Energy Savings
Energy Savings | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Oak Ridge
Imagine never running out of hot water during those chilly Oak Ridge mornings while watching your utility bills shrink month after month. That’s the everyday reality HEP’s certified plumbers bring to your home with a professional tankless water heater install. By heating water only when you need it, these sleek units slash standby energy loss, free up valuable space, and deliver an endlessly refreshing stream for showers, laundry, and dishes—all at once.
From your first call to the final safety check, our local team makes upgrading effortless. We’ll size the perfect system, handle permits, and haul away the old tank, leaving you with nothing but reliable performance backed by HEP’s 100% satisfaction guarantee. Ready to embrace smarter, greener comfort? Schedule your tankless water heater install today and experience how HEP turns hot water into real energy savings for Oak Ridge families.
FAQs
What advantages does a tankless water heater offer Oak Ridge homeowners compared with a traditional storage-tank model?
A tankless (on-demand) water heater heats water only when a fixture is opened, eliminating stand-by heat loss from a 40- or 50-gallon tank that constantly cools and reheats. In Oak Ridge that typically translates to 25-40 % lower energy use, endless hot water for back-to-back showers, and a compact wall-hung unit that frees up floor space. Because the heat exchangers are stainless steel or copper rather than glass-lined steel, a quality tankless heater lasts 20–25 years—roughly double the life of a tank. Many models also let you dial in temperature precisely, reducing scald risk and further trimming utility costs.
How much could I realistically save on my utility bills after switching to a tankless system?
The exact savings depend on your household’s hot-water demand, fuel type, and current equipment efficiency. In Oak Ridge, natural gas rates average about $1.30 per therm and electricity averages 11–12¢/kWh. A mid-efficiency gas storage-tank heater is roughly 60 % efficient, while a modern tankless unit runs 0.82–0.99 UEF. For a family using 50 gallons of hot water per day, a gas tankless model typically saves $90–$150 per year in fuel and an electric tankless saves $120–$180 annually over an electric tank. Larger families or homes with recirculation loops often see even greater savings because standby losses rise exponentially with usage hours.
Is my Oak Ridge home compatible with a tankless unit, and how do I choose between gas and electric models?
Most houses in Oak Ridge can accommodate either gas or electric tankless heaters, but there are a few checklist items: • Gas units need a ¾-in. gas supply line capable of delivering 120–200 k BTU/h and Category III/IV stainless venting to the exterior. Our technicians perform a load calculation and can upsize the meter if needed. • Electric units require 100–150 A of dedicated 240-V breakers; homes with 150-A main panels may need an upgrade. • Both types must be placed within 50 ft of the main water line for best performance and can be mounted indoors or outdoors (with freeze protection). • Hard-water scaling is moderate in Oak Ridge, so we recommend adding a ½-micron particulate filter and a small scale-inhibitor cartridge to maximize exchanger life.
What does the installation process involve and how long will I be without hot water?
A standard replacement in Oak Ridge—removing one gas tank and installing a wall-hung gas tankless—takes about one working day. We: 1. Drain and remove the old tank. 2. Run new ¾-in. gas piping (or conduit for electric models) and install stainless venting through an exterior wall or roof. 3. Mount the tankless unit, connect water, gas/electric, and condensate drain. 4. Flush the lines, program temperature, and pull permits for local inspection. Hot water is typically restored by late afternoon. For retrofits requiring panel upgrades or long vent runs, plan on an additional half-day. Our team schedules installations to minimize downtime and provides temporary hot-water access if needed.
How do maintenance requirements for a tankless heater differ from those of a storage-tank heater?
While you no longer need to worry about tank rust or anode-rod replacement, tankless units benefit from periodic descaling. Oak Ridge water measures about 5–7 grains hardness, so we recommend a vinegar or citric-acid flush once a year (15-minute procedure using built-in service valves). Air-intake filters should be vacuumed every 6 months. Compared with a tank heater’s risk of leakage and annual sediment flushing, the routine for a tankless is quicker, cleaner, and costs roughly $75–$100 if you prefer professional service. With these simple steps, the heat exchanger can deliver 20-plus years of efficient operation.
Are there local rebates or tax incentives available for installing an energy-efficient tankless water heater in Oak Ridge?
Yes. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) typically offers a $150–$250 rebate for ENERGY STAR® certified gas tankless water heaters purchased through a Quality Contractor Network member (we are one). Electric tankless models may qualify for a $50 per kW rebate when paired with a whole-home energy audit. In addition, the 25C federal tax credit covers 30 % of project cost—up to $600—for gas tankless units with ≥0.95 UEF installed after January 1 2023. We handle all rebate paperwork and provide the Manufacturer’s Certification Statement so you can claim the credit on IRS Form 5695.