Case study: Emergency tankless water heater installation – Bend, OR

Author: Bill Hoelzer / Read Time: Three and a Half Minutes

 

“The staff at Greensavers did a terrific job in fitting us in early when our water heater failed. The work was done quickly and everyone kept us up to date with the project.”

— Craig S. (Bend, OR)

 

Craig had been putting off replacing his aging water heater for years. It was inefficient, struggled to keep up with demand, and wasted energy by constantly reheating water in its storage tank.

Then, one morning, the inevitable happened—his water heater failed completely.

“I woke up, went to take a shower, and there was nothing but ice-cold water.” Craig had worked with GreenSavers before and reached out to get help. We installed his new, energy efficient water heater in just three days.

If you’d like a proposal to replace your water heater, don’t wait. Give us a call at (541) 330-8767, or send us a message today:

 
 
 

The problem: An ancient water heater on its last legs


Risks of an aging gas water heater

  • Sudden failure: Water heaters often fail without warning, leaving homeowners scrambling for a quick replacement. When that happens, you’re often stuck with whatever is in stock—not necessarily the most efficient or best option for your home.

  • Flooding: Aging water heaters are one of the leading causes of home water damage. A failed tank can dump 40+ gallons of water into your home, causing expensive repairs.

  • Carbon monoxide leaks: Faulty gas water heaters can leak carbon monoxide (CO), a deadly, odorless gas. According to the CDC, more than 100,000 people visit the ER each year in the U.S. due to accidental CO poisoning, and many cases involve old or malfunctioning gas appliances.

    Craig’s 20-year old Gas Water Heater

 
 
 

The solution: High-performance tankless water heater installed fast


Craig needed a high-efficiency, reliable system that would provide unlimited hot water and lower his energy bills.

Our Recommendation: Navien NPE-240A2 Tankless Water Heater

  • Efficiency Rating: 95% (ENERGY STAR® Certified)

  • Hot Water Output: 5.6 gallons per minute (GPM) at a 67°F rise

  • Smart Controls: Built-in recirculation system for instant hot water

  • Durability: 15-year warranty on the heat exchanger, 5 years on parts

  • Space-Saving: Compact wall-mounted design

  • Lower Emissions: Ultra-low NOx burner reduces environmental impact

The tankless water heater made sense for Craig because we needed to replace his gas water heater fast. If more time were available, we may have recommended an energy efficient heat pump water heater, which works well for many homeowners in Bend, Oregon.

Craig’s New Tankless Water Heater

 
 
 

How we got it done—fast


We took care of Craig right away, and we made sure he didn’t have to settle for an inefficient replacement that would have ended up costing him much more to operate over the life of the system.

Timeline for the tankless water heater installation:

  • Day 1: Site assessment, permits, and material sourcing

  • Day 2: Old system removal and prep work

  • Day 3: Full installation, testing, and final inspection

Key upgrades for Craig’s system

  • Navien NPE-240A2 Tankless Water Heater (95% efficiency)

  • New condensate pump and expansion tank for longevity

  • Gas line upgrade to ensure proper power

  • Electrical outlets installed for condensate pump and unit operation

  • High-efficiency PVC venting to safely exhaust gasses

New PVC Venting to Protect Craig’s Indoor Air Quality

 
 
 

Tankless vs. traditional: Performance & cost comparison


Craig’s new tankless water heater doesn’t just provide unlimited hot water—it saves him money every month. Here's how it stacks up against his old system:

Old Gas Water Heater

Navien NPE-240A2 Tankless

Efficiency Rating ~60% 95% (ENERGY STAR® Certified)
Hot Water Supply Limited (40-gallon tank) Unlimited
Standby Energy Waste High (keeps tank heated 24/7) Minimal (only heats water when needed)
Estimated Annual Gas Use 250 therms 130 therms
Estimated Annual Operating Cost $375–$450 $200–$250
Expected Lifespan 10–15 years 20+ years
Space Required Large, bulky tank Compact wall-mounted unit
Carbon Monoxide Risk Moderate to high Very low (sealed combustion unit)
Flooding Risk High (Can release 40+ gallons of water) Low (No storage tank to leak)
 

The results: Lower bills, more hot water, and zero worries


“Not our first rodeo with Greensavers and not our last.”

— Craig S. (Bend, OR)

Since upgrading, Craig never runs out of hot water—even when multiple people shower back-to-back or the dishwasher is running.

If your water heater is more than 10 years old, don’t wait until it fails. You’ll get the best options for a water heater replacement if you reach out early, but if your system fails, we’ll do everything possible to come out quickly and make sure you get a water heater that works well now and for years to come.

Call GreenSavers at 541.330.8767 or book an appointment online to get a breakdown of costs, cash incentives, and available tax credits.

 
 

Learn More about Water Heaters

Start by visiting our resource pages for homeowners in Portland and Central Oregon:

You can also keep reading our latest blog articles about HVAC and water heaters in particular.