Complete Mechanical Systems Solutions
Silva's Remodeling provides licensed electrical, plumbing, and HVAC services throughout Illinois. From routine repairs to complete system replacements - we handle it all.
Electrical Services
Licensed electricians with 30+ years experience. All work permitted, inspected, and code-compliant.
Electrical Panel Upgrades
- 100-amp to 200-amp upgrades - Necessary for modern homes with AC, electric appliances
- Fuse box to breaker panel conversion - Eliminate outdated fuse panels
- Sub-panel installation - For additions, garages, workshops
- Circuit breaker replacement - AFCI, GFCI, tandem breakers
- Panel relocation - Move panels for remodels or code compliance
Permit required. Inspection included. Typical cost: $2,500-$4,500
Whole House Rewiring
- Knob-and-tube replacement - Remove dangerous 1890s-1940s wiring
- Aluminum wiring replacement - Fire hazard in 1960s-70s homes
- Complete rewire - All new Romex wiring throughout home
- Dedicated circuits - Kitchen, bathrooms, laundry, HVAC, appliances
- Code violation corrections - Fix DIY electrical work, open splices
Best done during gut renovations. Typical cost: $8,000-$15,000 for 1,500 sq ft home
Outlets, Switches & Safety
- GFCI outlet installation - Required in kitchens, bathrooms, outdoors
- AFCI circuit protection - Arc-fault protection for bedrooms, living areas
- USB outlet installation - Convenient charging outlets
- Dimmer & smart switches - Modern lighting control
- Whole-house surge protection - Protect expensive electronics
Specialty Electrical
- EV charger installation - Tesla, ChargePoint, level 2 chargers
- Generator hookups - Standby & portable generator connections
- Hot tub wiring - 240V circuits for spas
- Outdoor lighting - Landscape lighting, security lights
- Ceiling fan installation - Proper electrical & structural support
Plumbing Services
Licensed plumbers handling everything from fixture installation to complete repipes. Emergency service available.
Whole House Repipes
- Galvanized pipe replacement - Remove rusty, leaking 1950s-70s pipes
- PEX repiping - Modern, flexible, freeze-resistant piping
- Copper repiping - Traditional, durable copper water lines
- Main water line replacement - From street to house
- Sewer line replacement - Cast iron to PVC sewer lines
Typical cost: $6,000-$12,000 for complete repipe (1,500 sq ft home)
Water Heaters
- Tankless water heater installation - Endless hot water, energy savings
- Traditional tank water heaters - 40-80 gallon gas or electric
- High-efficiency models - Energy Star rated units
- Water heater repair - Thermostats, elements, pilot lights
- Expansion tank installation - Prevent pressure buildup
Gas & electric options. Permit required for gas installations.
Fixture Installation & Repair
- Kitchen faucet installation - Standard, pulldown, touchless
- Bathroom fixtures - Toilets, sinks, tubs, showers
- Garbage disposal installation - InSinkErator, Waste King
- Dishwasher hookup - Water supply & drain connections
- Washing machine hookup - Hot/cold supply, drain box
Drain & Specialty Plumbing
- Sump pump installation - Prevent basement flooding
- Drain cleaning - Clear clogs in sinks, tubs, toilets
- Gas line installation - For ranges, dryers, fireplaces
- Backflow prevention - Required for sprinkler systems
- Water softener installation - Combat hard water
HVAC Services
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning installation, repair, and maintenance. Keep your home comfortable year-round.
Furnace Installation & Replacement
- High-efficiency gas furnaces - 95%+ AFUE, Energy Star certified
- Standard efficiency furnaces - 80% AFUE, budget-friendly
- Electric furnaces - For homes without gas access
- Furnace repair - Igniters, thermocouples, blower motors
- Proper sizing - Load calculations for optimal efficiency
10-year manufacturer warranty. Installation warranty included.
Air Conditioning Installation
- Central AC systems - Split systems, 14-21 SEER ratings
- Heat pump installation - Heating & cooling in one unit
- Ductless mini-splits - No ductwork required
- AC repair - Refrigerant recharge, compressor repair
- Condenser replacement - Outdoor unit replacement
Ductwork & Ventilation
- Ductwork installation - Complete duct systems for new builds/additions
- Duct repair & sealing - Fix leaks, improve efficiency
- Duct cleaning - Remove dust, allergens, debris
- Bathroom exhaust fans - Prevent moisture & mold
- Range hood installation - Kitchen ventilation
Thermostats & Air Quality
- Smart thermostat installation - Nest, Ecobee, Honeywell
- Programmable thermostats - Automated temperature control
- Zoned HVAC systems - Independent temperature control per room
- Whole-house humidifiers - Combat dry winter air
- Air purifiers & filters - HEPA filtration, UV lights
Why Choose Silva's for Mechanical Systems?
Licensed & Insured
Licensed electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians. $2M liability insurance. All work meets Illinois state & local codes.
Permits & Inspections Handled
We obtain all required permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) and coordinate inspections. You don't lift a finger.
Comprehensive Warranties
10-year manufacturer warranties on HVAC equipment. Lifetime warranties on tankless water heaters. Our labor warranty on all installations.
30+ Years Experience
Three decades serving Illinois homeowners. From historic home rewiring to modern smart home installations - we've seen it all.
Energy Efficiency Upgrades & Rebates
Save money on energy bills and qualify for rebates with high-efficiency mechanical systems.
⚡ Electrical Efficiency
- LED lighting upgrades (60-75% energy savings)
- Whole-house surge protection
- Smart switches & motion sensors
- Energy monitoring systems
💧 Plumbing Efficiency
- Tankless water heaters (30% energy savings)
- Low-flow fixtures (reduce water usage 20-40%)
- Recirculation pumps (instant hot water)
- Water softeners (extend appliance life)
🌡️ HVAC Efficiency
- 95%+ AFUE furnaces (save $200-400/year)
- 16+ SEER air conditioners
- Programmable thermostats (10-30% savings)
- Duct sealing (prevent 20-30% air loss)
Available Rebates & Tax Credits
Federal Tax Credits: Up to $2,000 for high-efficiency HVAC systems (25C tax credit)
Utility Rebates: ComEd, Nicor Gas, Peoples Gas offer rebates for furnace/AC upgrades ($300-$1,000)
Energy Star Appliances: Tankless water heaters, heat pumps qualify for federal tax credits
We provide documentation for all rebate/credit claims. Ask about current available incentives.
Permits & Inspections Explained
All major mechanical work requires permits. We handle the paperwork and coordinate inspections.
Electrical Permits Required For:
- Panel upgrades (100 to 200 amp)
- New circuits (dedicated appliance circuits)
- Whole house rewiring
- Sub-panel installation
- Generator hookups
- EV charger installation
Inspection: Rough-in inspection (before drywall) + final inspection
Plumbing Permits Required For:
- Whole house repipes
- Water heater installation (gas)
- New bathroom rough-ins
- Sewer line replacement
- Gas line installation
- Backflow prevention devices
Inspection: Rough-in inspection + pressure test + final inspection
HVAC Permits Required For:
- Furnace replacement
- AC system installation
- Ductwork installation (new construction)
- Heat pump installation
- Gas line connections to HVAC
Inspection: Final inspection (operational test, carbon monoxide check)
Permit costs: Typically $50-$300 depending on scope. Included in our quotes. Timeline: Permits take 3-10 business days to obtain. We handle all paperwork, you don't visit the building department.
Mechanical Systems FAQs
How long do electrical panels, water heaters, and HVAC systems last?
Electrical panels: 25-40 years (but older panels may not meet modern code/capacity). Water heaters: Tank: 8-12 years, Tankless: 15-20 years. Furnaces: 15-20 years. Air conditioners: 10-15 years. Signs of replacement need: Frequent repairs, higher energy bills, rust/corrosion, inadequate heating/cooling, outdated technology (fuse panels, galvanized pipes).
Should I repair or replace my HVAC system?
Repair if: System is under 10 years old, repair cost under $500, simple fix (thermostat, filter, minor part). Replace if: System is 15+ years old, repair cost over $1,000 (50% rule: if repair cost > 50% of replacement, replace), multiple breakdowns per year, refrigerant is R-22 (phased out, expensive), want energy savings (new systems 30-40% more efficient). We provide honest recommendations - repair when possible, replace when cost-effective.
What size electrical panel do I need?
100-amp panels: Adequate for small homes (under 1,500 sq ft) with gas heat, gas water heater, no AC. 200-amp panels: Required for most modern homes with central AC, electric water heater, electric range, multiple large appliances. Necessary for: homes over 2,000 sq ft, homes with electric heat, EV chargers (requires dedicated 40-50 amp circuit), hot tubs, workshop with large tools. Upgrade needed if: Breakers frequently trip, lights dim when AC starts, adding major appliances, planning home addition.
What's the difference between PEX and copper for repiping?
PEX (cross-linked polyethylene): Flexible plastic, cheaper ($1.50-$3/linear ft), faster installation, freeze-resistant (expands without bursting), fewer fittings (fewer leak points), not suitable for outdoor use. Copper: Traditional metal pipes, more expensive ($3-$8/linear ft), longer installation time, can burst if frozen, proven longevity (50+ years), can be exposed (looks better). Our recommendation: PEX for most residential repipes (cost-effective, reliable). Copper for exposed pipes (basement ceilings) or customer preference.
Do tankless water heaters really save money?
Yes, but with caveats. Energy savings: 24-34% more efficient than tank water heaters (no standby heat loss). Typical savings: $80-150/year on gas bills. Upfront cost: $3,000-$5,000 installed (vs $1,200-$2,000 for tank). Payback period: 10-15 years. Benefits beyond savings: Endless hot water (never run out), 15-20 year lifespan (vs 10 for tanks), space savings (wall-mounted). Best for: Large families, homes with multiple bathrooms, long showers. Consider tank if: Budget-focused, low hot water usage, tight installation space (tankless needs gas line/vent upgrade).
Can you work on homes with knob-and-tube wiring?
Yes, we specialize in historic home electrical upgrades. Knob-and-tube wiring (common in 1880s-1940s homes) is a fire hazard and not code-compliant for modern use. Issues: No ground wire (can't use 3-prong outlets safely), cloth insulation deteriorates, not rated for modern electrical loads, insurance companies may refuse coverage. Our solution: Complete rewire with modern Romex wiring, 200-amp panel upgrade, GFCI/AFCI protection, code-compliant installation. Best timing: During gut renovation (walls open). Can fish wires through finished walls if needed (more labor-intensive). Cost: $8,000-$15,000 for complete rewire (1,500 sq ft home). Permits & inspections included.
Mechanical Systems Service Areas
Licensed electrical, plumbing & HVAC services throughout Illinois
Kankakee County
Kankakee, Bourbonnais, Bradley, Manteno, Momence, Herscher, St. Anne, Grant Park, Aroma Park, Chebanse
Chicago South Suburbs
Orland Park, Frankfort, Tinley Park, New Lenox, Mokena, Homer Glen, Lockport, Joliet, Oak Forest, Lemont
Will County
Crete, Monee, Peotone, Beecher, Manhattan, Wilmington, Channahon, Shorewood, Plainfield
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Licensed electricians, plumbers & HVAC techs | Permits & inspections handled | Emergency service available