Standby Energy Loss
Standby Energy Loss | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Luttrell
Imagine stepping into a shower where hot water flows instantly and keeps flowing, yet your energy bills keep shrinking. That’s the everyday reality HEP brings to Luttrell homeowners with our expert tankless water heater install services. By eliminating bulky storage tanks and their constant reheating cycle, we wipe out standby energy loss, delivering endless hot water only when you need it—so you pay for heat, not heat-that-waits.
Our licensed plumbers handle everything from precise gas or electric sizing to neat wall-mounting, venting, and haul-away of your old unit, usually in a single visit. You’ll gain valuable space, up to 40% energy savings, and the peace of mind that comes from a rock-solid warranty backed by a local team that’s on call 24/7. Ready to make the switch? Let HEP’s tankless water heater install transform the way your Luttrell home heats water—efficiently, reliably, and for years to come.
FAQs
What is “stand-by energy loss,” and how does a tankless water heater eliminate it?
Stand-by energy loss is the heat that continually escapes through the walls and plumbing connections of a traditional storage tank, forcing the unit to re-heat water 24/7—even when no hot water is being used. A tankless (on-demand) water heater has no storage tank; it uses high-efficiency burners or heating elements that ignite only when a hot-water tap opens. Because there’s no stored water to keep warm, the stand-by losses drop to virtually zero, cutting overall water-heating energy use by 8 – 34 % according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
How much can a Luttrell homeowner expect to save on utility bills after switching to tankless?
Actual savings depend on usage patterns, fuel type, and the efficiency of the unit being replaced, but most Luttrell families see their water-heating costs drop 10 – 25 %. Smaller households (1-2 people) that use less than 41 gal/day realize the greatest percentage savings because the tank is kept hot for long idle periods. Larger families still save, especially when multiple tankless units or a recirculation loop with a timer is used to minimize wait times.
Will a tankless water heater supply enough hot water for my entire home?
Yes—provided the unit is sized correctly. Tankless models are rated by flow rate (gallons per minute, or GPM) and required temperature rise. During the initial consultation, our Luttrell plumbers calculate the peak demand (showers, dishwasher, laundry running at once) and local groundwater temperature to select a unit that can deliver the needed GPM. In some cases we recommend installing two smaller units in parallel or dedicated point-of-use heaters for high-demand fixtures to ensure unlimited hot water without pressure or temperature dips.
What does the installation process involve and how long does it take?
1. Site assessment – We inspect your existing water heater location, gas line or electrical capacity, venting path, and condensate drain options. 2. Load upgrades – Many homes need a larger gas line (¾" or 1") or a 40-60 amp circuit for electric models; we handle those upgrades. 3. Mounting & connections – The compact unit is wall-hung, water lines are re-routed, and isolation valves are added for easy future servicing. 4. Venting & condensate – High-efficiency gas units require stainless or PVC vent pipes and a safe drain for acidic condensate. 5. Commissioning – We flush the lines, set temperature, and verify combustion or electrical parameters. For most retrofit jobs in Luttrell, installation takes 4–8 hours and hot water is restored the same day.
Are there rebates or tax incentives available in Luttrell or Tennessee for going tankless?
Yes. Tennessee homeowners can currently claim a 30 % federal tax credit (up to $600) on qualifying ENERGY STAR-certified gas tankless models through 2032. In addition, Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB) natural-gas customers—many residents just south of Luttrell—offer up to $300 in bill credits for high-efficiency gas appliances. We provide all model numbers and paperwork and will help you apply so you don’t leave money on the table.
What maintenance does a tankless unit need to keep stand-by losses at zero and efficiency high?
Although tankless heaters don’t suffer from tank corrosion, they still need annual attention: • Descale/flush the heat exchanger with food-grade vinegar or a citric-acid solution to remove mineral buildup (every 12 months in Luttrell’s moderately hard water). • Clean the water filter screen and air intake filter. • Inspect the vent, gas pressure, and combustion parameters. • Check or replace the anode in condensing models’ mini-tank (if equipped). Our plumbers can perform a full tune-up in about an hour, preserving the warranty and ensuring your unit continues operating at peak efficiency with virtually no stand-by loss.