High-efficiency Tanks
High-efficiency Tanks | Tank Water Heater | Plumbing | Loudon
When your morning routine hinges on a dependable rush of hot water, HEP’s high-efficiency tanks keep Loudon homes humming. Our seasoned plumbers pair cutting-edge insulation and precision thermostats with meticulous installation, so you get rapid recovery times, lower utility bills, and peace of mind all year long.
Whether you’re replacing an aging tank water heater or building a new space that deserves the best, we’ll size your system for peak performance and safety. From corrosion-resistant anode rods to leak-proof connections, every detail is engineered to stretch the lifespan of your investment.
Call HEP today and take advantage of same-day service, transparent pricing, and the friendly expertise your neighbors have trusted for decades. Hot water, happier wallet—that’s the Loudon way.
FAQs
How does a high-efficiency tank water heater differ from a standard model?
High-efficiency (HE) tank water heaters use advanced burner or heating-element designs, thicker foam insulation, and high-performance heat exchangers to capture more heat and reduce standby losses. Many gas HE models are “condensing” units that reclaim heat from exhaust gases, while electric HE units employ hybrid heat-pump technology. These improvements raise the Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) from the 0.59–0.65 range of conventional tanks to 0.70–0.95 or higher, meaning you get more hot water for each unit of energy consumed.
What kind of energy and cost savings can Loudon homeowners expect?
Savings vary with fuel type and usage, but most Loudon families see a 25–40 % drop in water-heating energy consumption after switching to an HE tank. For a natural-gas household using 160 therms per year for hot water, that could mean 40–60 therms saved annually—roughly $60–$90 at current East Tennessee gas rates. Electric hybrid tanks can save 1,500–2,000 kWh per year, translating to $180–$240 in local TVA-supplied electricity costs. Over a 10-year life, the heater typically pays for itself and then some.
Are high-efficiency tank water heaters eligible for rebates or tax incentives in Loudon?
Yes. Through 2032, qualifying ENERGY STAR-listed heaters earn a federal tax credit of 30 % of the project cost, up to $600 for gas units or $2,000 for electric heat-pump models (Form 5695). Local utilities, including Loudon Utilities Board and LCUB, periodically offer $150–$300 bill credits for ENERGY STAR replacements. We handle all rebate paperwork, provide AHRI certificates, and supply itemized invoices so you can claim every available incentive.
How long does installation take and will my hot water be off the whole time?
Most replacements are completed in 3–5 hours. We start by draining and removing your old tank, set the new HE model, connect water, gas/electric, and venting lines, then fill, purge air, and test. Your hot water is typically unavailable only during that window; we schedule installations at times that minimize disruption, and same-day service is standard across Loudon County.
What routine maintenance is required to keep an HE tank operating efficiently?
1) Flush the tank once a year to remove sediment and maintain efficiency. 2) Inspect and, if necessary, replace the anode rod every 3–5 years to prevent corrosion. 3) Clean the intake screen or condensate trap (gas) or air filter (heat-pump electric) annually. 4) Test the temperature-and-pressure relief valve. We offer low-cost annual tune-ups and can send reminders so you never miss a service interval.
What size high-efficiency tank do I need for my household?
Sizing depends on First-Hour Rating (FHR) rather than just gallon capacity. A typical Loudon household of 2–3 people usually needs a 40–50-gallon HE gas tank with an FHR of 60–70 gallons. A family of 4–5 often opts for a 50–65-gallon tank (FHR 80–90 gallons), while larger or high-demand homes may require 75-gallon condensing units or dual heat-pump electrics. During a free in-home assessment, we calculate peak demand, check fuel availability, and recommend the right model so you never run out of hot water.