Standby Energy Loss
Standby Energy Loss | Tankless Water Heater Install | Plumbing | Tellico Plains
Wave goodbye to bulky storage tanks and wasted standby heat. In Tellico Plains, HEP’s licensed plumbing pros deliver a seamless tankless water heater install that supplies endless hot water while slashing energy bills up to 40%. Because water is only heated when you need it, you’ll enjoy faster recovery times, extra closet space, and the peace of mind that comes with cutting-edge safety features—all backed by our satisfaction guarantee and decades-strong local reputation.
From the first on-site assessment to the final temperature test, we handle permits, gas or electric hookups, and haul-away of your old unit, leaving you with nothing but perfect, on-demand comfort. Call or click today to schedule your free estimate and discover why more Tellico Plains homeowners trust HEP to eliminate standby energy loss for good.
FAQs
What is standby energy loss, and how does a tankless water heater eliminate it?
Standby energy loss is the heat that escapes from a traditional storage-tank water heater into the surrounding air, even when no hot water is being used. Because the tank maintains 120–140 °F water 24/7, the burner or elements cycle on repeatedly just to offset those losses. A tankless (on-demand) water heater contains no storage tank; it heats water only when a hot-water tap opens. Once the tap is closed, the burner or heating elements shut off completely, eliminating nearly all standby losses and improving overall energy efficiency by 20–40 %.
How much can I save on my utility bills by switching to a tankless unit in Tellico Plains?
Actual savings depend on fuel type, water-use habits, and the efficiency of the old unit, but households in Tellico Plains typically see annual energy-cost reductions of $80–$150 for natural-gas models and $60–$110 for electric units. If you currently have an older, low-efficiency gas tank with high standby loss, the payback period for the upgrade is often 4–6 years. Additional savings come from a longer equipment life and reduced risk of tank leaks.
Will a tankless water heater provide enough hot water for my family?
Yes—when properly sized. Tankless systems are rated by flow rate (gallons per minute, or GPM) at a given temperature rise. We calculate the total simultaneous demand in your home—for example, one shower (2.0 GPM at 104 °F) plus a dishwasher (1.5 GPM)—and select a unit that can supply that flow at our local groundwater temperature (about 58 °F in Tellico Plains). If you have a large household or frequently run multiple showers at once, we can install either a high-capacity unit or multiple smaller units in parallel to meet demand without running out of hot water.
What is involved in retrofitting my existing home for a tankless water heater?
A retrofit typically includes: 1) removing the old storage tank; 2) upsizing the gas line to ¾″ or installing a dedicated 240 V circuit, depending on fuel type; 3) adding sealed combustion venting (for gas models) through an exterior wall or roof; 4) installing a condensate drain if you choose a high-efficiency condensing unit; and 5) mounting the compact heater on a wall near the existing water lines. Most projects take one working day. Our Tellico Plains plumbing team secures all required Monroe County permits and performs a final pressure and leak test before commissioning the system.
Are there rebates or tax incentives available in Tellico Plains for high-efficiency tankless water heaters?
Yes. Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) occasionally offers rebates for ENERGY STAR® certified gas tankless units—typically $100–$200. In addition, the federal Inflation Reduction Act provides a 30 % residential energy-efficiency tax credit (up to $600) for qualifying units installed before 2032. We’ll supply the product certification and Form 5695 guidance, and we can help you apply for any active TVA or local utility incentives at the time of installation.
How do I maintain a tankless water heater, and what is its expected lifespan?
Tankless heaters last 20–25 years—roughly twice the life of a standard tank—provided they’re maintained. In Tellico Plains, our moderately hard water (about 6–8 grains per gallon) means you should flush the heat exchanger with a vinegar solution once a year to remove scale. We offer a low-cost annual service that includes descaling, filter cleaning, combustion inspection (for gas models), and software update checks. Proper maintenance keeps efficiency high, prevents error codes, and protects your warranty.