Navien Tankless Water Heaters: Installation, Service & Repair in Des Plaines & the Chicago Suburbs
· 8 min read · Right Away Plumbing and HVAC
If you're tired of running out of hot water — or you're just looking to cut your gas bill — a Navien tankless water heater might be the upgrade your home needs. As a certified Navien installer, Right Away Plumbing & HVAC installs, services, and troubleshoots the full Navien tankless lineup for homeowners across Des Plaines and the northwest Chicago suburbs.
What makes Navien tankless water heaters different
Unlike a traditional storage tank water heater, a Navien tankless unit heats water only when you need it — no standby tank losing heat around the clock. Navien is the #1 selling manufacturer of gas tankless water heaters in North America, offering both:
- Condensing models (NPE-A2, NPE-S2 series) — ultra-high efficiency up to .96 UEF
- Non-condensing models (NHW-AI, NHW-AE, NPN-U, NPN-E series) — high efficiency up to .82 UEF, often a lower upfront cost
How much can you save?
Efficiency ratings tell the story. Navien condensing tankless units rate .85–.96 UEF, Navien non-condensing units rate .80–.82 UEF, and a standard gas storage tank typically rates .54–.72 UEF. Switching from an old storage tank water heater to a Navien tankless system can cut water heating gas usage significantly every month.
Actual savings depend on your household's hot water use, incoming water temperature and the condition of your gas line and venting — which is why we size the unit to the home rather than quoting one model for everyone.
For the full comparison, see our guide to tankless vs. traditional water heaters.
Certified installation matters
A tankless unit is only as good as its installation. We handle proper sizing, gas line and venting installation to code, condensate drain setup for condensing models, and post-install safety and performance testing on every job.
See what our tankless water heater services include.
Read about our certified Navien installer and service work.
Service & troubleshooting
We also keep existing Navien units running: annual descaling, error code diagnosis and repair, recirculation pump and ComfortFlow system service, and full system inspections.
Hard water is hard on tankless heat exchangers — our Navien tankless maintenance and descaling guide explains what annual service actually involves.
Seeing a code on the display? Check our tankless water heater error codes reference before you call.
Serving Des Plaines and the northwest Chicago suburbs
Right Away Plumbing & HVAC is based in Des Plaines and serves homeowners across the northwest suburbs. Call us at (847) 550-3322 to schedule your Navien tankless water heater installation or service today.
We also install and service Navien boilers and
Navien furnaces for the same homes.
See every community on our service areas page, including
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Navien tankless water heater last?
With annual descaling in a hard-water area like ours, a Navien tankless unit commonly lasts 15 to 20 years — roughly double a typical storage tank. Skipping descaling is the main thing that shortens that.
Does a tankless water heater really give endless hot water?
Yes, within its flow rating. A correctly sized unit heats water continuously as it passes through, so the tank never runs out. Sizing matters: an undersized unit can struggle when multiple showers and appliances run at once.
What's the difference between condensing and non-condensing Navien models?
Condensing models (NPE-A2, NPE-S2) capture extra heat from exhaust gases and rate up to .96 UEF, but need a condensate drain. Non-condensing models (NHW, NPN series) rate up to .82 UEF, vent hotter exhaust, and often cost less upfront.
How often does a Navien tankless need service?
Plan on descaling once a year in the Chicago area, where hard water builds scale on the heat exchanger. Annual service also covers the inlet filter, venting check and a combustion check.
What does an error code on my Navien mean?
Each code points to a system — ignition, flow, venting, temperature sensors and so on. Some have simple causes a homeowner can check, like a closed gas valve, but most need a certified technician with Navien's diagnostic procedures.
Can a Navien tankless replace my existing tank water heater?
In most homes, yes. The installation usually involves upsizing the gas line, new venting and a condensate drain for condensing models — all part of a certified install. We assess that during the estimate.
Talk to Right Away
Whether you're ready to replace an aging tank or your Navien unit is showing an error code, our certified technicians can help. Right Away Plumbing & HVAC installs, services and troubleshoots Navien tankless water heaters across Des Plaines and the northwest Chicago suburbs — call (847) 550-3322 to schedule.
You can read more about our plumbing services, check the communities we serve, or start with plumbing in Des Plaines and Park Ridge. Planning a remodel or weighing a big replacement? Our consulting service is built for that conversation.
For installation, repair, descaling or sizing on a tankless system, see our tankless water heater services page.