Westmont homeowners are switching to tankless water heaters at record rates. These compact units deliver hot water instantly while cutting energy costs by up to 30%.
We at Ace Plumbing & Sewer see the difference proper installation makes. Professional setup maximizes efficiency and prevents costly repairs down the road.
Why Tankless Water Heaters Transform Your Home
Hot Water Flows Without Limits
Traditional tank water heaters fail when demand peaks. Your morning shower turns cold when someone starts the dishwasher. Tankless systems heat water instantly as it flows through the unit.
The U.S. Department of Energy confirms these systems deliver hot water at a consistent temperature regardless of simultaneous usage. A family of four can run two showers, the washing machine, and dishwasher simultaneously without temperature drops.
Gas tankless units produce 5-10 gallons per minute, while electric models deliver 2-5 gallons per minute. This capacity handles even the busiest household routines without interruption.
Energy Bills Drop 30% or More
Energy Star data shows tankless water heaters reduce energy consumption by 24-34% compared to traditional tank systems. Tank heaters maintain 40-80 gallons at 120°F around the clock, which wastes energy through standby heat loss.
Tankless units activate only when you turn on hot water taps. The average American household spends $400-600 annually on water heating. A switch to tankless saves $120-200 yearly on utility bills.
Space and Longevity Benefits Add Value
These units last 20+ years versus 10-15 years for tank heaters. The compact wall-mounted design frees up 16 square feet of floor space in basements or utility rooms (perfect for storage or workshop space).
Federal tax credits and local utility rebates often cover installation costs. This financial support makes the switch attractive for Westmont homeowners who want immediate savings and long-term value.
Professional installation maximizes these benefits and prevents common issues that reduce efficiency. The next step involves understanding what proper installation requires for your specific home.
What Does Professional Tankless Installation Require
Proper Assessment Prevents Performance Problems
Your home needs a detailed evaluation before installation begins. A qualified technician calculates your peak hot water demand by examining fixture flow rates, simultaneous usage patterns, and incoming water temperature. Most Westmont homes require 8-10 GPM capacity for whole-house coverage, but larger families need units rated at 11+ GPM to handle multiple showers and appliances that run simultaneously.
The National Association of Home Builders reports that undersized units cause temperature fluctuations and customer dissatisfaction in 40% of DIY installations. Professional assessment accounts for your specific water pressure, existing plumbing diameter, and seasonal temperature variations that affect unit performance throughout the year.
Gas Line Modifications Add Complexity
Gas line modifications cost $300-800 depending on distance from your meter and required pipe diameter increases. Most tankless units need 3/4-inch gas lines versus the 1/2-inch lines that serve traditional tank heaters. The larger diameter handles the higher BTU requirements (up to 199,000 BTU for whole-house units compared to 40,000 BTU for tank heaters).
Professional plumbers test gas pressure before and after installation to verify adequate supply. Insufficient gas pressure causes the unit to cycle on and off, which reduces efficiency and shortens equipment life.
Electrical Work Meets Code Requirements
Electrical work ranges from $200-600 for new 220V circuits, GFCI outlets, and proper ventilation systems that meet local codes. Electric tankless units draw 15-27 kilowatts compared to 4-5 kilowatts for tank heaters. Your electrical panel must handle this increased load without overloading existing circuits.
Westmont requires permits for gas line work and electrical modifications over 20 amps. The permit process takes 3-5 business days and costs $75-150, but protects your investment through mandatory inspections that verify code compliance and safe operation standards.
These installation requirements directly impact your total project costs and timeline, which we’ll examine next to help you budget effectively.
What Does Tankless Installation Really Cost
Tankless water heater installation costs $3,500-6,500 in Westmont compared to $1,200-2,500 for traditional tank replacements. The price difference reflects necessary infrastructure upgrades that include gas line modifications, electrical work, and venting systems. Gas tankless units require larger diameter gas lines and 220V electrical circuits, while electric models need dedicated 40-50 amp breakers that most homes lack.
These upgrades add $800-1,500 to base installation costs but create a foundation for decades of reliable operation. Professional contractors handle permit applications and code compliance requirements that protect your investment.
Monthly Savings Create Long-Term Value
The Department of Energy confirms tankless systems reduce water heating costs by approximately 33% annually. A Westmont household that spends $480 yearly on water heating saves $115-165 with proper tankless installation. These savings compound over the unit’s 20+ year lifespan and create $2,300-3,300 in total energy cost reductions.
The payback period ranges from 6-10 years based on usage patterns and local gas rates (which average $0.98 per therm in Illinois). High-usage families with teenagers or multiple bathrooms see faster payback periods due to greater hot water demand throughout the day.
Federal and Local Rebates Reduce Upfront Costs
Federal tax credits cover 30% of equipment and installation costs up to $2,000 through the Inflation Reduction Act. ComEd and Nicor Gas offer additional rebates of $300-750 for Energy Star certified units that licensed contractors install. These incentives reduce net installation costs to $2,200-4,000 for most Westmont homes.
Local utility programs change annually, so proper timing maximizes savings potential and shortens payback calculations significantly. Professional installers track current rebate programs and help homeowners access all available incentives.
Final Thoughts
Tankless water heater installation provides measurable benefits that compound over decades. Westmont homeowners gain unlimited hot water capacity, 30% lower energy bills, and 20+ years of reliable operation. The space-saving design frees up valuable floor area while federal tax credits reduce upfront costs significantly.
Professional installation makes the difference between optimal performance and costly problems. Gas line modifications, electrical upgrades, and permit compliance require licensed expertise that DIY approaches cannot match. Proper sizing and code-compliant installation prevent the temperature fluctuations and efficiency losses that plague amateur installations (especially in older homes with undersized gas lines).
We at Ace Plumbing & Sewer handle every aspect from permits to final testing with our licensed, bonded, and insured team. Our expertise covers the complete process from initial assessment through final inspection. Contact us today for professional tankless water heater installation that maximizes your investment and delivers decades of trouble-free hot water.
