Tankless Water-heater Installs
Tankless Water-heater Installs | Plumbing | Lake City
Tired of rationing hot water in your Lake City home? HEP makes the switch to a compact, energy-efficient tankless heater effortless. Our factory-trained technicians arrive on time, assess your family’s hot-water demands, and size the perfect unit so you get endless, on-demand comfort while trimming utility bills. From removing the old tank to upgrading gas lines and venting, every step is handled with meticulous care, backed by the area’s most trusted same-day service guarantee.
Because a tankless system is only as reliable as the pipes behind it, we bundle installation with expert plumbing craftsmanship you can depend on for decades. Expect up-front pricing, thorough clean-up, and a friendly walkthrough of your new digital controls before we leave. Ready to enjoy continuous hot water and peace of mind? Call HEP today and feel the difference the moment you turn on the tap.
FAQs
How does a tankless water heater work, and is it a good choice for Lake City’s climate?
Tankless (on-demand) units heat water only when a hot-water tap opens. A sensor detects flow, ignites a high-efficiency burner or energizes electric elements, and water passes through a heat exchanger on its way to the fixture. Because Lake City sits in North Florida’s mild climate zone, groundwater temperatures are moderate year-round, so the heater doesn’t have to work as hard as it would up north. Most modern models also include built-in freeze protection down to –30 °F, making them perfectly suitable for the occasional cold snap Lake City experiences.
What size tankless water heater do I need for my Lake City home?
Sizing is based on two factors: (1) your maximum simultaneous hot-water demand, measured in gallons per minute (GPM), and (2) the required temperature rise (difference between incoming groundwater and desired output temperature). In Lake City, incoming water averages 70-72 °F, so achieving a 120 °F shower requires only a 50 ° rise. A typical family of four running two showers and a dishwasher at once needs roughly 6–8 GPM, so a 180,000 BTU gas unit or a 27 kW electric unit is usually sufficient. We perform a free in-home load calculation to ensure the model we recommend meets your exact peak-demand needs.
How much can I expect to save on energy bills by switching to a tankless unit?
Because tankless heaters eliminate standby heat loss, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates savings of 24–34 % for homes that use under 40 gallons of hot water per day, and 8–14 % for heavier-use households. In Lake City, where natural-gas rates average about $1.50 per therm, that can translate to $80–$120 in annual savings versus a standard 50-gallon storage tank. Electric tankless models save roughly 10–20 % on kWh usage. Additional benefits include potential rebates from Florida utilities and a federal tax credit of 30 % (up to $600) for ENERGY STAR-certified units.
Will I need to upgrade my gas line or electrical service to install a tankless water heater?
Possibly. High-output gas units often require a ¾-inch or 1-inch gas line capable of 150–199 kBTU/h. If your existing line is undersized, we can upsize the branch or install a dedicated line from the meter. Electric tankless heaters typically need one to three 240-volt, 40–60 amp breakers and #6 to #4 AWG wiring; homes with 100-amp service may need a panel upgrade. Our technicians perform a load-calculation and code compliance check during the estimate and provide a firm quote for any needed upgrades before work begins.
What permits and inspections are required in Lake City for a tankless water heater installation?
Lake City follows Columbia County’s building code, which adopts the Florida Building Code (FBC). A plumbing/mechanical permit is required for both gas and electric tankless installations, and gas units also need a gas-piping pressure test. After installation, a county inspector verifies combustion air, venting, seismic strapping, electrical connections, and proper relief-valve discharge. We handle all paperwork, schedule the inspection, and provide you with the signed-off permit card once the job passes.
How often does a tankless water heater need maintenance, and what is its expected lifespan?
Manufacturers recommend a yearly descaling (flush) to remove mineral buildup, especially in Lake City where water hardness averages 120–140 ppm. Flushing with white vinegar or a citric-acid solution keeps the heat exchanger efficient. Cleaning the inlet screen filter and checking the condensate drain (for condensing gas models) should be done at the same time. With regular maintenance, gas tankless units last 20+ years and electric models 15–20 years—roughly double the life expectancy of conventional storage tanks.