Energy Savings
Energy Savings | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Ooltewah
Imagine endless hot water, lower utility bills, and extra space in your Ooltewah home—all delivered by HEP’s expert team. Our certified plumbers remove bulky, outdated tanks and replace them with sleek, high-efficiency units that heat water on demand. Because the system only runs when you open a tap, you could slash energy use by up to 40%, enjoy faster recovery times, and gain the peace of mind that comes with a product backed by industry-leading warranties.
From the initial consultation to the final inspection, a HEP “tankless water heater install” is tailored to your lifestyle and budget. We handle permits, gas or electric upgrades, and haul-away, then show you how to maximize every smart feature before we leave. Ready to start saving? Call or click today and let Ooltewah’s most trusted plumbing pros bring the future of hot water to your home.
FAQs
How does a tankless water heater save energy compared to a traditional tank unit?
Traditional water 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 unit heats water only when a tap is opened. This on-demand operation eliminates standby losses and typically cuts water-heating energy use by 15–40 %. Most modern tankless models also modulate their burners or heating elements to match flow rate, so they never fire at full capacity if you are just washing hands. Over the life of the heater, the lower energy consumption can translate into hundreds of dollars in utility-bill savings for an average Ooltewah household.
Are tankless water heaters suitable for the water quality and climate in Ooltewah, TN?
Yes. Ooltewah’s municipal water is moderately hard, but it is well within the hardness range that tankless manufacturers design for. We install units with built-in scale-inhibition technology and, when hardness exceeds 12 grains per gallon, we recommend an affordable inline filter to maximize heat-exchanger life. Because winters are relatively mild, incoming water temperatures seldom drop below 50 °F, allowing a single whole-house unit to deliver 3–5 gallons per minute of 120 °F hot water—plenty for two fixtures running simultaneously.
What size tankless water heater do I need for my Ooltewah home?
Sizing is based on the maximum number of fixtures you expect to use at one time and the desired temperature rise (difference between incoming and set-point temperature). In Ooltewah, we calculate about a 70 °F rise in the coldest months (50 °F inlet to 120 °F outlet). A typical family of four wanting to run two showers (2 gpm each) and a sink (1 gpm) simultaneously needs roughly 5 gpm at 70 °F rise—equivalent to a 150–190 k BTU natural-gas unit or an 18–24 kW electric model. During your onsite estimate, we measure flow rates, check gas or electrical service capacity, and recommend the right model so you never run out of hot water.
How long does the installation process take and what should I expect on install day?
Most replacements are completed in one day. We begin by shutting off utilities, draining and removing the old tank, then mounting the compact tankless unit on a wall. Venting (for gas models), gas line upsizing, and a dedicated 120 V outlet are added if needed. Water lines get insulated and a sediment flush valve is installed to simplify maintenance. Before we leave, we purge air, test for gas or water leaks, set your preferred temperature, and show you how to operate the digital controller. All debris is hauled away, and you’ll have hot water the same afternoon.
What maintenance is required to keep my tankless water heater running efficiently?
Tankless systems are low-maintenance, but they do need periodic care: • Annual or bi-annual descaling: We flush the heat exchanger with a mild vinegar solution to remove mineral buildup. • Inlet-screen cleaning: A 5-minute task that keeps sediment from restricting flow. • Combustion check (gas units): We verify proper gas pressure and clean the burner to maintain high efficiency and low NOₓ emissions. Routine service takes less than an hour and can add 5–10 years to the unit’s life. We offer an affordable maintenance plan to handle this for you.
What incentives, rebates, or financing options are available for energy-efficient water heater upgrades in Ooltewah?
Residents served by EPB or TVA-associated utilities may qualify for the TVA EnergyRight® program, which offers rebates of $50–$150 for qualifying electric tankless models. Natural-gas customers can receive up to $200 from Chattanooga Gas for high-efficiency gas units. The 2023 federal Inflation Reduction Act also provides a 30 % tax credit (up to $600) on ENERGY STAR® certified equipment and up to $2,000 for heat-pump water heaters. We handle all paperwork, apply rebates as instant discounts when possible, and have 0 % APR financing for 6–18 months to spread out any remaining cost.