Upgrade to Endless Hot Water

Tankless water heater installation in the Chicago Northwest Suburbs. Navien, Rinnai, Noritz. 20+ year lifespan, federal tax credit eligible, financing available.

📞 Call (844) 757-7788
💰 Up to $2,000 Tax Credit 🛡️ Licensed & Insured ⭐ 5.0 · 16 Google Reviews 💳 Financing Available

What Is a Tankless Water Heater?

A tankless water heater heats water on-demand as it flows through the unit, rather than storing hot water in a tank. When you turn on a hot water fixture, cold water flows through the unit and is heated instantly by a gas burner or electric element.

The honest reality: Tankless is not magic. There's a slight delay when you first turn on hot water (10-15 seconds) as the unit fires up and purges cold water from the lines. But once hot water arrives, it's unlimited.

Key benefits:

  • Endless hot water — never run out during back-to-back showers
  • 20+ year lifespan — twice as long as tank units
  • Energy savings — 20-30% lower water heating costs
  • Space savings — wall-mounted, frees up floor space
  • Federal tax credit eligible — up to $2,000 current credit

Considerations: Higher upfront cost, requires adequate gas supply, needs annual maintenance for warranty compliance, and isn't ideal for homes with very brief hot water usage.

Rinnai tankless water heater installed Buffalo Grove IL

Is Tankless Right for Your Home?

Tankless works well for most homes, but success depends on proper sizing, adequate gas supply, and appropriate expectations.

Gas Line Requirements

Most tankless units require ¾-inch gas line minimum. Many Barrington, Arlington Heights, and Palatine homes have ½-inch lines that need upgrading. Premier Water Heaters includes gas line assessment and sizing in every quote.

Venting Requirements

Tankless units use direct vent or power vent systems. We can vent through existing roof penetrations or add new side-wall vents. Most installations require 2-pipe or 4-pipe venting depending on the model and local code requirements.

Electrical Requirements

All gas tankless units need 120V electrical for ignition, controls, and internal pumps. Some models require condensate pumps for drainage. Premier handles all electrical connections as part of the installation.

Sizing for Your Hot Water Demand

Proper sizing is critical. In Illinois, with groundwater temperatures around 45-50°F, plan for:

  • 1-2 bathrooms: 180,000 BTU unit (6-7 GPM capacity)
  • 2-3 bathrooms: 180,000-199,000 BTU unit (7-8 GPM capacity)
  • 3+ bathrooms: 199,000+ BTU unit (8+ GPM capacity)
  • Large homes (Inverness, Lake Zurich): Sometimes require two units

Homes Where Tankless Excels

  • Families with teenagers — multiple long showers back-to-back
  • Multi-bathroom homes — simultaneous hot water usage
  • Households with consistent usage — daily showers, dishwashing, laundry
  • Homeowners planning long-term — 20+ year lifespan justifies investment

Tank vs Tankless Comparison

Honest side-by-side comparison to help you decide what's right for your home.

Factor
Tank
Tankless
Upfront Cost (Installed)
$1,500 – $3,500
$4,200 – $7,500
Lifespan
8 – 12 years
20+ years
Energy Efficiency
60% – 80%
80% – 98%
Hot Water Capacity
30 – 75 gallons
Unlimited
Installation Time
2 – 3 hours
6 – 8 hours
Space Required
4 – 6 sq ft floor
Wall-mounted
Annual Maintenance
Recommended
Required for warranty
Federal Tax Credit
No
Up to $2,000

Tankless Brands We Install

Premium tankless units from the top three manufacturers. Each brand has distinct strengths.

Navien

Korean manufacturer, longest warranties in the industry. Built-in recirculation pumps for instant hot water. Condensing technology for highest efficiency. Excellent cold weather performance for Illinois.

15 Year Heat Exchanger

Rinnai

Japanese manufacturer, proven reliability and extensive model range. Industry leader in residential tankless technology. Excellent service network. Our most popular brand for reliability.

12 Year Heat Exchanger

Noritz

Japanese manufacturer, excellent value proposition. Compact sizing for tight installations. Simple controls, reliable operation. Good choice for straightforward tankless upgrade.

12 Year Heat Exchanger

The Tankless Installation Process

Tankless installation is more complex than tank replacement. Here's what changes and why it takes longer.

Pre-Installation Assessment

Before installation day, we assess gas line size, electrical availability, venting options, and calculate your home's hot water demand. This ensures proper unit sizing and identifies any prep work needed.

Installation Day Timeline (6-8 hours total)

Hours 1-2: Remove old tank, drain and haul away. Install new electrical outlet and condensate drainage if needed. Run new gas line if ¾-inch upgrade required.

Hours 3-4: Mount tankless unit on wall with proper clearances. Connect gas line with new shut-off valve and sediment trap. Connect hot and cold water lines with isolation valves.

Hours 5-6: Install venting system (2-pipe or 4-pipe depending on model). Run condensate drainage to floor drain or pump system. Connect electrical for unit controls and any accessories.

Hours 7-8: System startup, leak testing, temperature adjustment, and commissioning. Test multiple fixtures simultaneously to verify proper operation. Complete cleanup and homeowner walkthrough.

What Changes from Tank Installation

  • Gas line sizing — often requires upgrade from ½" to ¾" line
  • Venting system — new direct-vent or power-vent installation
  • Electrical — 120V outlet required, sometimes condensate pump
  • Water connections — isolation valves for service access
  • Condensate drainage — high-efficiency units produce water
  • Commissioning — temperature calibration, flow rate testing

Post-Installation

Your new tankless needs 15-20 minutes for initial startup and calibration. We test all hot water fixtures and adjust temperature settings. Initial hot water delivery takes 10-15 seconds as the unit fires up, then it's unlimited.

Federal Tax Credit Eligible

High-efficiency tankless units qualify for federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act.

30% of Total Cost

Maximum credit: $2,000

Applies to equipment and installation costs. Units must have Energy Factor (EF) of 0.82 or higher. Premier provides all documentation needed for tax filing. Consult your tax professional for specific qualifications.

Tankless Installation Pricing

All-in pricing includes unit, labor, permit, gas line work, venting, electrical, and haul-away. Financing available for qualified customers.

What Drives Tankless Cost

  • Unit size and brand: 180K BTU to 199K BTU, Navien premium to Noritz value
  • Gas line upgrade: $800-1,200 if ¾" line required (common in older homes)
  • Venting complexity: Simple roof exit vs new side-wall penetration
  • Electrical work: New outlet, condensate pump installation
  • Accessories: Recirculation systems, water softening, surge protection

Typical Installation Ranges

  • Simple replacement (existing gas line adequate): $4,200 – $5,500
  • Standard installation (gas line upgrade needed): $5,500 – $6,800
  • Complex installation (major venting changes): $6,800 – $7,500
  • Premium setup (recirculation, multiple zones): $7,500+

Call (844) 757-7788 for exact pricing based on your home's requirements. Free assessment included with every quote.

Tankless Water Heater FAQ

Common questions about tankless water heater installation in the Chicago Northwest Suburbs.

How much does tankless water heater installation cost?

Tankless water heater installation costs $4,200 to $7,500 depending on the unit size, brand, gas line requirements, and venting complexity. Navien, Rinnai, and Noritz installations include unit, labor, permit, gas line sizing, venting, electrical connections, and haul-away. Many installations qualify for federal tax credits up to $2,000. Call (844) 757-7788 for exact pricing based on your home's specific requirements.

How long does tankless installation take?

Tankless installation takes 4-6 hours when replacing an existing tankless unit, or 6-8 hours when converting from a tank system. Additional time is needed for gas line sizing (if ¾-inch upgrade required), new venting installation, electrical connections for the unit, and any required condensate pumps. We complete everything in one day.

Is tankless right for my home?

Tankless works best for homes with adequate gas supply (¾-inch line minimum), proper venting access, and consistent hot water demand. Ideal for families who use hot water throughout the day, homes with multiple bathrooms, or anyone wanting 20+ year lifespan and energy savings. We assess your home's suitability during the free quote visit.

What size tankless water heater do I need?

Most Chicago Northwest Suburbs homes need 180,000 to 199,000 BTU units. Size depends on simultaneous hot water demand and Illinois groundwater temperature (around 45-50°F). Plan for 2-3 GPM per bathroom. A 180K BTU unit handles 2 showers simultaneously, while 199K BTU handles 3+ fixtures running at once. Large homes sometimes require two smaller units.

Do tankless units qualify for federal tax credits?

Yes. High-efficiency tankless units with Energy Factor (EF) of 0.82 or higher qualify for federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act. Current credit is 30% of equipment and installation cost, up to $2,000 maximum. All Navien, Rinnai, and Noritz units we install qualify. Premier provides all documentation needed for tax filing.

What brands of tankless do you install?

We install Navien, Rinnai, and Noritz tankless units. Navien offers the longest warranties (15 years) and built-in recirculation pumps. Rinnai has proven reliability and extensive model lineup. Noritz provides excellent value and compact sizing for tight installations. We recommend the best brand for your specific situation and budget.

Can I install tankless in the same location as my tank?

Usually yes, but tankless units need adequate clearances for service access and proper venting. Wall-mounting saves floor space compared to tank units. Gas line sizing may need upgrading from ½-inch to ¾-inch. Condensate drainage and electrical outlet are also required for most models. We evaluate during the quote visit.

How much money does tankless save on gas bills?

Tankless typically saves 20-30% on water heating costs compared to tank units due to higher efficiency and no standby losses. For average families spending $300-500 annually on water heating, savings are $60-150 per year. Higher-usage households see greater savings. Payback period is typically 8-12 years including federal tax credits.

Ready for Endless Hot Water?

Navien, Rinnai, Noritz installation. Federal tax credit eligible. 20+ year lifespan.

📞 Call (844) 757-7788

Licensed installation · Up to $2,000 tax credit · Financing available

📞 CALL (844) 757-7788