Standby Energy Loss
Standby Energy Loss | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Rutledge
Tired of paying to keep gallons of water hot when no one’s using it? Traditional tanks cycle on and off all day, leaking dollars through “standby energy loss.” HEP’s plumbing experts help Rutledge homeowners break that cycle with compact, on-demand technology that heats water only when you open the tap, freeing up space, lowering utility bills, and delivering endless hot water the moment you need it.
Our certified technicians handle every step of your tankless water heater install—sizing the unit, upgrading gas or electrical lines, and fine-tuning flow rates for peak efficiency. We back our work with industry-leading warranties and the friendly, above-and-beyond service Rutledge has trusted for decades. Schedule your consultation today and feel the difference of hot water without the waste.
FAQs
What is standby energy loss, and how does a tankless water heater address it?
Standby energy loss is the heat that escapes from a conventional storage-tank water heater while hot water sits unused. The unit periodically re-fires just to keep the tank warm, which wastes energy around the clock. A tankless (on-demand) water heater eliminates this loss by heating water only when a tap opens. Once the demand stops, the burner or electric elements shut off completely, so no energy is consumed maintaining a reservoir of hot water.
Is a tankless water heater a good choice for Rutledge’s climate and water quality?
Yes. Rutledge’s moderate winters rarely push ground-water temperatures below levels where modern tankless units struggle. Most gas and high-output electric models can raise local inlet temperatures to a comfortable 120–140 °F without issue. Our technicians also test hardness; if your well or municipal supply is above 7 gpg, we recommend an inexpensive scale-inhibiting filter or annual descaling to keep the heat exchanger efficient and preserve your warranty.
How much can I save on utility bills by switching to tankless?
Savings depend on usage patterns, fuel rates, and the efficiency of the old tank. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates households that use 41 gallons or less of hot water daily can cut energy consumption by 24–34 %. For larger families (around 86 gallons/day), savings average 8–14 %. At current Rutledge natural-gas costs, that translates to roughly $75–$150 per year, often recouping the higher installation cost in 6–8 years while providing a service life of 20+ years.
What size tankless unit do I need for my home?
Sizing is based on simultaneous demand (gallons per minute) and the required temperature rise. Count the fixtures you expect to run at once—e.g., shower (2.0 gpm) + kitchen sink (1.5 gpm) = 3.5 gpm. In Rutledge, winter inlet water averages 55 °F, so achieving 120 °F hot water requires a 65 °F rise. A gas unit capable of 4 gpm at a 70 °F rise (about 160,000 BTU/h) would cover most three-bath homes. Our estimator will calculate exact flow rates and recommend single or cascading units as needed.
How long does a typical tankless water heater installation take?
Most retrofits in Rutledge homes are completed in one business day. The process involves disconnecting and removing the old tank, upgrading gas or electrical service if necessary, mounting the new unit, installing Category III or IV venting, and pressure-testing all connections. Complex jobs—such as relocating the heater, upsizing gas lines over 20 ft, or adding a recirculation loop—may extend the project to two days, but hot-water downtime is usually limited to a few hours.
Do I need permits or inspections for a tankless installation in Rutledge, and do you handle them?
Yes. Grainger County and the City of Rutledge require mechanical and, when applicable, electrical permits for water-heater replacements. Gas-fired units must meet International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) venting and combustion-air standards, and electric units must follow NEC load-calculation rules. Our team files all permit paperwork, schedules the county inspection, and provides you with a signed approval sticker once the job passes. This ensures your warranty remains valid and your homeowner’s insurance is fully protected.