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Tried & True Water Heater Installation in Springfield, IL

Installation

Keep Everyone Happy with Hot Water for Your Home or Business

A new water heater is a critical investment in your property’s comfort, efficiency, and reliability. For a homeowner, it’s the key to a hot shower and sanitary dishes. For a business, it’s a vital component for operations and safety.

When it’s time to upgrade, you need an expert you can trust. R.D. Davis Heating and Air Conditioning is Springfield’s 3rd-generation, family-owned water heater installation expert. We’re proud to install high-quality, durable AO Smith® water heaters, and our licensed technicians are experts in both traditional tank and modern tankless water heater installation for residential and commercial properties.

Is It Time for a Hot Water Heater Replacement?

It can be tough to know when to repair a failing unit versus investing in a hot water heater replacement. If you notice any of the following signs,
it’s almost certainly time to upgrade:

  • Your Tank is 10+ Years Old: The average lifespan for a tank water heater is 10-15 years. If yours is in that range, it’s living on borrowed time and operating inefficiently.
  • You’re Running Out of Hot Water: This is a classic sign the unit is failing to keep up, whether from sediment buildup or a failing heating element.
  • Rust-Colored Water: If you see rust in your hot water, it often indicates the inside of the tank is corroding and a leak is not far behind.
  • Loud Rumbling Noises: In an area with hard water like ours, this is a common sign of heavy sediment buildup, which kills efficiency and can cause the tank to fail.
  • Leaking Water: If you see water pooling around the base of your water heater, a replacement is almost always necessary as the tank itself has likely failed.
Installation

The Benefits of a New Water Heater Installation

A new water heater installation is an investment that pays you back every day in lower bills, reliable comfort, and total peace of mind.

  • Lower Utility Bills: Modern units, especially ENERGY STAR® models, are far more energy-efficient than models from 10-15 years ago, saving you money every month.
  • Reliable (and Endless) Hot Water: A new, properly-sized unit means no more scheduling showers. And with a tankless model, you get endless hot water on demand.
  • Save Space: Upgrading to a compact tankless water heater can free up an entire closet’s worth of space.
  • Peace of Mind: Your new unit comes with a manufacturer’s warranty (6-12+ years for most models) and our own labor guarantee.

Tank vs. Tankless: Which Water Heater is Right for You?

The biggest choice you’ll make is between a traditional tank and a new tankless system. We’re experts in both and can help you decide what’s best for your home or business.

Traditional Tank Water Heaters (AO Smith)

  • Pros: Lower upfront cost, reliable and familiar technology, and simpler to install.
  • Cons: Takes up valuable floor space, can run out of hot water, and wastes energy by constantly keeping dozens of gallons hot (known as “standby loss”).

Tankless Water Heater Installation

  • Pros: Endless hot water (heats on demand), superior energy efficiency (can save 20-40% on bills), a lifespan of 20+ years, and a compact, space-saving design.
  • Cons: Higher upfront cost. May require upgrades to your gas line or ventilation, which our licensed technicians handle as part of the installation.

Our Professional Water Heater
Installation Process

A safe, efficient installation requires a licensed water heater contractor. We follow a precise process to ensure your new unit is
installed perfectly and up to all local codes.

Consultation & Sizing: We’ll assess your home or business’s hot water needs – factoring in the number of bathrooms, appliances, and people—to recommend the perfect size tank or tankless unit.

The Right System Recommendation: We’ll give you a clear, no-pressure quote on a high-quality AO Smith® system that fits your budget and long-term goals.

The Expert Installation: Our licensed team handles everything. We pull all necessary permits (as required in Springfield), safely disconnect and haul away your old unit, and professionally install the new one.

The Final Safety Check: We test the unit, check all gas or electrical connections, inspect for leaks, and show you how to use your new system. We don’t leave until it’s working perfectly.

The R.D. Davis Difference: A Better Installation

When you call us for a water heater, you’re getting more than just a plumber.

AO Smith® Specialists

We’re experts in installing high-quality, durable AO Smith® tank and tankless water heaters. We know their product line inside and out and can help you choose the best one for your needs.

Licensed for Gas & Electric

As a full-service HVAC company, we are fully licensed to handle all the electrical and natural gas lines required for your new water heater. This ensures your installation is safe and to code, something a standard plumber may not be.

Honest, “Fair Bid” Pricing

We’re proud to be known for our “fair bid” pricing. We provide clear, honest estimates. We’ll also inspect related components, like your copper lines, to ensure the entire system is safe.

Flexible Financing Options

We partner with Wells Fargo and Foundation Finance to make your new water heater installation cost manageable. Don’t let a sudden failure break your budget.

What Our Customers Say About Their New Water Heater

"Roger and his team were very professional, answered all of our questions... Not to mention the new hot water heater works well for 7 people in our family!! Thanks Roger for an awesome job and the reasonable and fair quote!!"

- Tricia S.

"Great experience!!! Very fair bid which included additional copper lines replaced to the water heater for my safety... Installed units a week after inspection and worked on a Saturday due to my rigid schedule. Very thorough..."

- Velvet F.

Frequently Asked Water Heater Installation Questions

How much does a new water heater installation cost in Springfield?
It depends on whether you choose a tank or tankless unit, but we will always provide a firm, upfront quote. A standard tank replacement is generally less expensive, while a new tankless model has a higher upfront cost but saves more money over time.
Should I choose a tank or a tankless water heater?
Tankless units are more energy-efficient and provide endless hot water, but have a higher upfront cost. Traditional tanks are reliable and have a lower initial cost. We can walk you through the pros and cons for your specific budget and hot water needs.
Do I need a permit for water heater installation in Springfield?
Yes, a permit is required in Illinois to ensure the installation is done to code, especially when dealing with gas lines or new electrical. As your professional contractor, we handle this entire process for you.
How long will the installation take?
A standard tank replacement is usually done in a few hours. A new tankless water heater setup may take longer if we need to run new, larger gas lines or install new ventilation. We will always give you a clear timeline.

Your Complete Hot Water & HVAC Partner

Our job isn’t done after the installation. We’re here for the life of your new system, from annual maintenance to any future repairs.

Get Your Free Water Heater Installation Estimate Today

Ready for reliable, efficient hot water? Contact R.D. Davis today for a free, no-pressure estimate on your new water heater installation.