Standby Energy Loss
Standby Energy Loss | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Hixson
Tired of paying to keep gallons of water hot when no one’s using it? HEP’s plumbing pros in Hixson can help you beat costly standby energy loss with a sleek, on-demand solution. Our tankless water heater install service swaps out bulky, energy-draining tanks for compact units that heat water only when you open the tap, delivering endless hot showers while slashing utility bills.
From the first assessment to the final test run, our licensed technicians handle every detail with hometown care and precision. You’ll enjoy faster heat-up times, extra storage space, and the peace of mind that comes with HEP’s rock-solid warranties and 24/7 support. Upgrade today and feel the difference every time you turn on the faucet.
FAQs
What is “standby energy loss,” and how does a tankless water heater eliminate it?
Standby energy loss is the heat that escapes from a conventional storage-tank water heater even when no hot water is being used. The tank cycles on and off around the clock to keep 40–80 gallons of water hot, wasting both gas or electricity. A tankless water heater, sometimes called an on-demand unit, has no storage tank. It activates only when you open a hot-water tap, instantly heating water as it flows through a high-output heat exchanger. Because there is no stored water to keep warm, the standby losses drop to nearly zero, improving overall efficiency by 20–40 % compared with a typical tank model.
How much can I save on my utility bills by switching to a tankless water heater in Hixson?
Savings depend on household size, fuel type, and usage habits, but local utility studies show Hixson homeowners typically cut water-heating costs by $80–$150 per year for gas units and $50–$100 for electric units. Families that use less than 41 gallons of hot water per day—roughly the national average for a two-person home—see the highest percentage savings because the tankless unit remains off most of the time. Over a 15- to 20-year service life, the reduced operating cost usually offsets the higher purchase price and installation, delivering a favorable return on investment.
Will a tankless system provide enough hot water for my whole household?
Yes—provided the unit is sized correctly. A tankless heater’s capacity is expressed in gallons per minute (GPM) at a given temperature rise. In Hixson, incoming water is about 55 °F in winter. To supply a 105 °F shower, you need a 50 °F rise. A typical shower uses 2.0–2.5 GPM, a dishwasher 1.5 GPM, and a washing machine 2.0 GPM. Add up the fixtures you expect to run simultaneously, then select a unit that meets or exceeds that total flow at a 50 °F rise—often 7–9 GPM for a three-bath home. Our licensed plumbers perform this calculation for you, ensuring uninterrupted hot water even during peak demand.
What size and type of tankless water heater should I choose, and can your plumbers help?
Tankless heaters come in gas (natural gas or propane) and electric models, plus condensing and non-condensing versions. Gas condensing units deliver the highest efficiency (up to 0.96 UEF) and are ideal if you have a natural-gas line. Electric models are compact and inexpensive to install but may require a service-panel upgrade for high-amperage circuits. Our Hixson plumbing team performs a free in-home assessment: we measure flow demands, check gas supply, venting options, and electrical capacity, then recommend models that fit your budget, efficiency goals, and space constraints. You’ll receive a written estimate with energy-savings projections before any work begins.
How long does professional tankless water heater installation take in Hixson?
Most residential replacements are completed in a single day. A straightforward swap for an existing gas tank unit typically takes 6–8 hours: 1) disconnect and drain the old tank, 2) mount the new wall-hung unit, 3) reroute water lines, 4) install gas piping with sediment trap, 5) run stainless-steel or PVC venting, 6) connect electrical/condensate lines, and 7) perform code-required pressure and combustion tests. If we’re relocating the heater, adding a gas manifold, or upgrading your electrical panel, the project may extend to two days. Our crews pull all necessary Hixson permits and coordinate inspection so you have zero paperwork to worry about.
What maintenance does a tankless water heater need to stay efficient and keep the warranty valid?
Although tankless units last up to 20 years, annual maintenance is key to efficiency and warranty coverage. In Hixson’s moderate-hard water (5–8 grains per gallon), manufacturers recommend a yearly flush with white vinegar or a citric-acid solution to dissolve scale from the heat exchanger. Our service visit also includes cleaning the inlet filter, checking gas pressure, testing the flame sensor, inspecting the condensate drain, and updating firmware on smart models. The whole process takes about an hour and costs far less than the drop in efficiency you’d see from untreated scale. Enrolling in our maintenance plan keeps records on file for any future warranty claims.