Appliance installation in Aurora, IL

Define the installation before arranging delivery

Give the installer the exact model number and installation instructions before accepting a quote. Measure the opening, doorways and delivery route. Have the installer review connection locations, clearances and door swing against the selected model's instructions. Photograph accessible hookups, but leave a gas appliance in place: Nicor warns that even slight movement can break an older weakened connector. [2]

For a dishwasher, specify disconnection, water and drain connections, electrical connection and securing the unit in its opening. For laundry equipment, request a review of the water supply, drain, dryer power and vent arrangement. For a refrigerator with an ice maker, state whether you want to use an existing water connection or install a new line.

Have the delivery company and installer name their responsibilities. Discuss stairs, parking access, floor protection, packaging and old-appliance removal. If another trade must finish alterations first, agree on the sequence and who will confirm that the space is ready for delivery.

Check credentials for hired trade work

For ordinary hired work installing, maintaining or repairing plumbing systems covered by its code, Aurora requires city registration as a plumbing contractor. The qualifying license holder must be the person, partner or president of the corporation or association, with a plumbing contractor license from Illinois or the City of Chicago. Request the city registration and identify that qualifying license holder. [1]

Aurora provides a conditional exemption for owners doing their own work in an owner-occupied single-family dwelling. Conditions include documentation of occupancy and continued residence for at least six months after completion. The city prohibits hired assistance under that exemption unless the assistant becomes a licensed contractor in the appropriate trade. The ordinance also provides specified funded volunteer and supervised apprentice or education-project exceptions. Confirm eligibility with the city before relying on an exemption. [1]

Aurora requires a registered electrical contractor for electrical work requiring a permit. It exempts replacement of existing utilization equipment when the new equipment has the same voltage and current requirements and an independent testing laboratory lists it as suitable for the application. This electrical exception does not establish permit status for plumbing, gas or other work in the project. [1]

If you plan to relocate connections, change appliance type or alter wiring, give the Division of Building and Permits the exact scope and request a permit determination. Have the quote identify who will arrange permits and inspections. Request proof of insurance from each hired contractor.

Include gas connector work in the plan

Nicor's Illinois regional guidance recommends replacing connectors whenever an appliance is replaced or moved. It specifies a qualified HVAC contractor for connector inspection and installation. Include that contractor's work and the replacement connector in the quote for a gas range or dryer. [2]

Nicor identifies uncoated brass connectors as hazardous and recommends immediate replacement. Do not pull out an appliance to identify its connector or take a photograph behind it. Leave inspection to the qualified HVAC contractor because movement can cause an older weakened connector to fail. [2]

Confirm which gas utility serves your address and keep its emergency number available. If you smell a strong, persistent gas odor or hear gas leaking, leave the house. Nicor advises against using phones, appliances, matches or light switches inside. From a safe location, use your gas utility's emergency number. Nicor customers can call 888-642-6748 from a neighbor's house and remain there until emergency personnel arrive. [2]

Review laundry options before buying

ComEd's regional laundry guidance describes most heat pump dryers as ventless and notes that manufacturers offer many 120-volt models. For a laundry space without vent access, ask the installer to review a specific heat pump model before you order. Confirm its power supply and condensate-handling requirements against its instructions. [3]

For a gas-to-electric change, include handling of the existing gas connection in your scope. Use a qualified HVAC contractor for any gas connector inspection or installation, following Nicor's guidance. Have the installer assess the new dryer's electrical requirements and explain how they will handle the unused vent or other changes. [2] [3]

Compare complete quotes and confirm handover

Request separate amounts for connection labor, supplied parts, trade alterations, cabinet work, removal and return visits. Ask how the installer will handle a damaged shutoff, incompatible connection or opening that needs modification. Agree on how you will approve added work before anyone begins it.

Before the installer leaves, request an operating demonstration and a review of the connections. For water-connected equipment, ask for checks during filling and draining. Keep the invoice, inspection records, model information and installation warranty terms together.

If you are choosing a dishwasher, use the chart as a historical purchasing reference. DOE's October 2023 guidance compares three national efficiency scenarios. The figures describe annual energy use under stated test assumptions; they do not establish local installation prices or your household's utility savings. [4]

National dishwasher annual energy-use reference

Match your scope to the next step

Your hiring checklist

1. Send the model number and installation instructions before requesting quotes.
2. Measure the opening, doorway widths and delivery route.
3. Photograph accessible hookups without moving a gas appliance.
4. List connection changes and cabinet work as separate quote items.
5. Identify hired trades, their credentials and who will confirm permit requirements.
6. Agree on parts, testing, removal and approval of added work.
7. Coordinate trade work with delivery and confirm readiness.
8. Keep the invoice, inspection records and warranty terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every appliance replacement need an electrical permit?

Aurora exempts replacement of existing utilization equipment with matching voltage and current requirements and a suitable independent laboratory listing. Confirm whether your equipment meets those conditions. Ask the city about other work in the installation, including plumbing or gas alterations. [1]

Can I do my own plumbing work?

Aurora provides a conditional owner-occupied single-family exemption, including occupancy documentation and continued residence requirements. It restricts hired assistance under that exemption. Confirm your eligibility and permit requirements with the city before starting; the exemption does not give an unregistered hired installer permission to perform ordinary covered plumbing work. [1]

Can the installer reuse my gas connector?

Nicor recommends replacing connectors whenever an appliance is replaced or moved. Include replacement in the scope and use a qualified HVAC contractor for connector inspection and installation. Leave the appliance in place until that contractor assesses it. [2]

Can I choose a dryer without an outside vent?

ComEd describes most heat pump dryers as ventless and notes many 120-volt models. Have the installer review your selected model's electrical and condensate requirements before ordering. Include any work on the existing gas connection or unused vent in the plan. [3]