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Energy Costs
Energy Costs | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | McDonald
Looking to cut monthly utility bills without sacrificing comfort in your McDonald home? HEP’s Energy Costs Plumbing team specializes in tankless water heater install services that deliver endless hot water on demand while slashing standby energy loss. Our certified technicians arrive on time, assess your household’s flow rate needs, and mount sleek, space-saving units that ignite only when a tap is turned—no more heating 40 gallons you’re not using. The result is up to 40% lower energy costs, a longer equipment life span, and valuable square footage reclaimed from bulky tanks.
From first consultation to final system check, we handle permits, gas or electric line upgrades, and haul away your old heater at no extra charge. McDonald neighbors love that we’re local, transparent, and back every installation with industry-leading warranties plus HEP’s “Happy You’ll Be” guarantee. Ready to enjoy reliable, efficient hot water year-round? Schedule your tankless water heater install today and feel the savings flow.
FAQs
How much can I save on energy costs by switching to a tankless water heater in McDonald?
Most households in the McDonald, PA area cut their water-heating bills 25–40 % when they replace an aging storage-tank unit with a properly sized gas-fired tankless model. For an average family using 50–60 gallons of hot water per day, that translates to $120–$250 in annual utility savings, depending on local gas rates. Savings come from eliminating standby heat loss (a tankless unit heats water only when you open a tap) and the higher Energy Factor (0.82–0.97 compared with 0.55–0.65 for many tank models).
Do tankless water heaters qualify for rebates or tax credits in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Through 12/31/2032, qualifying ENERGY STAR® tankless water heaters with a uniform energy factor (UEF) ≥ 0.95 are eligible for a 30 % federal tax credit, up to $600. Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania and Peoples Gas also offer local rebates—typically $200–$400—for high-efficiency tankless installations performed by a licensed contractor in McDonald. We provide all paperwork and AHRI certificates so you can claim both incentives and maximize your upfront savings.
What size tankless unit do I need for my McDonald home?
Sizing is based on flow rate (gallons per minute) and required temperature rise. In McDonald, incoming winter water temperature averages 45 °F, so to deliver 120 °F water you need a 75 °F rise. A family of four running two showers and a dishwasher simultaneously needs about 6–7 GPM at that rise, which points to a 180,000 BTU (approximately 9.0 GPM rated) unit. A smaller household or one with low simultaneous demand may only need a 150,000 BTU model. Our free in-home evaluation calculates your exact demand so you don’t over- or under-size.
How long does a tankless water heater installation take, and will my water be off?
Most retrofits in McDonald single-family homes are completed in one day—about 6–8 hours. We shut off water and gas only during the change-over (roughly 2 hours) and restore service before we leave. If venting, gas line upsizing, or electrical upgrades are extensive, a two-day schedule may be required; however, we always ensure you have hot water by the first evening or we supply temporary heating at no charge.
Are tankless units reliable during Western Pennsylvania’s cold winters?
Absolutely. Modern condensing tankless heaters use dual stainless-steel heat exchangers and freeze-protection circuitry that activates an internal heater whenever temperatures drop near 36 °F. As long as the unit has power and gas, it will not freeze. In addition, we add insulated pipe covers and, where needed, install a recirculation loop so you get hot water quickly even on sub-zero mornings.
What maintenance do tankless water heaters require and how much does it cost?
Plan on an annual flush to remove mineral scale and keep efficiency high—especially important with McDonald’s moderately hard (8–10 grains) water. The service involves circulating a food-grade vinegar solution for 30–40 minutes, checking the ignition assembly, and updating firmware on electronic controls. Our maintenance plan is $129 per visit or $99 when bundled with your HVAC tune-up. Regular service extends the heat exchanger warranty (usually 15 years) and prevents error codes that can reduce flow or temperature.