Standby Energy Loss
Standby Energy Loss | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing
For most homeowners, traditional storage tanks constantly reheat unused water, silently draining dollars through standby energy loss. HEP solves this problem with expert tankless water heater install services that deliver hot water on-demand while trimming energy bills by up to 40%. Our licensed plumbers remove the bulky tank, hook your new unit directly into your existing lines, and fine-tune it for peak efficiency—so you enjoy endless hot showers without the wasted heat or space.
A tankless system from HEP isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a lifestyle improvement. You’ll reclaim closet or garage square footage, gain precise temperature control, and rest easy knowing your family’s hot water is produced only when needed. Let our team handle everything from gas line sizing to final safety checks, and start experiencing comfort that pays you back year after year.
FAQs
What is standby energy loss and why should I care about it?
Standby energy loss is the heat that escapes from a conventional storage-tank water heater while the water sits unused. To keep the tank at the set temperature, the unit has to cycle on and off 24/7, wasting gas or electricity even when no one is using hot water. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, standby losses can account for 10–20 % of a home’s water-heating costs, so reducing or eliminating them can noticeably cut your utility bills.
How does a tankless water heater eliminate standby energy loss?
Unlike a traditional model that stores 40–80 gallons of pre-heated water, a tankless (or on-demand) water heater contains no storage tank. A high-efficiency heat exchanger fires up only when a hot-water tap opens, instantly heating water as it flows through the unit. Because no water is held in reserve, there is no reservoir to lose heat—so standby losses drop to virtually zero.
Will switching to a tankless unit really lower my utility bills?
In most households, yes. ENERGY STAR® estimates that a gas-fired tankless model can be 24–34 % more efficient for homes using under 41 gallons of hot water per day and 8–14 % more efficient for high-demand homes. That translates to annual savings of roughly $80–$150 for an average family. Actual savings depend on local fuel costs, usage habits, and the efficiency of the old tank being replaced.
Is my home’s existing plumbing compatible with a tankless water heater?
In nearly all cases, yes. A tankless unit ties into the same cold-water supply and hot-water distribution pipes already in place. The main considerations are: (1) adequate gas line size or electrical service to meet the higher instantaneous input, and (2) proper venting or outdoor placement, depending on the model. During our site visit we verify line sizes, vent paths, and mounting locations so you know exactly what upgrades, if any, are required.
What is involved in installing a tankless water heater and how long does it take?
A standard replacement typically involves: removing the old tank, mounting the wall-hung tankless unit, upgrading the gas line or electrical circuit if needed, installing stainless-steel or PVC venting, connecting water lines, adding a condensate drain (for high-efficiency gas units), and commissioning the system. Most residential jobs are completed in one working day, although significant gas-line or electrical upgrades can add extra time.
Do tankless systems require maintenance, and how long will they last?
Yes, they need periodic service—primarily annual or bi-annual descaling to remove mineral buildup from the heat exchanger, plus filter cleaning and a basic safety check. With proper maintenance, a quality tankless water heater can last 20 years or more, roughly twice the lifespan of a conventional tank. Many manufacturers back their heat exchangers with 12- to 15-year warranties.