Standby Energy Loss
Standby Energy Loss | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | New Market
Tired of paying to keep dozens of gallons hot while nobody’s using them? Traditional storage heaters in New Market silently sip electricity or gas all day, wasting energy through standby heat loss and leaving you with higher utility bills. A sleek on-demand system eliminates that waste, delivering endless hot water the moment you open the tap and shutting off when you don’t—no tank, no constant reheating, no surprises.
HEP’s licensed plumbers make the switch simple with expert tankless water heater install service that’s sized for your home, code-compliant, and backed by our rock-solid workmanship guarantee. Enjoy lower monthly costs, extra storage space, and the confidence of 24/7 local support—so the only thing heating up is your shower, not your energy bill.
FAQs
What is standby energy loss, and how does a tankless water heater eliminate it?
Standby energy loss is the heat that escapes from a traditional storage-tank water heater while hot water sits unused in the tank. The unit must keep cycling on to re-heat that stored water, wasting gas or electricity—even when no one is using hot water. Tankless (on-demand) water heaters avoid this waste entirely because they heat water only when a tap is opened. Cold water flows through a high-efficiency heat exchanger, is heated instantly, and is delivered at the set temperature. When the tap is closed, the burner or heating element shuts off, so no energy is lost to standby heat.
How much can I expect to save on energy bills in New Market with a tankless unit?
Actual savings depend on household size, usage patterns, fuel type, and the efficiency of the model you choose, but U.S. Department of Energy studies show gas tankless units can be 24–34 % more efficient for homes that use under 41 gallons of hot water per day. In New Market, where many homes rely on natural gas or propane, we typically see utility bill reductions of $80–$150 per year for a two-to-four-person household. Over the 20-year lifespan of a quality tankless unit, that can translate to $1,600–$3,000 in savings compared to repeatedly replacing conventional tanks.
Can a tankless water heater supply enough hot water for my whole home, especially during cold Maryland winters?
Yes—provided the unit is properly sized and installed. We calculate peak demand (showers, appliances, faucets running simultaneously) and the winter groundwater temperature in Frederick County, which can drop to about 45 °F. Based on those factors we select a tankless model with the right flow rate (normally 7–11 GPM for most New Market homes). Modern condensing units with 95 %+ efficiency easily maintain 120 °F output even on the coldest days, ensuring endless hot water for multiple fixtures at once.
What is involved in converting from a storage-tank heater to a tankless system?
1. Site Assessment: We inspect gas line capacity, venting pathways, electrical service, and water quality. 2. Gas Line Upgrade: Many tankless heaters need a ¾-inch gas line and up to 200 k BTU input. We enlarge or reroute lines if necessary. 3. Venting: High-efficiency condensing units use 2- or 3-inch PVC or polypropylene venting through an exterior wall or roof. Non-condensing models use stainless steel. 4. Water & Condensate Connections: We install isolation valves, a pressure relief valve, and a condensate drain. 5. Electrical: A standard 120 V outlet powers the control board and ignition system; electric models require dedicated 240 V circuits. 6. Commissioning: We flush lines, program temperature, check combustion, and register the warranty. The full retrofit usually takes one business day.
Are there local rebates, incentives, or code requirements for tankless installations in New Market?
Yes. As of 2024: • Potomac Edison offers a $400 rebate for ENERGY STAR® certified gas tankless water heaters with ≥0.90 UEF. • The federal Inflation Reduction Act provides a 30 % tax credit (up to $600) for qualifying high-efficiency models. • Frederick County follows the 2021 International Plumbing Code, which requires thermal expansion control and a listed temperature-pressure relief valve. Gas units must also meet the 2021 International Fuel Gas Code for venting and combustion air. We handle all permit applications, rebate paperwork, and code inspections to ensure your installation is fully compliant and you receive every available incentive.
What maintenance do tankless water heaters require, and do you offer service plans?
Tankless units need less day-to-day attention than tanks but should be flushed annually (or bi-annually if you have hard water) to remove scale from the heat exchanger. This maintains efficiency, prevents error codes, and protects your warranty. A full service visit includes: • Descaling with a food-grade vinegar solution • Cleaning the inlet water filter and combustion fan • Checking gas pressure, vent integrity, and burner performance • Updating firmware on digital models We offer Tier-1 and Tier-2 service plans that include yearly flushes, priority scheduling, 10 % parts discounts, and extended labor warranties. Enrolling keeps your system running at peak efficiency and extends its lifespan well beyond the typical 20-year mark.