Getting the Right Water Heater Starts With the Right Conversation
There is no shortage of water heater options on the market, and the right one for your home depends on factors that go beyond price and tank size. Fuel type, household hot water demand, available space, venting requirements, and energy efficiency goals all play a role in determining which unit is the best fit. A.W.E. takes the time to understand your situation before making a recommendation, so the system we install is genuinely suited to your home rather than simply the most available option.
Tank vs. Tankless: Understanding Your Options
Traditional storage tank water heaters heat and maintain a reservoir of hot water continuously, making them simple, reliable, and generally less expensive upfront. Tankless water heaters heat water on demand as it passes through the unit, eliminating standby heat loss and providing a continuous supply that does not run out. For households with high simultaneous hot water demand, a properly sized tankless unit can be a significant upgrade in both comfort and efficiency. The trade-off involves a higher initial investment and, in some homes, upgrades to the gas line or electrical service to support the unit’s higher instantaneous demand. Our technicians can walk you through both options honestly based on your household’s usage patterns and your home’s existing infrastructure.
What Proper Installation Involves
A water heater installation is not simply a matter of connecting pipes and turning on the gas or power. Proper installation includes verifying that the unit is correctly sized for the space and demand, that venting is configured to manufacturer specifications and local code requirements, that the temperature and pressure relief valve is properly installed and discharged to a safe location, and that all connections are tested before the unit is put into service. For tankless installations, correct flow rate settings and temperature calibration are additional steps that affect real-world performance. A.W.E. handles all of it and does not consider the job complete until the system has been tested and you have hot water.
Permits and Code Compliance
Water heater installations in Illinois require a permit in most jurisdictions, and the work must meet current plumbing and mechanical code requirements. A.W.E. handles the permitting process as part of every installation so the work is properly documented and inspected. This protects you as the homeowner and ensures there are no complications with your home’s records if you sell in the future. Unpermitted water heater installations are a surprisingly common issue that comes up during real estate transactions and can require remediation at the seller’s expense.
