Licensed Plumbers
Licensed Plumbers | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Huntsville
Tucked between Redstone Arsenal and the Tennessee River, Huntsville homes deserve comfort that keeps pace with the city’s forward-thinking spirit. HEP’s licensed plumbers bring that same innovation indoors, swapping clunky storage tanks for sleek systems that deliver endless hot water on demand. When you book a tankless water heater install, you’re choosing expert craftsmanship backed by transparent pricing, courteous service, and a local team that treats your schedule—and your floors—with respect.
From the first phone call to the final system test, HEP makes the process effortless: accurate heat-load sizing, meticulous venting, and tidy cleanup come standard. You’ll gain lower energy bills, reclaimed closet space, and the confidence of a manufacturer-approved installation protected by HEP’s satisfaction guarantee. Ready for hotter showers and a greener footprint? Reach out today and see why Huntsville homeowners trust HEP to turn the future of hot water into a present-day upgrade.
FAQs
What are the main advantages of a tankless water heater compared with a traditional storage tank?
Tankless (on-demand) units heat water only when a fixture calls for it, eliminating the standby heat loss you get from keeping 40–50 gallons hot all day. This typically cuts water-heating energy use by 25–40 %, which can translate into annual savings of $80–$150 on a Huntsville utility bill. Because there is no storage tank, you also gain virtually endless hot water—great for families with back-to-back showers—and a unit that is roughly the size of a carry-on suitcase, freeing up valuable floor space. Finally, tankless heaters generally last 18–20 years, about twice the life expectancy of a tank model.
How do I determine the correct size (flow rate) of tankless water heater for my Huntsville home?
Proper sizing revolves around two factors: (1) the maximum gallons per minute (GPM) of hot water your household may demand at one time, and (2) the temperature rise needed to reach 120 °F. We tally the GPM of the fixtures you might run simultaneously—e.g., a shower (2.0 GPM) plus a dishwasher (1.5 GPM) equals 3.5 GPM. Huntsville’s incoming groundwater temperature averages 60 °F, so a 60 °F → 120 °F rise is 60 °F. A unit rated to deliver 4 GPM at a 60 °F rise would comfortably meet that load. Our licensed plumbers perform this calculation during a free in-home assessment and recommend gas or electric models that match your family’s real-world usage.
Are there any local code requirements or permits for installing a tankless water heater in Huntsville?
Yes. Madison County follows the 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC) with Alabama amendments. Any fuel-burning tankless unit must be vented per manufacturer specs and inspected for proper combustion air, clearances, and condensate drainage. Gas models require a permit from the City of Huntsville Inspection Department plus a gas pressure test witnessed by a city inspector or Huntsville Utilities. Electric models over 240 V/60 A usually need a panel load calculation and a separate electrical permit. Our team pulls all required permits, schedules inspections, and provides the customer with signed approval stickers before we close the job.
How long does a professional installation take and what is involved?
Most residential swaps—from tank to tankless—are completed in one working day (6–8 hours). We first drain and remove the old tank, then mount the new compact unit on a wall stud. For gas models we upsize the gas line to ¾″ or 1″ as required, install stainless-steel venting through an exterior wall or roof, and add a condensate neutralizer. For electric models we run a dedicated circuit and install a breaker of the specified amperage. Final steps include flushing the heater, programming temperature, purging air from the lines, and showing you how to operate the control panel. We never leave until hot water is flowing and the work area is spotless.
What does a tankless installation typically cost in the Huntsville area and are there rebates?
Pricing depends on fuel type and any needed utility upgrades. A quality gas unit installed by our licensed plumbers averages $3,200–$3,900, while whole-home electric models run $2,500–$3,300. Costs include permits, materials, removal of the old tank, and labor. Huntsville Utilities occasionally offers $200–$400 rebates for switching from an electric tank to a high-efficiency natural-gas tankless model, and the 25C federal tax credit currently allows up to 30 % (max $600) back on qualifying ENERGY STAR® units through 2032. We handle all rebate paperwork for you.
How do I maintain my new tankless water heater and do you offer service plans?
Tankless systems need annual flushing to remove mineral scale—especially important in North Alabama’s moderately hard water (around 7–9 grains per gallon). The process takes about 45 minutes and keeps the heat exchanger efficient and under warranty. We also inspect the vent, gas pressure, and condensate line at that time. Our company offers a low-cost Precision Tune-Up Plan that includes the yearly flush, a 20-point safety check, priority scheduling, and a 10 % discount on any future plumbing repairs. Regular maintenance not only extends the life of your unit but also preserves manufacturer warranties, many of which require documented annual service.