Energy Bills
Energy Bills | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Johnson City
Imagine turning on the tap in your Johnson City home and having a continuous stream of perfectly heated water—without the standby losses of a traditional tank. That’s what HEP’s Energy Bills Plumbing team delivers with our tankless water heater install service, designed to slash utility costs while freeing up valuable space. Our licensed technicians evaluate your household’s hot-water demand, recommend the ideal high-efficiency model, and complete the installation quickly, cleanly, and up to code so you can enjoy endless comfort the very same day.
From the first phone call to the final system check, we back every project with transparent pricing, local know-how, and a rock-solid satisfaction guarantee. You’ll gain instant energy savings, longer equipment life, and the confidence that your new unit is protected by generous manufacturer warranties and HEP’s trusted maintenance plans. Ready to upgrade? Let us show you why Johnson City homeowners turn to HEP for smarter plumbing solutions that pay for themselves.
FAQs
How will switching to a tankless water heater lower my energy bills in Johnson City?
Traditional storage heaters keep 40–80 gallons of water hot 24/7, so you pay for "stand-by" heat that you never actually use. A tankless unit only fires its gas burner or heating elements when you open a tap, eliminating those stand-by losses. Because Johnson City’s utility rates average 12–14¢/kWh for electricity and around $1.10–$1.30/therm for natural gas, most homeowners see water-heating costs drop 20–40 %. Families that use less than 60 gallons of hot water a day often save even more because the unit idles at essentially zero energy draw.
Will a tankless heater keep up with demand during East Tennessee’s colder winters?
Yes, as long as the unit is sized correctly. Ground-water temperatures in Johnson City dip to roughly 50 °F in January, so the heater must raise water about 70 °F to reach a comfortable 120 °F. Our installers calculate the required temperature rise against the gallons-per-minute (GPM) you need—typically 6–8 GPM for a two-bath home. We stock models rated 180,000–199,000 BTU/h that can deliver that flow even on the coldest mornings. If your home has multiple simultaneous demands—laundry, dishwasher, two showers—we can pipe two units in parallel or recommend a recirculation loop for instant hot water without lag.
What size tankless water heater should I choose for my household?
Sizing is based on the busiest 15-minute window of hot-water use, not on tank capacity. We’ll total up the flow rates of the fixtures you normally use together (e.g., 2.5 GPM shower + 1.5 GPM kitchen tap + 1.0 GPM washing machine = 5 GPM). Then we factor in winter inlet temperature to be sure the unit can handle the required temperature rise at that flow. For most three-bedroom homes in Johnson City, a 7–9 GPM gas condensing unit (≈190,000 BTU/h) is ideal. All-electric homes may need two point-of-use electric units because whole-house electric tankless models draw up to 150 A at 240 V and often require a service-panel upgrade.
How long does installation take, and will I be without hot water?
A straightforward replacement of a gas tank unit with a gas tankless model usually takes 5–7 hours. We handle venting changes, gas-line upsizing, water-line rerouting, and electrical wiring in one visit. You’ll be without hot water only during the final 1–2 hours when we disconnect the old tank and tie in the new system. Complex jobs—moving the unit to an exterior wall, adding a recirculation line, or installing an electric model that needs a panel upgrade—can take a full day. We schedule around your routine and keep at least one bathroom operational whenever possible.
Are there rebates or tax incentives available for tankless installations in Johnson City?
Yes. Through 2032, the federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (26 U.S. C. § 25C) covers 30 % of the total installed cost of a high-efficiency gas tankless water heater, up to $600. On the utility side, BrightRidge and TVA periodically offer $200–$400 bill credits for ENERGY STAR-certified gas condensing tankless units with ≥0.90 UEF. We complete and submit all rebate paperwork for you and provide the Manufacturer’s Certification Statement for your tax records.
What maintenance does a tankless water heater require, and can you handle it for me?
Unlike a tank, a tankless heater won’t rust or leak, but its heat exchanger can scale up in Johnson City’s moderately hard (8–10 grains) water. Manufacturers recommend an annual 45-minute vinegar or citric-acid flush to keep efficiency high and preserve the warranty. Our Energy Bills Plumbing Service Club includes this flush, a full diagnostic check, filter cleaning, and combustion analysis each year. Members also get priority scheduling and a 15 % discount on any future repairs.