Utility Costs
Utility Costs | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Speedwell
Looking for a smarter way to cut energy bills in Speedwell? HEP’s certified technicians specialize in tankless water heater install services that deliver endless hot water on demand while trimming monthly utility costs. Unlike bulky traditional tanks that constantly re-heat stored water, our sleek, wall-mounted units fire up only when you turn on the tap, slashing standby energy loss and giving you more space in the garage or utility closet.
From the first call to the final system check, we handle everything—precise sizing, gas or electric connections, venting, and code-compliant installation—so you can relax and enjoy reliable hot water for years. Plus, every install is backed by HEP’s satisfaction guarantee and transparent pricing, so there are no surprises—just lower bills, a lighter environmental footprint, and the peace of mind that comes with partnering with Speedwell’s most trusted plumbing pros.
FAQs
How much can I expect to save on my utility bills with a tankless water heater in Speedwell?
Savings vary by household size and water-use habits, but Speedwell homeowners typically see a 20–40 % reduction in natural-gas or propane costs compared with a standard storage tank. A tankless unit fires only when hot water is demanded, eliminating the 24/7 standby losses of a tank. For a family of four using about 60 gal of hot water a day, that can translate into $80–$150 a year in lower utility bills.
Are there local or state incentives that help offset the cost of going tankless?
Yes. Tennessee residents served by TVA-partner utilities can qualify for rebates of $150–$300 on ENERGY STAR® certified gas tankless units. Many propane suppliers in Campbell and Claiborne counties also offer bill credits for high-efficiency appliances. In addition, the federal Inflation Reduction Act provides a tax credit of 30 % of the installed cost (up to $600) for qualifying equipment placed in service through 2032. Our team will file the paperwork and supply serial numbers so you capture every incentive.
Does a tankless water heater work well with Speedwell’s cooler groundwater temperatures in winter?
Absolutely. Groundwater here averages 55 °F in summer and can drop to about 48 °F in January. Modern condensing tankless units are designed for incoming water as low as 35 °F. During sizing we calculate required “temperature rise” (desired output temp minus inlet temp). If you want 120 °F water with 50 °F inlet, the unit must provide a 70 °F rise at your peak flow rate. We’ll select a model that maintains that rise even on the coldest days without sacrificing pressure.
What size tankless unit do I need, and how do you determine it?
Sizing is based on simultaneous fixture demand, not storage volume. We add the gallons-per-minute (GPM) ratings of fixtures you might run at once—e.g., 2.5 GPM shower + 1.5 GPM kitchen sink = 4 GPM. Then we match that flow to the temperature-rise chart for each model. Most Speedwell homes land between 7-11 GPM units (150–199 kBtu). For large families with spa tubs or multiple body-spray showers, we may recommend parallel cascading of two units for unlimited capacity and built-in redundancy.
How long will installation take, and will my water service be interrupted?
A straightforward replacement of a gas tank usually takes 6–8 hours: morning removal, vent and gas line adjustments, mounting the new unit, and commissioning in the afternoon. You’ll be without hot water for most of that window, but cold water service is interrupted only during final tie-in (about 30 minutes). Complex installs—relocating the heater, upsizing gas piping, or adding an outdoor recess box—may extend to a full day. We schedule around your availability and always haul away the old tank for recycling.
What maintenance does a tankless water heater require and how often?
To keep efficiency high and protect the heat exchanger, flush the unit with a 4-gallon white-vinegar solution once a year (every six months if you’re on hard well water). The process takes about an hour and can be DIY with an inexpensive pump kit, or we can include it in our $119 annual service plan. We also check the combustion fan, condensate trap, and remote controller diagnostics, update firmware if needed, and verify that freeze-protection heaters are functional before winter.