Efficiency Upgrade
Efficiency Upgrade | Tank Water Heater | Plumbing | La Follette
In La Follette, HEP’s Efficiency Upgrade Plumbing team is changing the way homeowners think about hot water. When your old system starts to guzzle energy or struggle to keep up with demand, our experts step in with a seamless, start-to-finish replacement that pairs precision installation with cutting-edge efficiency. You’ll enjoy lower utility bills, reliable performance, and that satisfying feeling of stepping into a shower that never runs cold—all delivered by friendly, highly trained professionals who treat your home as if it were their own.
Better still, every tank water heater we install is backed by generous manufacturer warranties and HEP’s rock-solid workmanship guarantee. We insulate lines, calibrate thermostats, and haul away the outdated unit, leaving you with nothing but dependable hot water and peace of mind. Schedule your free estimate today and see why La Follette families trust HEP for plumbing upgrades that pay for themselves in comfort, savings, and lasting value.
FAQs
What efficiency upgrades are available for a standard tank water heater in La Follette?
The most common upgrades include adding an insulated tank jacket, installing heat-trap fittings, upgrading to a high-efficiency (0.64–0.70 UEF) electric or gas model, adding a timer or smart controller to reduce standby heat loss, and retrofitting with a mixing valve that allows you to set a higher storage temperature while delivering safe tap temperatures, thereby reducing draw-downs.
How much can I expect to save on energy bills after an efficiency upgrade?
Savings vary by household size and water-use habits, but La Follette homeowners typically see 10–20 % lower energy costs when they insulate the tank and hot-water lines, and up to 30 % when they replace an older unit (10–15 years old) with a high-efficiency model. TVA’s average electricity rate is around 12¢/kWh, so a family spending $400 a year on water heating could save $40–$120 annually.
Do I need to replace my current tank to improve efficiency, or can I retrofit it?
You don’t always need a full replacement. If your tank is less than 8 years old and in good condition, retrofits such as an insulation blanket, heat traps, or a smart timer can meaningfully reduce standby losses. If the tank is over 10 years old, has corrosion, or a low Uniform Energy Factor (UEF), replacement with a newer high-efficiency unit is usually more cost-effective in the long run.
How long does a typical efficiency upgrade or replacement take?
Most retrofits (installing a jacket, heat traps, or a timer) take 1–2 hours. A full tank replacement with a high-efficiency model generally requires 3–4 hours, including draining the old tank, making plumbing and electrical or gas connections, and commissioning the new unit. Our La Follette team schedules upgrades at a time that minimizes hot-water downtime for your household.
Are there any local rebates or incentives for upgrading my tank water heater?
Yes. The Tennessee Valley Authority’s EnergyRight program periodically offers rebates for high-efficiency electric water heaters (check current UEF requirements). In addition, the federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (25C) can cover up to 30 % of the cost, capped at $600 for water heaters meeting Energy Star criteria. We help customers complete the paperwork and supply model numbers to ensure eligibility.
What ongoing maintenance is recommended after an efficiency upgrade?
After upgrading, flush the tank annually to remove sediment, which improves heat transfer efficiency. Test the temperature-pressure relief valve yearly, inspect the anode rod every 3–5 years, and verify the insulation jacket remains intact around controls and vents. If you added a timer or smart controller, review its settings each season to match your family’s schedule and maintain peak savings.