Compact Units
Compact Units | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Mountain City
Enjoy endless hot water without sacrificing square footage. HEP’s compact units are engineered for efficiency, giving Mountain City homeowners on-demand comfort while freeing up valuable space once swallowed by bulky tanks. Our certified plumbers handle every detail of your tankless water heater install—from sizing and venting to flawless gas, electric, or hybrid hookups—so you can experience lower energy bills and a shower that never turns cold.
Whether you’re retrofitting an older cabin or outfitting new construction, we tailor each system to match your family’s usage and Mountain City’s unique climate demands. With transparent pricing, fast scheduling, and rock-solid warranties, HEP makes upgrading to tankless both simple and stress-free. Reach out today and discover how compact can feel so luxurious.
FAQs
How does a tankless water heater work and why is it ideal for compact spaces?
Unlike traditional heaters that store 30–50 gallons of hot water in a bulky tank, a tankless (or on-demand) unit uses high-output burners or electric elements to heat water only when a hot-water tap is opened. When the tap closes, the burner shuts off, so no standby heat is lost. Because the heat exchanger and controls are contained in a wall-mounted cabinet roughly the size of a carry-on suitcase, the system frees up valuable floor space—perfect for smaller Mountain City homes, cabins, and accessory dwelling units.
Will a tankless water heater perform well in Mountain City’s high-altitude, cold-winter climate?
Yes. Modern units are factory-rated for elevations up to 9,800 ft. (Mountain City sits around 6,600 ft.) and include electronic combustion controls that automatically adjust the fuel-air mixture for thinner air. Models we install also feature built-in freeze protection down to –30 °F, which is more than enough for local winters. To maintain the advertised flow rate, we select burners with a slightly higher BTU rating to offset the colder groundwater (typically 45–50 °F in January).
How do I choose the right size (flow rate) tankless unit for my household?
Sizing is based on peak simultaneous demand. We add up the flow rates of the fixtures you might use at the same time—for example, 2.5 GPM for a shower, 1.0 GPM for a kitchen sink, and 1.5 GPM for a washing machine equals 5 GPM. Then we check the temperature rise required: local incoming water averages 50 °F, and comfortable hot water is 120 °F, so we need a 70 °F rise. A gas unit that delivers 5 GPM at a 70 °F rise (about 160,000 BTU/h) would meet that demand. Our technicians perform this calculation during a free on-site assessment and recommend the smallest model that covers your lifestyle, saving both money and energy.
What utility upgrades and permits are needed for an installation in Mountain City?
• Gas models: A dedicated ¾-in. gas line capable of supplying 160–199 k BTU/h and Category III stainless-steel venting that terminates outdoors. We coordinate with the local gas company if a meter upsizing is required. • Electric models: One or more 240-V breakers (40–60 A each, depending on unit size) and 8-2 or 6-2 wiring to the mounting location. • Permits/inspections: Mountain City Building Department requires a mechanical permit, and the work must be inspected for proper combustion air, venting, and seismic strapping. Compact Units Plumbing pulls the permit for you and attends the final inspection so you don’t have to.
What routine maintenance is required and how long will the unit last?
To keep warranty coverage valid and efficiency high, tankless heaters need an annual 30-minute flush with white vinegar or descaling solution to remove mineral buildup. Mountain City’s water hardness averages 7–9 grains per gallon, so one flush per year is adequate. The inlet filter screen should be rinsed every six months. With this simple care, gas units typically last 20–25 years—about twice the life of a tank heater—while electric models last 15–20 years.
What does installation cost and what energy savings can I expect?
Installed prices in Mountain City start around $2,900 for a basic electric unit and $3,800–$4,800 for a mid-range gas condensing model, including permits and removal of the old tank. Households that use 40–60 gallons of hot water a day usually see 25–40 % lower energy bills because standby losses are eliminated and efficiency ratings reach 95 %. Many customers report recouping the upfront cost in 5–7 years through lower utility bills and the longer service life.