• About Tankless Water Heaters
• About the $999 Program
• Rebates and tax incentives
• Additional Products and Services

About Tankless Water Heaters
The second largest consumption of energy in a home is heating, primarily in the form of heating water.  Tankless water heaters are one of the most energy efficient ways to heat water in your home, saving an estimated 25-40% off of your utility bill.  There are many benefits to tankless and here are some common questions we get.

How do tankless systems work?

The operation is quite simple in theory and operation.  Ambient water is sent through a copper heat exchanger.  Gas heats the exchanger as the water passes through it and you get hot water out the other end.  No more heating water all day and all night waiting for demand.  Tankless water heaters use energy only when there is a demand for hot water.  It is for this reason that installing a tankless water heater is the single most energy efficient modification you can make to your home.

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Are tankless units more expensive?

Historically they have been more expensive than standard storage heaters.  One of the main reasons are the multiple distribution layers, coupled with new technology.  Now that the technology has come down in price, so have tankless units.  Plus, with our $999 install and the Department of Energy's $300 tax credit, having a tankless unit installed costs about the same as installing a standard storage tank.

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Why go tankless?

Tankless systems are the most reliable and efficient way to heat water.  There are many benefits to owning a tankless systems.  You get the energy efficiency savings each and every month which will lower your energy bill from 25-40%. You also get the spatial savings since the size of a tankless system is about the size of a briefcase.  You also help the environment by conserving our natural resources.

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Gas or electric?

There is more useable power in a gas line than in standard 200 amp household electric service. A true whole house electric system will require a significant percentage of that.  Electric units are more efficient (96+%) in comparison to a gas system at about 80-86% efficient.  Gas units have the ability to be installed with either an outdoor or indoor installation and deliver more water flow with the energy used in comparison to an electric unit. Electric has the ability to be located close to the point of use, and utilizing multiple units around the home making delivery time shorter. This can be significant in areas with high water costs or homes with long distances between applications. Valuable sizing and installation information can be found at www.seisco.com, your electrical professional, or with a call to the Energy Store. Beware of low end electric units that advertise "whole house".

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How reliable is the Eccotemp Systems tankless water heater?

Eccotemp Systems are manufactured with the highest level of quality.  They utilize the most state of the art technology and adhere to all ANSI code standards.  You can find Eccotemp Systems tankless water heaters across the county and across the globe.  Some of the most notable developments that have Eccotemp units installed in the Greater Charleston Area include Oak Terrace Preserve, Mixson Development, and Legend Oaks.  Plus, Eccotemp is a locally owned company so we have a direct line with the manufacturer with any issues that may arise.  

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What can I expect to save using a tankless heater?

Tankless systems save an average of 25-40% off of your utility bill.  You will also save on space.

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Inside or outside mount?

Determining whether you want an indoor mount versus and outdoor mount is both one of preference and economic sense. 

An indoor unit is easy to install where your current storage tank is located.  However, you will also need to install category III stainless steel vent piping to be up to code.  This is in addition to the $999 installation price.  You can download our accessorial price sheet or read more on our $999 program below. 

Outdoor units free up all of your internal floor space and, if your current water system is located on an outside wall, is less expensive to install.

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About The $999 Program
The $999 program is designed to make tankless water heaters affordable.  We operate on thin margins but make up for it in volume.  Some of our typical questions are answered below.

Is it really only $999?

Yes.  For an Eccotemp 40H outdoor installed Natural Gas or Liquid Propane water heater.  There are additional charges for removal of your old storage water heater (if desired), SC sales tax, or an indoor unit.  Please visit our list of pricing and accessorial charges for a complete description.    

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How do I start the process?

Just call, email, or fill out the calendar to set up an appointment with one of our representatives for a visit with you at a convenient time.  We will go over any questions and concerns that you may have and give you additional information on the benefits of tankless water heating.

If you do not have gas, or are uncertain if you do, you should contact SCE&G for natural gas or your local propane distributor. 

Already know that you want a tankless unit?  You can set up an appointment right online now to have our installers come and get you set up with a new tankless unit. 

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I only have electric, can I get a tankless unit installed at this price?

Unfortunately, not at this time.  We will soon be offering an energy efficient electric alternative toward the end of March 2009.  In regards to tankless,  the electric units that we carry are not as price competitive.  They are also more involved on the installation component due to additional electrical and plumbing necessities.  We would be happy to quote out your electric tankless project as well. 

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I purchased a gas tankless unit from somewhere else, can you install them?

We would be happy to assist you with any of your tankless needs.  However, you should note that some tankless manufactures only allow their "licensed" individuals to install their units or else their warranties will be voided.  This is a way to keep the distribution channels together, and you should consult with the manufacturer directly if you have any questions on this.  We are licensed to install other tankless units and carry the necessary components such as the vent pipe.  Please contact us for more information. 

Rebates and Tax Incentives
In addition to the energy savings, there are several other tax and utility rebates available to you. 

First, on October 3, 2008, the Federal Government signed an extension of the 2005 Energy Act extending a tax credit for tankless water heaters of 10% of the cost plus installation up to $300.  This is in effect only if you have your tankless heater installed in 2009.  Please note that not all tankless water heaters qualify.  The Eccotemp 40 series DO QUALIFY and its certificate is available for download here.

In addition to the Department of Energy's Tax Credit, SCE&G is offering a $300 bill credit if you switch from electric to natural gas.  You should contact SCE&G to see if natural gas is available in your area.

The State of South Carolina offers some additional energy efficient incentives, however tankless units are not one of them.  Be sure to call your congressional representative to have them place tankless water heaters on the list.  

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Additional Products and Services
In addition to the $999 gas tankless water heater, we are working on several other energy efficient products for your home.  We offer installations of most types of water heaters, most plumbing and electrical work.  We also carry additional products through our sister companies website on our links page.

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