, install, and fine-tune each tank water heater to match your family’s demands, pairing advanced venting and insulation technology with precise gas plumbing to cut standby heat loss and shrink utility bills. Because we stock leading brands and parts on our trucks, most upgrades are completed the same day—no cold-shower surprises.

From free energy-saving consultations to 24/7 emergency support, HEP makes comfort hassle-free. We haul away your old unit, register your warranty, and leave the workspace cleaner than we found it, so all you notice is a steady stream of reliable hot water and extra cash in your pocket. Ready to boost performance and lower costs? Call or click today and let Georgetown’s trusted pros handle the rest.

FAQs

1. What makes a gas tank water heater “high-efficiency,” and how is it different from a standard unit?

High-efficiency gas tank water heaters use advanced heat-exchanger and insulation technology to convert 90 % or more of the fuel’s energy into hot water (Uniform Energy Factor of 0.70–0.90+). They are usually "condensing" models that capture and reuse heat from the exhaust gases instead of sending it up the flue. Standard models typically reach only 58 – 65 % efficiency, meaning more of your energy dollar is lost as waste heat. A high-efficiency unit also comes with thicker foam-injected insulation, low-NOₓ burners, electronic ignition (no standing pilot), and smart controls that match burner output to demand.

2. How much can I save on utility bills by upgrading to a high-efficiency gas tank water heater in Georgetown?

For a typical Georgetown household that uses 40–60 gallons of hot water per day, a high-efficiency model can cut water-heating gas consumption by 20–40 %. At local natural-gas rates (about $1.25/therm), that translates to $60–$180 in annual savings compared with a standard 0.60-UEF heater. Over the appliance’s 10- to 15-year life span, most homeowners recover the higher purchase price—often with a total lifetime savings of $800–$1,500, depending on usage.

3. Are there rebates or tax incentives available in Georgetown for installing a high-efficiency gas tank water heater?

Yes. Georgetown Utility Systems frequently offers bill credits ($50–$150) for ENERGY STAR® certified high-efficiency gas water heaters; funds are limited and issued first-come, first-served, so apply early. Atmos Energy also runs periodic rebate programs that can add $100–$200 back. On top of local incentives, federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act allow up to 30 % of the installed cost (maximum $600 for gas water heaters) when the unit meets ≥0.81 UEF. We’ll supply all model certifications and rebate paperwork to streamline your claim.

4. How long does installation take, and will I be without hot water?

A standard replacement (same-size tank in the same location) generally takes 3–4 hours, including removal of the old unit, new gas shut-off valve, updated venting, and start-up testing. You’ll be without hot water only during that window. If the project involves relocating the heater, upsizing the gas line, or converting to sealed combustion venting, allow 5–7 hours. We always coordinate a convenient time and keep at least one bathroom faucet running cold for basic household use.

5. What maintenance is required to keep a high-efficiency gas tank water heater running well?

1) Annual flush: Draining a few gallons removes sediment that can insulate the bottom of the tank and reduce efficiency. 2) Condensate check: Because condensing units produce acidic condensate, the drain line and neutralizer cartridge should be inspected every 12 months. 3) Anode rod inspection: Every 2–3 years, replace or top-up the magnesium anode to prevent tank corrosion. 4) Air intake cleaning: Vacuum any lint or dust from the combustion-air screen to maintain proper airflow. 5) Controller updates: Some smart models have firmware upgrades that can be installed via USB or Wi-Fi for improved diagnostics and efficiency.

6. Can a high-efficiency gas tank water heater work with my existing plumbing and venting system?

In most Georgetown homes, yes. The cold/hot-water connections and ¾-inch gas supply typically line up with modern high-efficiency models. The main difference is venting: condensing heaters use 2- or 3-inch PVC pipe instead of metal flue. If your current unit vents through the roof with metal B-vent, we’ll either run new side-wall PVC or install a concentric roof kit. For non-condensing high-efficiency models (0.70–0.74 UEF), existing metal flue may be reused. Our technicians evaluate clearance to combustibles, combustion-air requirements, and local code (City of Georgetown adopts 2021 IFGC) before confirming compatibility.