Lower Energy Costs
Lower Energy Costs | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Signal Mountain
Swap wasted energy for nonstop comfort in your Signal Mountain home. HEP’s licensed plumbers specialize in modern, high-efficiency systems that heat water on demand, so you never pay to keep a bulky tank warm. By choosing our tankless water heater install service, you’ll enjoy lower monthly utility bills, endless hot showers, and a compact unit that frees up valuable storage space.
From the first call to final cleanup, we handle every detail—sizing the right model for your household, securing permits, and completing precise gas or electric connections. Our local team backs each project with transparent pricing, 24/7 support, and industry-leading warranties, giving you peace of mind long after the job is done. Ready to cut costs and upgrade your comfort? Let HEP put continuous hot water at your fingertips.
FAQs
How does a tankless water heater lower my energy bills compared to a conventional storage-tank unit?
Traditional water heaters keep 40–80 gallons of water hot 24/7, so you pay for constant standby heat loss even when no one is using hot water. A tankless system fires its gas burner or heating elements only when a tap opens, delivering endless hot water on demand and shutting off immediately afterward. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that households using 41 gallons or less per day can save 24–34 % on water-heating costs with a tankless unit; larger families in Signal Mountain typically see 8–14 % savings, and combining two or more tankless units can push savings past 40 %.
What size tankless water heater do most Signal Mountain homes need?
Sizing is based on flow rate (gallons per minute, or GPM) and temperature rise. In Signal Mountain, incoming groundwater averages about 55 °F. To reach a comfortable 120 °F you need a 65 °F rise. Add up simultaneous fixture demands—e.g., shower (2.5 GPM) + kitchen sink (1.5 GPM) = 4 GPM. Most three- to four-bathroom homes choose a 7–9 GPM gas unit; smaller condos or cabins may only need 4–6 GPM. Our technicians perform a free on-site assessment to match the burner capacity and GPM rating to your household’s peak demand so you never run out of hot water.
Can a tankless water heater be retrofitted into my existing plumbing and gas/electrical setup?
Yes. About 80 % of our Signal Mountain installs are replacements for tank models. We inspect gas line size, venting path, electrical service (for ignition/fans), and water line locations. Often we reroute venting through an exterior wall or the roof using sealed stainless or PVC pipe. Gas upgrades may involve upsizing from ½-in. to ¾-in. pipe to supply the higher BTU burner. Electric units require a 240-V, 120–150 A service. Our licensed plumbers handle all code permits, seismic bracing, and condensate drains so the retrofit meets Chattanooga-Hamilton County building codes and manufacturer warranty requirements.
How long will installation take and will I be without hot water during the process?
A straightforward swap from a tank to a single gas tankless unit takes about 6–8 hours. More complex jobs—such as relocating the heater, upsizing gas lines, or adding water filtration—may extend to one full day. You’ll lose hot water only while the old tank is disconnected and the new unit is being tied in, typically 3–4 hours. We schedule installs early in the day, keep at least one bathroom cold-water-only operational, and test every fixture before we leave so you can enjoy on-demand hot water the same evening.
What routine maintenance is required to keep a tankless water heater efficient and under warranty?
Manufacturers recommend an annual flush with food-grade white vinegar or a citric-acid solution to remove mineral scale from the heat exchanger—a 45-minute process our service team can do for you or show you how to DIY with a small pump and hoses. In Signal Mountain’s moderately hard water (6–8 grains per gallon), installing a whole-house sediment filter or scale inhibitor extends intervals to 18–24 months. You should also clean the air intake screen twice a year and have the combustion chamber inspected every 2–3 years to maintain peak efficiency and comply with warranty terms that typically require documented maintenance.
What lifespan and payback period can I expect from a tankless water heater in Signal Mountain?
With proper maintenance, gas tankless units last 18–25 years—roughly double the 8–12-year life of storage tanks—because there’s no steel tank to corrode. Electric models average 15–20 years. Upfront costs run 2–3 × a tank heater, but energy savings (often $80–$150 per year), longer life, and possible TVA or manufacturer rebates shorten payback to 4–6 years for most families. Adding the space you reclaim (about 10 sq ft) and the peace of mind of never flooding from a ruptured tank, going tankless offers one of the best long-term returns on home energy upgrades in the Signal Mountain area.