Energy Savings
Energy Savings | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Sharps Chapel
Sharps Chapel homeowners trust HEP’s Energy Savings Plumbing team to swap out clunky, inefficient tanks for sleek, on-demand comfort. Our certified technicians arrive with everything needed for a seamless tankless water heater install, giving you endless hot water, reclaimed storage space, and utility bills that finally make sense. Because the heater only fires up when you open a tap, you’re no longer paying to keep 40+ gallons warm all day—perfect for lake-day showers, holiday gatherings, or any moment you want instant, reliable heat.
From the free, in-home efficiency assessment to the final system test, we build the entire experience around your schedule and budget. HEP backs every installation with rock-solid warranties and 24/7 emergency support, so you can enjoy lower energy costs and a greener footprint without a second thought. Ready to future-proof your Sharps Chapel home? Give HEP a call today and feel the difference the moment you turn on the faucet.
FAQs
How does a tankless water heater save energy compared to a traditional storage tank?
Traditional tanks constantly heat 40-80 gallons of water so it is ready when you need it, which means the burner or elements cycle on and off 24/7 (called “stand-by losses”). A tankless unit only fires when a hot-water tap opens, heating water on demand. Because there is no stored water that must be kept hot, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates energy savings of 24-34 % for homes that use up to 41 gallons of hot water per day and 8-14 % for heavier-use households. Those savings translate directly into lower utility bills for Sharps Chapel residents, especially during mild spring and fall months when tanks would normally run even though you use little hot water.
What size (flow rate) tankless water heater do I need for my Sharps Chapel home?
Tankless models are sized by flow rate in gallons per minute (GPM) and by temperature rise needed. In Sharps Chapel, incoming winter water temperature averages about 50 °F. To reach a comfortable 120 °F you need a 70 °F rise. Add up the fixtures you might run at once: a shower (2.0 GPM), a kitchen sink (1.5 GPM) and maybe a washing machine (2.0 GPM) equals roughly 5.5 GPM. Therefore most three-bedroom homes select a gas unit rated 7–9 GPM, providing a cushion for cold snaps. An electric tankless may be suitable for smaller cabins or point-of-use applications but often requires a 200 A electrical service upgrade. Our estimator will confirm your peak demand, electrical or gas capacity, and recommend the right model before installation.
Will a tankless water heater supply enough hot water for simultaneous fixtures?
Yes—if it is properly sized. A common misconception is that tankless heaters give “endless” hot water no matter how many taps are open. In reality, a single unit can only heat up to its rated GPM at the needed temperature rise. When demand exceeds that limit, water temperature will drop. We calculate your home’s peak demand and, if necessary, can install a parallel (manifold) system of two smaller units or a recirculation loop to guarantee consistent temperature at all fixtures. For large households or vacation rentals in Sharps Chapel, this modular approach still saves energy while meeting busy-morning demand.
What is the lifespan of a tankless water heater and what maintenance does it require?
Most quality gas tankless units last 20+ years—about twice the life of a storage tank—because they avoid the constant thermal stress that corrodes a tank. Key maintenance items are: (1) Annual descaling/flush to remove mineral buildup from Sharps Chapel’s moderately hard water, (2) cleaning the inlet filter, and (3) inspecting the vent and combustion chamber. These tasks take about one hour and can be done by the homeowner with a pump and vinegar kit or by our technicians during an Energy-Saver Service visit. Following the maintenance schedule protects the heat exchanger warranty (typically 10-12 years).
Are there rebates or tax incentives for installing a tankless water heater in Sharps Chapel or the state of Tennessee?
Yes. Through 2032, the federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (Section 25C) covers 30 % of the installed cost of a qualifying Energy Star gas tankless water heater, up to $600. Powell-Clinch Utility District and some TVA energy-right programs also offer $100-$300 bill credits for high-efficiency natural gas appliances. We provide the model certification and itemized invoice that you will submit with IRS Form 5695 and any local rebate forms. Our office will even file TVA applications on your behalf to ensure you maximize savings.
How long does installation take and will my plumbing or gas lines need to be upgraded?
A straightforward tank-for-tank replacement usually takes one working day: 2–3 hours to remove the old tank, 3–4 hours to mount the new unit, route stainless-steel venting through an exterior wall or roof, and connect water, gas, and electrical. Upgrades that can add time or cost include: increasing the gas line from ½″ to ¾–1″ to supply 150–199 kBTU/h burners, installing a condensate drain for high-efficiency models, or running a 120 V outlet for electric ignition. Our free on-site survey identifies these needs in advance so there are no surprises on installation day, and we pull all required Union County permits.