Energy Costs
Energy Costs | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Philadelphia
Philadelphia homeowners are trading steamy basement tanks for sleek, wall-mounted performance, and HEP makes the switch effortless. Our certified technicians size your system for the city’s rowhome quirks, arrive with fully stocked vans, and complete most tankless water heater install projects in a single visit—so you’re enjoying endless hot water before the Flyers hit the ice. Because tankless units fire only when you turn the tap, you can expect up to 40 % savings on energy costs, lower carbon footprints, and a utility closet that suddenly feels twice as big.
From permit pull to post-installation flush, we handle everything, including PECO rebate paperwork and 24/7 emergency support. Whether you’re replacing a rusty 50-gallon tank or designing a new build’s mechanical room, HEP backs every tankless water heater with manufacturer warranties and our own craftsmanship guarantee. Ready to future-proof your hot water? Call, click, or text today and let Philadelphia’s energy-cost pros turn your cold shower fears into endless comfort.
FAQs
How much can I save on energy bills by switching to a tankless water heater in Philadelphia?
According to U.S. Department of Energy studies and PECO rate data, gas-fired tankless units are 24-34 % more efficient than standard storage tanks. For an average Philadelphia household using about 60 gallons of hot water a day, that translates to roughly $90–$125 in annual natural-gas savings at today’s prices. Homes with high hot-water demand or electric tanks can see even larger savings—sometimes $150-$200 per year—because a tankless system eliminates standby heat loss and only fires when you open a tap.
What size (flow rate) tankless water heater do I need for my Philadelphia home?
Sizing is based on the maximum gallons-per-minute (GPM) you’ll need during peak use and the temperature rise between incoming cold water and your desired hot-water setpoint. In winter, Philly’s incoming water can drop to 40 °F, so to reach 120 °F you need an 80 °F rise. Typical simultaneous uses—one shower (2.0 GPM) + kitchen sink (1.0 GPM)—call for about 3 GPM at that rise. A family of four that might run two showers plus a washer at once could need 7–8 GPM. Our plumbers perform a free load calculation and recommend a properly sized unit (usually 150,000–199,000 BTU models for most rowhomes and single-family houses).
Are there rebates or tax incentives for installing a tankless water heater in Pennsylvania?
Yes. PECO currently offers a $350 rebate for qualifying ENERGY STAR® natural-gas tankless units with an EF ≥ 0.90. On the federal level, the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (25C) allows you to claim 30 % of the installed cost—up to $600—for ENERGY STAR certified gas-fired tankless water heaters placed in service through 2032. We supply all required model numbers and documentation and can deduct utility rebates directly from your invoice, reducing your upfront cost.
How long does a typical tankless water heater installation take, and will I be without hot water?
Most retrofits in Philadelphia rowhomes take 5–7 hours, including removal of the old tank, mounting the new wall-hung unit, running the Category III or PVC vent, resizing gas lines, and performing the combustion test. You’ll be without hot water only during the actual swap—usually 2–3 hours. Larger projects that need a new gas meter or electrical upgrade may extend to a full day; we schedule those with PECO in advance to keep downtime minimal.
Will a tankless water heater supply enough hot water during frigid Philadelphia winters?
High-efficiency condensing tankless units are specifically engineered for cold-climate performance. Modern models modulate up to 199,000 BTU and can deliver 4–5 GPM even when the inlet water is 38-40 °F. Our technicians set the dip switches for local groundwater temps and adjust the flow restrictor so you get a consistent 120 °F at the tap. For very large homes, we can cascade two units or install a built-in recirculation loop to guarantee unlimited hot water, even on single-digit January mornings.
What maintenance is required to keep a tankless unit efficient, and what does it cost?
Annual maintenance preserves efficiency, warranty coverage, and life expectancy (20+ years). The service includes descaling the heat exchanger with food-grade vinegar, cleaning the inlet filter, checking the combustion fan, inspecting the condensate trap, and verifying gas-pressure settings. In Philadelphia, where our water hardness averages 7–9 grains per gallon, descaling once a year is sufficient. We offer a $139 flat-rate tune-up or a $199 plan that also covers priority service and 15 % off future repairs.