Lower Energy Bills
Lower Energy Bills | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Mulberry
Mulberry homeowners looking to cut utility costs and never run out of hot water turn to HEP for a professional tankless water heater install. Our certified plumbers remove bulky, inefficient tanks and replace them with sleek, on-demand units that heat water only when you need it—slashing standby energy losses and freeing up valuable space. From choosing the right capacity to handling permits and haul-away, we streamline every step so you can start enjoying endless hot showers and noticeably lower bills right away.
We back every installation with transparent pricing, industry-leading warranties, and the friendly, small-town service Mulberry families expect from HEP. Whether you’re upgrading during a remodel or your old heater just failed, one call gets you same-day solutions, 24/7 emergency support, and the peace of mind that comes from expert craftsmanship. Ready to feel the difference? Schedule your tankless upgrade today and see why locals say HEP keeps the hot water flowing—while the energy costs stay cool.
FAQs
How does a tankless water heater help Mulberry homeowners lower their energy bills?
Traditional storage-tank heaters keep 40–80 gallons of water hot 24/7, which means they cycle on and off even when no one is using hot water. A tankless (on-demand) unit fires up only when a tap is opened, eliminating standby heat loss. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates savings of 24–34 % for homes that use up to 41 gallons of hot water daily—the average for many Mulberry households. Because energy rates in Polk County trend higher during peak cooling months, cutting water-heating waste can reduce your overall utility bill by $80–$150 per year.
What size tankless unit do I need for my family’s hot-water demand?
Sizing is based on two factors: (1) the total flow rate of fixtures/appliances you may use simultaneously and (2) the desired temperature rise (how many degrees the water needs to be heated as it enters your home). Most Mulberry water lines deliver incoming water around 72 °F in summer and 60 °F in winter, so we plan for a 60 °F rise to reach a 120 °F comfortable shower temperature. A typical 3-bathroom home that might run two showers and a washing machine at once usually needs a 9–10 GPM gas model or a 7–8 GPM electric model. During your on-site estimate we measure flow rates and discuss usage patterns to select the most efficient unit without oversizing.
Will my existing plumbing, gas, or electrical service support a new tankless water heater?
In many cases, yes—but a quick inspection lets us know for sure. Gas units require a ¾″ gas line and may need a larger meter to supply 120–200 k Btu/h. We coordinate with TECO Peoples Gas if an upgrade is necessary. Electric models draw 120–150 amps and often need two to three 40- or 50-amp breakers; homes with 150-amp main panels usually need a service upgrade to 200 amps. Plumbing connections are straightforward: we tie into your existing hot- and cold-water lines and route a condensation drain. Venting is done through stainless or PVC pipe run through an exterior wall or the roof, following Florida Mechanical Code 2023 guidelines.
How long does installation take, and will I be without hot water?
A standard swap from a tank to a tankless water heater in Mulberry typically takes 5–7 hours for gas units and 6–9 hours for electric units, depending on venting or panel work. We shut off hot water only after all prep work is complete, so your downtime is usually under 2 hours. For complex retrofits that involve electrical service upgrades, we schedule the work in phases and keep at least one shower operational overnight if the project extends past a single day.
Are there rebates or tax credits available in Mulberry for going tankless?
Yes. Through 2032, the federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit covers 30 % of the unit and installation cost—up to $600 for gas tankless heaters and $2,000 for qualifying heat-pump water heaters. TECO Peoples Gas offers a $675 rebate for new natural-gas tankless installations, and Lakeland Electric customers serving the Mulberry city limits can receive up to $500 for high-efficiency electric units. We file all paperwork for you and provide matching manufacturer rebate forms when available.
What maintenance does a tankless water heater need, and how long will it last?
Because Mulberry’s municipal water hardness averages 10–12 grains per gallon, annual descaling is essential. We flush the heat exchanger with a vinegar or citric-acid solution to remove mineral buildup, check the combustion chamber, clean the inlet filter, and test the temperature sensors. The visit takes about one hour and costs far less than replacing a scale-damaged heat exchanger. With routine maintenance and a water softener or scale-inhibiting filter, gas tankless units last 18–25 years—about double the lifespan of storage tanks—while electric models average 15–20 years.